The Who Dat Nation is a Family, so Let's Set the Record Straight

The New Orleans Saints, since they arrived on the scene in 1967, have always been the heart of New Orleans! And despite that the world is just now tuning in, the support of the Who Dat Nation has been unwavering for 43 years!

Now that the Saints have made it to Super Bowl XLIV, attention turns yet again to New Orleans. Unfortunately, images of devastation and stories of rebuilding tend to dominate the discussion of the Saints and their relationship to the city of New Orleans.

I have news for the rest of the world—the Who Dat Nation wasn't born yesterday. The overriding theme seems to be that due to the devastation of Katrina, New Orleanians now share a special affinity for the Saints, and the story of their success is the latest "feel-good" story.

Commentators frequently describe the atmosphere in the Superdome for the Monday Night Football game on Sept. 25, 2006 as a defining moment in Saints history. I agree, but not for the reasons you may think.

The Who dat Nation is a family—an emotionally bonded family. The New Orleans Saints organization is the nucleus of that family, which happens to span far beyond the Orleans Parish line. Ever since the Tulane Stadium days in the 60's and early 70's, that family has supported, and been supported by, its nucleus.

The return of the Saints to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina is over-simplified and characterized as moment in time where the citizens of New Orleans came together for a common cause. It was far more significant than that.

That day was special because it marked the return of a displaced family member, a reason unlike any to celebrate. That day was a day of healing for family members who hadn't been face to face since their world was torn apart one year prior. That Monday night in the Superdome was a Who Dat Nation tearful family reunion.

We didn't love the Saints more on that day. We don't love the Saints more today for making it to the Super Bowl. They're family, and family is unconditionally loved all the time. We have always loved the Saints, win, lose, or draw. As far as we're concerned, winning the NFC was a family accomplishment.

So, as they take the field tomorrow for Super Bowl XLIV, just know that it will be a family affair—and family always supports family. It's just what we do.

So let the celebration begin! Who Dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints!