You know how big this must be when I can't sleep at 3:45 in the morning. You know how big this must be when I still have not decided if I'm going to work or not. You know how big this must be when I'm thinking about taking off to New Orleans Tuesday to watch the Saints parade.
When the moment came, I was remarkably calm. When it was official I was more emotional and overwhelming content than jumping up and down crazy. I prefered a quiet night watching the game with my wife over all party invitations. And when it was over, I simply wanted to soak up the local TV coverage of the party in New Orleans.
The game itself was pretty damn exciting although after spotting a 10 point lead to the Colts I grew nervous. After a season of knowing the Saints could overcome deficits, I was wary of giving Peyton Manning a big lead. But here they come. FG's by the hero of the NFC championship, Garrett Hartley was straight and true on 3 of 3 attempts. The defense started getting the Colts out of sync and all of a sudden Sean Payton is dialing up the gutsy onsides kick. Pierre Thomas is running wild for a skillful TD and then we have Jeremy Schockey realizing Super Bowl redemption with a TD pass from Drew Brees. And then another gutsy call; a 2 point converion that, after further review, was good thanks to an incredible effort by Lance Moore. And oh by the way; the Saints are sporting a 7 point lead with 5 minutes to go.
Here comes the Colts. But the defense has done it all year and tonight will be no different. The great Peyton Manning fired a bullet but Saint hero Tracey Porter stepped in front, made a clean interception and was off to the races. What made the pick-6 even more sweeter was DL Wil Smith blocking Manning who fell to his knees. With 3 minutes left, it's Saints up by 14. And from there, the Colts could do little but get close but ran out of downs and time allowing the Saints offense to cap the game in the victory formation.
I managed to stay awake until 12:30 a.m. as I watched the coverage of the bedlam in New Orleans. It was a celebration fit for a city and a people who have overcome Katrina, overcome our shortfalls and have remained loyal to their football team. Make no mistake, the Saints are owned by the Benson family, but they belong to the people of New Orleans, the region, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
Many fans, no matter what, have been loyal through terrible seasons and terrible coaches. They persevered in faith and always believed. Many of us, who truly love the Saints, have expressed doubts; kind of a defense mechanism to endure lean years. When the Saints lost to Tampa Bay this year; I even declared them overrated for a 13 win team. On that Sunday afternoon, I sincerely believed that. I worried that maybe they were in a year end swoon that might not allow them to advance far in the playoffs. I WAS WRONG.
The Saints crushed the Cardinals and survived the Vikings. And the Super Bowl hype began, with very few NFL experts willing to go against Peyton Manning and the Colts. The betting line never moved toward the Saints. But all of that matters little now. The Saints have won the Super Bowl. For all we have endured, for all that may or may not happen going forward, forever and ever, we can say that the New Orleans Saints are the World Champions of NFL football by virtue of winning the 44th edition of the Super Bowl.
I'm so glad to have witnessed this day for myself but more importantly for those who love the Saints in ways I could never describe to the rest of the world. And for the city who deserves such happiness. And for a team and ownership who found a way to stay here after Katrina and build a winner; a Super Bowl winner.
It may take some time, but we will float back to earth soon. We will continue to tackle all the tough issues that are uniquely ours. We will buckle down at work and school and try hard to move into these months ahead that give us little to no football.
But early this morning, on a dark and cold February 8th, 2010, with little to no hope of any meaningful sleep in the next few hours, I'm so content and happy to just say thank you Saints.
The New Orleans Saints are the best football team in the land; and the City of New Orleans is happy and satisfied and coming back. And we as a people are full of pride tonight in the heroic athletic accomplishments of the Saints.
I hope you share my joy and at least can feel good for the great people of New Orleans, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
Smile on from Heaven Mom, Uncle Tiny, Uncle Jimmy and all you faithful Saints fans who watched the Saints with the Saints from above. We're ecstatic down here as we declare: Super Bowl champs New Orleans Saints!!! Who Dat; We Dat!
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