The New Orleans Saints: Truly Triumphant in the Midst of Tragedy

The horrific images of Hurricane Katrina will forever be etched in the minds of people around the world. But nowhere are those images more vivid than in the state of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans. No place probably evokes those memories like the Louisiana Superdome.

For years, the Superdome had been heralded as the place for many renowned events, many of which can be found by visiting the web site and viewing the slides at http://www.superdome.com.   The highlight of course being—the native team—the New Orleans Saints.

During the onset of Katrina and after, citizens sought shelter in the mammoth of a stadium. At first, it appeared that it might be sufficient shelter. But, as more and more desperate citizens sought refuge, it quickly became clear that supplies, amenities, and facilities that were easily adequate for a Sunday afternoon or Monday night game would not be enough for the thousands who continued to pour in.

As the days went on, the physical wear and tear of the structure and the hardships of those living there were flashed around the world. To most, the thought of this stadium and the city surrounding it coming back from the brink of devastation may have seemed impossible. But for those who doubted, they were underestimating the resilience of a people and their beloved football team.

During this same time frame over on the West Coast, a young quarterback was at the helm of the San Diego Chargers by the name of Drew Brees. In the last game of the 2005 season against the Denver Broncos, Drew sustained an injury—to his throwing arm. And for a quarterback, there is probably no injury more devastating.

Following the injury, though it may not have been openly said, the actions of the San Diego Chargers undoubtedly left Drew thinking and feeling as though they had little confidence in his future with the team. So, Drew went on a search.

He ended up in discussions with the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints. In their contract negotiations, the Dolphins were not willing to pay Drew what he desired because like the Chargers, they were not sure he would be able to perform at the level they desired.

But there was a different mindset in New Orleans. They saw potential. For me, that decision spoke volumes. Where and how could a city facing so much heartache, needing a glimmer of hope for themselves, find enough hope to extend to someone else on the same search? But, they did.

Drew inked a contract to become a Saint. He made his debut during the 2006 season.

There were other special additions to the Saints that year, including but not limited to Sean Payton as head coach and Reggie Bush. Bush was taken in the draft after being passed over by the Houston Texans. Though not known at the time, the scene was being set for the beginning of a comeback for a team and a city—a triumph after a tragedy.

I think it was symbolic that during their first game in the renovated Superdome against the Atlanta Falcons in September 2006 the Saints won 23-3. Atlanta's only score—a field goal—was provided by a former Saint—Morten Andersen. The Saints went on to the NFC championship game, facing the Chicago Bears. Though they lost, yet they won because despite all the hardships, they were still standing.

Over the next several years, the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, as a whole, diligently continued to put their lives back together. While they were working, the Saints were working as well. It became clear that the people were inspiring the Saints and the Saints were inspiring the people.

The Saints' 2007 and 2008 season records were average, 7-9 and 8-8, respectively. But it wasn't about the records; it was about inspiring the people and giving them something to rally around. And that's just what the Saints did.

I think, when 2009 rolled around, the love for the Saints became even more contagious, spreading around the country. Though Katrina hit New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, our country as a whole was continuing to reel from a "Katrina of sorts" as a result of the economic downturn. The Saints became the Nation's team.

Super Bowl XLIV was so much more than just a game. It was a battle cry. The battle cry that I heard in my heart was: "Though trouble and hardships may be all around, if in the midst, just a glimmer of hope can be found, then the giants surrounding you will no longer seem so profound."

Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints—Super Bowl XLIV Champions!