Brees looks to lift New Orleans again

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By ASSOCIATED PRESS

MIAMI | By helping New Orleans' renaissance following Hurricane Katrina through wide-ranging charity work and his constant promotion of the region's cultural assets, Saints quarterback Drew Brees is clearly one of the city's adopted sons.

Indeed, he is so popular that candidates in Saturday's mayoral election joked during the campaign that they would drop out of the race if Brees decided to run.

Winning Sunday's Super Bowl against the Indianapolis Colts would only enhance his status.

That's saying a lot because the First Family of Football -- the Mannings -- live there, too, and are all but regarded as royalty in the Big Easy.

Colts quarterback Peyton Manning isn't just an opponent, he's practically a neighbor.

"My parents have gotten to know Drew and his family," Manning said. "I just have an appreciation for guys that play for the New Orleans Saints, that live there in the offseason, that commit to the city year-round as opposed to just playing there."

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Manning's parents, Archie and Olivia, did all of that, quarterbacking for the Saints and putting down roots in the city.

"Drew has committed his efforts in the philanthropy part of it to the city, to the rebuilding of the city. As a native of New Orleans, I certainly appreciate that," Manning continued.

Brees, along with wife Brittany and 1-year-old son, Baylen, are well on their way to achieving similar Manning status.