Entering his eighth season in the National Football League, Drew Brees has proven himself to be one of the most talented and productive passers playing the game today. But what makes a great quarterback "great"? One could spout statistics, accomplishments, and records incessantly (and I will), but that doesn't begin to define the man, the athlete, or the true humanitarian that Drew Brees is.

Since joining the New Orleans Saints in early 2006, Brees has become a consummate favorite of football fans in "The Big Easy". His intelligence, tireless work ethic, and pinpoint accuracy have garnered him the respect and admiration of not only Saints fans, but fans, coaches, and players around the league. The Austin, Texas native is also using his outstanding work ethic and rising popularity in a positive manner off the field, as well. His efforts and accomplishments in helping the people of New Orleans recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina by performing both on and off the field are a true testament to Drew Brees' greatness as a player and as a person.

Drew Christopher Brees was born in Austin, Texas on January 15, 1979. His intelligence and athleticism were evident from an early age. For example, Drew led Westlake High School to their first ever undefeated season, going 16-0 and winning the Texas 5A State Championship in 1996. He was also named the class 5A offensive MVP in the process. After his stellar high school career, the young, talented student-athlete went to Purdue University where he led the Boilermakers to their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1967. Besides his many on-field accomplishments, Brees also earned the title of Academic All-America Player of the Year as a senior at Purdue, and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Management.

Despite these accomplishments, as well as being fourth in Heisman Trophy voting in 1999, and third in 2000, concerns about Brees' arm strength and average height caused him to unexpectedly fall to the second round of the 2001 NFL draft. The San Diego Chargers chose him as the first pick in round two. He, along with the Chargers' first-rounder, LaDainian Tomlinson vowed to turn the fledgling franchise around. After an inauspicious start in San Diego, the team was compelled to acquire Philip Rivers in the 2004 draft. However, when Rivers failed to appear in training camp that summer, head coach Marty Schottenheimer was compelled to use Drew as the starter for the season, and what a season

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