While New Orleans had the overwhelming support from many, in reality there were very few who actually believed they could win. Defying the odds, they did just that in a thrilling come from behind 31-17 victory over Indianapolis in Super Bowl XLIV. The most important aspect of this game was the fact that Saints never stopped believing in themselves. They fell behind 10-0 early, but did not panic. They failed to score on fourth and goal late in the first half, but were able to get the ball back and add three points on the final play of the second quarter. They found themselves trailing 17-13 in the 3^rd quarter, but rallied to score 18 unanswered points to bring the first World Title ever to the city of New Orleans. This may not go down as the greatest game in Super Bowl history, but it will be right up there as one of the most emotional victories for the underdog.

There are a ton of story lines that will be wrapped around this game, but the biggest one for me is the city of New Orleans itself. Long before Hurricane Katrina almost wiped The Big Easy off the map for good, they already had an inferiority complex when it came to their beloved New Orleans Saints. This team had been so bad over the years it earned the nickname the Aint’s and fans actually showed up at games with bags over their head in order to hide their embarrassment. In 42 years of existence they had only won two playoff games and never even came close to even getting to a Super Bowl. After Katrina devastated the Super Dome in 2005, they were forced to play their home games outside of New Orleans that season, leaving many to wonder if the Saints would ever return to the city.

Faith prevailed and in a triumphant return to the completely refurbished Super Dome in 2006, the Saints were the main inspiration for all those who had suffered and lost so much in the storm and the main source of refuge from the miserable conditions that still existed through much of the city. They went on to win 11 games that season before losing to Chicago in the NFC Championship. With that, the championship seeds were sown as this team was no longer the doormat of the NFL and their loyal fans were now following a winner.

Three seasons later it all came together as the Saints won their first 13 games and rolled through two postseason games to land themselves in their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. Even if they would have lost this game, there would have been a parade on Bourbon Street because they would have deserved it for all the hope and determination they brought back to the city. Instead, they went out and took this game away from the Colts with gutsy play calling and inspired performances. Most importantly, they brought a World Championship home to a city that needed it much more than any of the other 31 in the NFL. Congratulations to the entire Who Dat Nation as there is no one more deserving of a celebration than you.