2-9-10 Fantastic Fanatic Fan!
Friends,
My husband, Antonio (who just returned from Miami today), Eliana and I were among the thousands of spectators cheering on the New Orleans Saints in their first ever Super Bowl victory parade. The crowds were HUGE and traffic was gridlock! New Orleans TV commentators said that they had never seen Mardi Gras crowds like this. We may have broken parade attendance records. The Who Dat Nation truly welcomed home the Black and Gold Bless You Boys!
2-9-10 The Crowd at the Super Dome!
We caught the parade right at the beginning, at the Louisiana Superdome. I couldn’t help but think of images of the Superdome just 4 1/2 years ago and images of the Superdome now. It glittered like gold in the sunlight, a shimmering beacon of hope, passion and perseverance. After 43 years, the Saints not only made it to the Super Bowl, they WON with a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts and the legendary Peyton Manning. Saints Quarterback and Super Bowl MVP, Drew Brees, grinned from ear to ear and did what he does best: throw perfectly. Only this time, he threw beads to adoring and cheering fans.
2-9-10 In front of the Superdome, Drew Brees throws beads to the adoring crowds
“Stand Up and Get Crunk” and “Who Dat Say Dey Gon’ Beat Dem Saints?!” filled the air as the floats partied by. The New Orleans Saints players danced and catered to the crowds. “Throw Me Something, Mister” was replaced by “Who Dat!” on the parade route.
2-9-10 The crowd adores the Saints!
It’s hard not to get caught up in the fan frenzy when everyone is so filled with joy. What the Saints did for New Orleans is almost unbelievable. They united a city ravaged by hurricanes and tiresome politics. They brought together a community of people not just from New Orleans, but from Louisiana and Who Dat “Nationals” outside the state. They defied predictions. They stunned the naysayers. They stood up and got “crunk.” They won. And they reciprocated their fans’ love with a breathtaking Super Bowl victory.
2-9-10 The Golden Dome shines in the background as the Pierre Thomas (23) and teammates inspire the Who Dat Nation
As dusk fell, the air was filled with a palpable chill. But that chill was tempered by the warmth and camaraderie of the Bless You brethren, where everyone is a member of the “Who Dat Nation!”
2-9-10 Who Dat Nation fire truck
While waiting for the floats to pass, we all talked to our neighbors. We shared our stories of where we were when “it” happened. We shared our amazement. We shared our common awe, respect, and love for the team that gave the city their heart. And to honor their victory, we kicked up our heels and celebrated in grand Mardi Gras tradition!
2-9-10 Just for kicks, Moorestead (punter) and Hartley (kicker) ride a stiletto heel float!
When your team trails by 10-0 in the first half and they are playing the Indianapolis Colts, whose quarterback, Peyton Manning, is not only the stuff legends are made of, but is also a New Orleans native son, you start praying and singing. Yes, singing. You sing, “I believe. Oh I believe!” And then you do. You believe that your team is truly a team of destiny. Then, like a miracle, they are… because cornerback Tracy Porter has just executed the perfect Pick 6 to bring the team to a 14 point lead. The Colts never recover and the Saints never look back. The Saints and their fans look skyward, thanking heaven for this blessing.
2-9-10 The Saints Defensive Line, including Pick 6 Tracy Porter (#22)!
As Sean Payton’s float neared, an audible buzz morphed into a roar and war cry, “Who Dat! Who Dat!” The New Orleans Saints went into battle and brought home the ultimate prize: The Vince Lombardi trophy. Head Coach Sean Payton, who made some of the gutsiest calls in Super Bowl history, held the trophy high, waving it proudly. It wasn’t just for him; it wasn’t just for the team. The trophy was for a nation, the Who Dat Nation.
2-9-10 New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton triumphantly raises the hallowed Lombardi trophy in a salute to the fans
WHO DAT!!!
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
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