The San Francisco Giants did not win Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year. Instead the honor went to New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees. Brees led his team to their first Super Bowl title in February, and that was credited for lifting the spirits of a city still reeling from Hurricane Katrina. The cover article of SI also lists his charity work.
Last week well-known sports writer Tom Verducci wrote a very convincing piece explaining why he thought they should win. Verducci compared what the team did for San Francisco this fall to what the 1955 Dodgers did for Brooklyn.
The 2010 Giants were bigger than one player, bigger than one season. They are my Sportsmen of the Year because they represent sport at its best: when it transcends mere wins and losses to become the mortar that joins generations, families, communities and cultures.
SI gives the award each year for athletic performance and the demonstration of great character. Past winners include the Bay Area's own Tom Brady and Joe Montana.
Brees will be honored at a ceremony in New York City tonight.
