Drew Brees led his team and city from the ashes of tragedy to the biggest stage in the NFL .
For this achievement and so many both on and off the field, the New Orleans Saints quarterback is Sports Illustrated's sportsman of the year, the magazine announced Tuesday on the "Today" show. He is the 57th recipient of the award and the fifth quarterback to be given the honor.
"The more that I've learned about the award and that it goes well beyond what you accomplish on the field, that it's very much about what you do off the field as well, with community service and your family, makes the award even more special to me," Brees said.
Both Drew and his wife, Brittany, have been deeply involved in the community and its recovery efforts from Katrina. His foundation has helped raise more than $6 million, primarily in and around New Orleans.
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