New Orleans Saints step up for Louisiana

We were there for them when they needed us, now they’re there for us.

The New Orleans Saints may have been a mere football team before Hurricane Katrina, mostly known for losing more often than not. After that devastating storm, the Saints became known for more than just gridiron exploits. In its own way, the franchise was sort of a microcosm for the entire rebuilding of the Gulf Coast that cheered for the team for some four decades.

After the BP Deep Water Horizon oil rig blew and started gushing oil uncontrollably, the region had another big problem. Hours turned into days, days turned into weeks, and still, nothing substantial could be done.

Sure, the Saints are the defending Super Bowl champion, and they will have a target on their back this season, so they have their work cut out for them when it comes to football. But playing in New Orleans has come to mean more than just strapping on shoulder pads and running through the tunnel on Sundays.

The Saints are a part of New Orleans, Louisiana, the Gulf Coast and the world. They stand for more than just an NFL team.

That’s why it meant so much when players recently showed their support to those on the front lines of the disaster. They took time from preparing for the upcoming season to make the two-hour drive to the tip of the Louisiana boot.

It’s good to know they’re with us through thick and thin. After all, we’ve been with them through it all.