Broken and doubted. That was New Orleans. In a football sense, that was Drew Brees too.

New Orleans was hit by a storm in 2005, which tore the city apart. Brees was hit by a Denver Broncos safety named John Lynch, tearing his shoulder apart.

And so, it was only right that New Orleans and Brees found each other in 2006. The San Diego Chargers, with Philip Rivers in the wings, made Brees an offer he chose to refuse. After the Miami Dolphins passed on him, Brees signed with the Saints.

On Sunday, he won Super Bowl XLIV, representing New Orleans, in a way that few athletes represent their cities.

“I just feel like it’s a big responsibility for me,” Brees said. “I feel like I’ve been given a platform to really make a difference in a lot of people’s lives, especially those who are less fortunate and those who might not have the opportunities otherwise. I’ve embraced the community of New Orleans just because it is a special place, and they’ve embraced me and my wife in a way that I can’t even describe. There is nothing more that I want for them than a championship.”

The irony is the quarterback for the other side of the Super Bowl, Peyton Manning, is a son of the athlete who, along with basketball’s Pete Maravich, used to be most synonymous with New Orleans: Archie Manning. But, because of his overcoming-adversity story as much as his consistently charitable work in the city, there’s no question who first comes to mind.

It’s Brees. Who is it for other cities? Some are easy calls.

In Kansas City, it’s George Brett, a hitting magician from the days when the Royals still mattered.

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In Baltimore, it’s Cal Ripken. The iron man figures to have a long reign as the champion of Charm City, even considering the exploits of the late Johnny Unitas and current star linebacker Ray Lewis.

In Miami, and the surrounding South Florida area, it’s Dan Marino. His 17 seasons of passing excellence made him an icon, his community work made him an example, and his long list of local endorsements show that he hasn’t lost any luster.

In Denver? John Elway.

“There are very few guys like that,” said former Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe, now a CBS analyst. “Dan is like that in Miami, John is like that in Colorado. For the longest time, before we had the Avalanche or the Rockies, basically it was the Nuggets and the Broncos. And it is Broncos country. John Elway is king. Tony Romo can win two or three championships, but he is not going to replace Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. There’s something about these guys, your father, your mother, your uncle, they grew up watching these guys, and that’s just the way it is.”

As it will likely be for Brees.

“Even though he wasn’t drafted by the Saints, he came into a situation where after Katrina, they were down and out, he was a guy that reached out, who says I’m here to play football, but I’m also here to rebuild this city,” Sharpe said.

Some cities have had so many stars that it would seem tough to choose one who rises above all… and yet, for some, it isn’t. Like Los Angeles.

“Still Magic,” said Andrew Siciliano, who hosts a radio show for ESPN 710 Los Angeles. “And this is a big debate now, because Kobe (Bryant) just passed Jerry West as the Lakers’ leading scorer. So could Kobe, forget about statistically, could he ever surpass Magic as the King of all Lakers, and the consensus answer is no. That’s not out of disrespect for Kobe. It’s out of the amazing respect that the city has, and will always have, for Magic. Because he’s not only the great Laker on the court, but he’s also the guy off the court who is such a pillar of the community with all his businesses and his reinvestment. He is everything that is the Lakers.”

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And, thus, Los Angeles, since the Lakers reign supreme. Which Dodgers are in the discussion? Siciliano points to former pitcher Sandy Koufax, former manager Tom Lasorda, and even long-time broadcaster Vin Scully.

“The Dodgers are maybe the only team where their broadcaster trumps everything,” Siciliano said.

What about Wayne Gretzky, who spent some time playing for the Kings?

“No,” Siciliano said. “Perfect example, I saw him at a USC football game during the season, and he was in line at the VIP entrance, and no one stopped him. He was just Wayne Gretzky with a hat on. People still know Wayne Gretzky, but he does not in any way stop the room.”