MIAMI (AP) - Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees says the opportunity to lead the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl title was a "calling," and symbolic of the entire city's willingness to come back from adversity.
Brees, who arrived in New Orleans after a shoulder injury ended his playing days in San Diego, says the Saints' 31-17 Super Bowl triumph over favored Indianapolis was akin to his home city's comeback from Hurricane Katrina more than four years ago.
The Super Bowl MPV asked, "Four years ago, who thought this would be happening? Eighty-five percent of the city was under water."
Brees, who has entered an elite group of NFL quarterbacks this season, said the core of the Saints players made a decision after Hurricane Katrina that "we're going to rebuild together and come back. This is the culmination."
Brees started slowly as the Saints started with two three-and-out possessions. But from there, he found his stride. He finished tying Tom Brady's record for completions, going 32 of 39 for 288 yards and two TDs.
He said the Saints are not like a lot of NFL teams. Brees said the Saints "played for so much more than just ourselves. We played for our city ... and the entire Who Dat nation that was behind us all the way."
To add a comment, please register or login.