Sunday, February 2, 2014

Saints fans forgive and forget; overwhelmingly cheering for native New Orleanian Peyton Manning today

This is what I will always remember when I think of Peyton Manning and Super Bowls:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBlvjtfpPAg


We will always remember that in a tough twist of fate for the popular so of Archie Manning, it was indeed Peyton who threw the game winning pass, fortunately for Saints fans into the waiting arms of Tracey Porter.


However, many Saints fans were wired for a few hours after the greatest win in the history of Saints football and it continued for a few days to Drew Brees told us to collectively let it go.  You see Saints fans thought it a bit odd that Peyton made no attempt to congratulate Drew Brees or Coach Sean Payton or any other Saints player.  In fact, he really kind of exited stage left and quickly!!


Despite the instant anger, which amused me because we just won the Super Bowl, Saints fans and almost all New Orleanians, still love the Mannings.  Archie is a favorite son, although he is the only non-native.  He and Olivia had three boys: Cooper, Peyton and Eli.  All were born in the Crescent City.  All lived in uptown New Orleans.  All went to and played football for Newman High School.  And all New Orleans followed Cooper at Ole Miss, until his neck injury sidelined him for ever, then Peyton to Tennessee and we all booed collectively when he did not win the Heisman.  We followed Peyton to the Colts then Eli to the Giants. And we cheered both on in every Super Bowl, except of course 4 years ago.


Now today, we hear and read from reliable New Orleans media, the local fan base is supporting Peyton and the Broncos by a margin of 80% to 20% against.  Now some of that could be that Saints fans are learning to really hate the Seahawks.  But, in the end, it is the love affair with the Mannings, despite that lack of a handshake, that makes us pull up a chair and cheer for Peyton.  Yep, down here in New Orleans we forgive and forget; Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!!!

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