Rebuilt After the Storm

In September 2005, Hurricane Katrina left New Orleans in ruins. Nearly 1,800 people died, and 80 percent of the city flooded. The New Orleans Saints, homeless and displaced, played their entire 2005 season away from Louisiana, some wondering if the franchise would ever return.

That same year, quarterback Drew Brees suffered a catastrophic shoulder injury in the final game of the regular season — a torn labrum, partial rotator cuff — leaving his career in serious doubt. The San Diego Chargers released him. Most scouts thought he was finished.

But in March 2006, Brees signed with the Saints. Team and quarterback, both broken. Both coming home together.

What followed was one of sports' most remarkable restoration stories. In February 2010, New Orleans won Super Bowl XLIV, with Brees earning MVP honors. He ran off the field and lifted his young son Baylen into the air, tears streaming down his face. The entire city wept with him.