I fell in love with football as young kid. I found it the most exciting sport — by far. Even though I grew up in Louisiana, when I first started watching football, the San Francisco 49ers were in the midst of their dominance of the NFL. The Niners were the best team — by far; so I took a liking to them. I’ve been a member of the 49er Faithful ever since and I’ve loved every minute of it…and our 5 Superbowl victories!
The New Orleans Saints are in their 43rd season in the NFL. This Sunday, the team will make its debut in the Superbowl. The franchise has no titles. Sunday’s Superbowl will be the climatic end to a historic season for the Saints. This football team has literally lifted the spirits of an entire city. The Superdome, once the epicenter of so much pain during Hurricane Katrina, became the center of so much unbelievable joy when the Saints won the NFC Championship Game there on January 24.
Some of my closest friends are people I’ve bonded with over football. Needless to say, I’ve never doubted the sport’s ability to bring people together. This is exactly what’s going on this week in New Orleans.
New Orleans is a unique place; there is no place else like it in all of America. Hurricane Katrina revealed one of the city’s ugly truths — the haves and the have nots. Though rich in culture, the city has always struggled with classism and racism.
I lived in Uptown New Orleans. I fled the city just hours before Katrina arrived. I know the people of this special place and they are so hungry for their turn in the spotlight. A celebratory day in the proverbial sun that is so richly deserved. Whether or not the Saints will win on Sunday is anybody’s guess. Beating Peyton Manning is not an easy task under any circumstances. But advancing to Superbowl XLIV has brought the people of New Orleans together. Fans who have waited a lifetime for this moment, weep openly. Strangers high-five each other on the streets, giddy at the prospect of having their city known as the home of the World Champions. It’s amazing how football has brought a community together as one. The Saints are as resilient as the people they represent.
I’m rooting for the Saints this week; not because I believe this is their destiny, even though I do, but because I’m immensely proud to be from Louisiana and to have lived among some of the best people on Earth.
GO SAINTS!
Posted in: LEISURE
Posted on February 3, 2010 by Isaiah