Lineup

FEATURES

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

DREW BREES

An NFL title is just one of the countless ways the Saints' quarterback has contributed to the rebirth of New Orleans

By Tim Layden page 56

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE SPORTSMAN

Six past honorees, including the first Sportswoman, speak about the award and its significance to them page 67

80 | COLLEGE FOOTBALL

CAM! WHAM, 'BAMA!

Behind QB Cam Newton, Auburn shocked archrival Alabama

By Austin Murphy

88 | PRO FOOTBALL

DREAM JOB

G.M. Scott Pioli puts his ideals to work in building the Chiefs

By Joe Posnanski

98 | PRO BASKETBALL

THE DIRTY DOZEN

The sputtering Heat's Big Three need help from their 12 teammates

By Lee Jenkins

106 | SI HISTORY

THE TOP 32 COVERS

One man—with help from his friends—picks his alltime favorites

By Joe Posnanski

118 | OLYMPIC HOCKEY

GOLDEN GOAL

The eight-second, four-character drama that lifted a nation

By Michael Farber

130 | HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

KENTUCKY VS. FOOTBALL

An offensive tackle died after practice, and his coach was put on trial

By Thomas Lake

Departments

6 Editor's Letter

8 Leading Off

18 Letters

20 Scorecard

• An homage to Yao

• Spygate, Part II

30 Just My Type

Jimmie Johnson and his mind games

By Dan Patrick

33 Faces in the Crowd

38 Inside ...

• The NFL

Twin Cities revival

• Fantasy Football

Opportunity knocks

• The NBA

A center's education

• The NHL

The young American

• Baseball

Made in Japan

• College Football

Badgers on the run

• College Basketball

Big Ten, big talent

• Tennis

Federer's grand finale

152 Point After

The wives' tales

By Selena Roberts

ON THE COVER Photograph by Walter Iooss Jr.

Please Recycle This Magazine Remove Inserts or Samples Before Recycling

PHOTO

TOM DIPACE (BREES)

PHOTO