INBOX

FOR DECEMBER 3, 2018

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

For those of us who survived Hurricane Katrina, Drew Brees is the beacon of hope that keeps on shining. I picked up a friend at the New Orleans airport, and Brees happened to be on the same flight. While waiting for his luggage with his wife and three kids, he took photos with anyone who asked. He's so much more than an athlete.

David Bowser

Lexington, S.C.

On Thursday, Nov. 29, I watched the Cowboys use a stifling defense to defeat the Saints 13--10 in Dallas. Fast-forward to the next morning, when my new SI arrived with Drew Brees on the cover. I now believe in the cover jinx.

Steve Stantial

Lewiston, Maine

KEEP IT ON THE FIELD

The athletic achievements of politicians [SCORECARD] can be as relevant or irrelevant as any other aspect of their biography, such as (to cite recent presidents) their record as a baseball team owner, a community organizer or a reality TV star. What matters is how they comported themselves in those roles, and what their conduct reveals about their character.

Charles Kels

San Antonio

WINNING ISN'T EVERYTHING

The College Football Playoffs are seemingly for Power 5 schools only. UCF has been undefeated for two consecutive seasons and deserves a shot. How good are they? The Selection Committee will never let us know.

Allen Kaplan

Huntington, W.Va.

TERRELL OWENS ISN'T DONE TALKING

Whether you consider him a caricature, a victim or a egomaniac, there is no arguing with the fact that Terrell Owens should have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during his first year of eligibility. His initial exclusion clearly exposed the selection committee's desire to humiliate him. T.O.'s trailblazing decision to skip the ceremony in Canton could end up being his greatest legacy.

William McCarthy

Athens, Ga.

Have you ever published an issue with two athletes as drastically different in featured articles—from the same sport no less!—as [the two in] this one? Brees and Owens couldn't be further apart.

Terry Forman

Omaha

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ON DECK

The next edition of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED will be the December 31, 2018, issue. Look for it on newsstands and in your mailbox beginning on December 26.