In an era of NFL football full of controversy, scandals, and felons, few players seem to embody a normal citizen — let alone a role model.

However, in a league full of wrongs, new career passing yards leader Drew Brees is someone that everyone can look up to and admire.

Brees has done everything an active player can in the NFL, having amassed a Super Bowl, Super Bowl MVP, 11 Pro Bowl appearances, a First Team All-Pro nod, two Offensive Player of the Year Awards, and his current passing record.

Brees is an indisputable Hall of Famer once he is eligible, has a college degree from Purdue University, and in 2006 was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year, an honor that commemorates players who exemplify sportsmanship, respect, and good play.

Brees started his career as a San Diego Charger, being drafted by them in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. From there, Brees earned the starting job and even did enough to play in the 2004 Pro Bowl as a Charger.

His stay was short-lived in San Diego, however, after an injury to his right shoulder, his throwing arm, cost Brees the starting job.

This proved to be a blessing in disguise, as Brees signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2006. Brees mostly has played his legendary career in New Orleans, winning the Saints’ first and only Super Bowl in 2010.

Aside from his illustrious career, Brees has made a much more important impact off the football field. Brees and his wife, Brittany, started the Brees Dream Foundation in 2003 after the death of Brittany’s aunt to cancer.

Initially, the foundation supported cancer patients and donated towards research, but it became much more. Once Brees ended up in New Orleans, an area devastated by Hurricane Katrina, his foundation contributed money and resources toward relief efforts throughout the city.

The foundation has also contributed to Operation Kids, an effort to rebuild public facilities and neighborhoods throughout New Orleans and Louisiana.

As anyone can see, Brees has been the cream of the crop for years as both a player and a citizen. The NFL and the world overall needs more people like Brees who consistently exemplify excellence.