He's 33 years old! Thats amazing when you consider how physical he plays, how fast he is, how versatile he is, etc. He plays with the physicality of a man in his prime years, which at 33, most NFL players are past.
I don't want to get out of hand, but when you consider the term "football player", I challenge anyone to name one better, who can contribute in so many ways. He's one of the NFL's most special players and contributors in decades. I think the national media greatly discounts just how good and important he is/has been to the Saints.