Since the 2006 season, Brees has been the focal point of the top offense in the NFL that’s averaged 401.1 yards during that time frame (38,510 total yards) and set a new record this year with 7,474 yards.

Those numbers have made Brees arguably the most feared quarterback in the league and his 67-35 record as a starter with the Saints proves that point.

Off the field, Brees is the team leader as well. That is where offensive guard Carl Nicks said Brees has earned the additional respect of his teammates. That in turn translates to winning football games.

That includes his role as a father.

“I think he commands respect by the way he presents himself and the way he acts on a day-to-day basis,” Nicks said. “He is a remarkable man on and off the field, especially with his family. He earns (respect) because he is a leader. Drew leads by example by what he says and the way he acts.