The New Orleans Saints: Taking Their City Back Essay Example

players of the New Orleans Saints demonstrated resilience and determination in successfully executing the on-side kick, just as the residents of New Orleans showed these same attributes in rebuilding their homes and businesses following Katrina.

The New Orleans Saints benefited from the Colts' inability to recover the on-side kick, much like how the people of New Orleans depended on assistance and some fortunate events in recovering from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This hurricane had a significant impact on the Gulf Coast, resulting in devastation for homes, families, and lives. The Southern Louisiana region, particularly New Orleans and the Lower Ninth Ward, experienced the harshest consequences due to their location below sea level (5 to 15 feet).

Despite facing a category 3 hurricane, New Orleans and the Lower Ninth Ward experienced levee failure, leading to the overflow of the Mississippi river. Hurricane Katrina caused immense destruction that exceeded expectations. Aid from people nationwide was sent, but doubts remained about New Orleans' ability to recover. The impact on the economy was severe, with businesses destroyed and homes completely demolished, leaving loved ones missing. This led to a national question: how could New Orleans possibly recover?

In 2006, the New Orleans Saints revitalized the spirit of a desolate New Orleans, bringing hope and enthusiasm. The people of New Orleans reciprocated by infusing the same American identity into the Saints organization. This American Identity includes various ideals and traits such as love, courage, companionship, and strength.

Despite the chaos and destruction in New Orleans, it did not embody American ideals. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina caused a disastrous state for its citizens. The previously respected

New Orleans Superdome became a site for criminal acts like murder and rape. Widespread looting plagued the city, with lawlessness becoming commonplace. The recovery of New Orleans was not only an urgent concern for its residents but also for the whole nation.

Amidst a decaying world, the New Orleans Saints organization returned to the city, facing the same reality as its residents. Previously struggling with a 3-13 record in the previous season, the Saints now needed to rebuild their team. This mirrored the city's desperate attempt to recover from its losses. To prepare for the upcoming 2006 season, several new coaches were needed, along with a head coach, quarterback, and position players. Unfortunately, only those who were considered crazy or had limited alternatives ended up signing with the team due to their low recruiting ability.

In 2006, the New Orleans Saints brought in head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees, who had previously played for the San Diego Chargers despite a career-threatening shoulder injury. The team was anticipated to underperform and potentially leave New Orleans due to their aging and injured players. Their struggles mirrored the bleak state of American morale and identity. However, there was a transformation in the Saints' culture.

The Saints united their team and provided support for the city during its challenges, rejuvenating New Orleans and cultivating fresh pride despite predictions of failure. In the eighteen months following Hurricane Katrina, they played a vital part in rescuing the city according to Payton137. The bond between the city and the team is unparalleled in sports as victories and defeats are not only experienced by the players but also

by the whole community.

According to Lagasse1, the success of the city is intricately tied to the success of the Saints in an unprecedented manner. The love for the Saints and its players from New Orleans is unparalleled. As stated by Layden1, there exists a unique bond between the people of New Orleans and the Saints that surpasses what is typically observed between a city and its sports team. This exceptional relationship enabled the New Orleans Saints to bring a renewed sense of American Identity to the city.

The New Orleans Saints played a major part in the recovery of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina in 2006. Their Super Bowl win in 2009 symbolized hope, pride, and resilience for the city, showcasing the defining traits of the American Identity such as neighborliness, charity, community, and compassion.

Sean Payton, the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, and Drew Brees, the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, are both influential figures who support my argument about New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. They both arrived in 2006 during a challenging period for the city. In regards to this, Payton made a statement that "The Saints and New Orleans proved to the world that neither one of us had given up" (Payton137). The New Orleans Saints played an important role in bringing back hope, pride, and fostering a sense of American identity despite facing significant adversity.

The city of New Orleans is famous for its strong pride and reputation as a top party destination, especially during events like Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a lengthy celebration that includes several weeks of parades leading up

to a grand parade throughout New Orleans and the French Quarter. This lively event is characterized by vibrant green, purple, and yellow colors. Additionally, Mardi Gras plays a vital role in boosting the city's economy by generating millions of dollars. Celebrating in New Orleans offers a unique experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world, with an atmosphere full of joy, excitement, and revelry.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisiana, halting all celebrations. Once the winds subsided and the floodwaters receded, the total damages were estimated at $110 billion. The New Orleans area was left without hope or pride, with no one believing in its ability to recover. The majority of 2006 was a lost year, with only a few areas minimally affected by the hurricane and subsequent flooding undergoing reconstruction efforts. According to Sean Payton's recollection while driving around New Orleans, "There were some pockets of hope, but they were not nearly sufficient." (Payton 137)

Despite the hardships caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2006, both New Orleans and the New Orleans Saints faced significant challenges. However, they defied expectations and had an exceptional year. Payton138 stated that despite displacement and a flooded city, there was still a strong affection for the team among its fans.

The citizens of New Orleans saw the Saints as a symbol of hope in a neglected and gloomy area, creating an unbreakable bond. Whether they exceeded or met expectations, the people of New Orleans were thankful for their presence. On September 25th, 2006, the Saints faced off against their division rival, the Atlanta Falcons, in their first home game at the Louisiana Superdome. Before Hurricane Katrina,

the Dome was seen as a source of pride.

The Superdome, previously a place of both shelter and chaos during Hurricane Katrina, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a space for joyful events like football games and concerts. In just over one year, the Dome had lost its former glory and pride. However, the Saints were resolute in their mission to eradicate the unsettling past of the Superdome and restore its reputation. Today, they have returned to New Orleans with the goal of rectifying the unholy history associated with this iconic venue.

The Superdome (Brees154) symbolized both the struggles and aspirations of this city. With football's return to New Orleans after a year, there was hope for a revival. Despite the difficulties faced by residents, all season tickets for New Orleans Saints games were sold out. The cheers of the crowd before the game started filled the Superdome once again, spreading joy throughout New Orleans.

During the fourth play of the game, the Saints used eight players to rush the Atlanta punter. Steve Gleason, a special teams player for the Saints, successfully blocked the punt and Curtis Deloatch from their team recovered it, resulting in a touchdown. This moment sparked overwhelming joy in the Superdome as it symbolized New Orleans' football being revitalized. With a convincing 23-3 score, the Saints came out as winners from this game. As fans left the Superdome, they carried a glimmer of hope with them, believing that if the Saints could achieve such success, perhaps their city could also overcome its challenges.

Amidst their hardships, the residents of New Orleans found solace in a football team

instead of succumbing to despair. The Saints played for the people of New Orleans throughout the season, providing them with a glimmer of hope and giving them an ideal reason to persevere.

Drew Brees, the Saints' quarterback, believed that putting forth maximum effort in this game could benefit the city. The Saints' fans felt a bond with the team, discovering optimism and dignity in a city that was on its way to renewal and advancement. The citizens of New Orleans regarded the Saints as a beacon of hope, inspiring them during difficult periods.

The Saints represented the difficulties faced by all of New Orleans. Winning would signify a potential triumph over Hurricane Katrina's destruction. This victory fostered a stronger connection between the fans and the team, propelling them to new heights. Although expectations had diminished for the Saints in 2009 following their successful 2006 season, they still had unwavering support from loyal fans. Despite being projected as nineteenth in the league, the Saints ultimately emerged victorious in 2009, leading to a year filled with celebration.

Despite being perceived differently, the Saints showed remarkable determination and passion in their football games. In just four years, they went through a remarkable transformation from a team affected by a hurricane and filled with uncertainty to one that brought hope to a desperate city and even became contenders for the Super Bowl. Surpassing expert predictions, they remained unbeaten for twelve weeks of the season with an 11-0 record. Moreover, New Orleans had more than just a successful football team to celebrate; it was previously viewed as a lost cause after Hurricane Katrina.

In 2009, the

New Orleans area not only survived and rebuilt, but also regained hope and pride despite adversity. The people used this adversity as a catalyst for progress, proving skeptics wrong with their resilience and determination. This amazing transformation reached its peak when both the city and its football team made it to the Super Bowl just four years after experiencing brokenness, defeat, and a lack of hope or pride. The team's performance further boosted the sense of pride in New Orleans. When the Saints received the Lombardi trophy, it symbolized a victory not just for a team but for an entire city.

Upon their return to New Orleans, 20,000 devoted fans eagerly awaited the New Orleans Saints at the airport. Previously devastated by flooding, the city had now become victorious world champions. The Saints' momentous homecoming marked the beginning of a grand celebration that combined a Super Bowl parade with Mardi Gras festivities — something that New Orleans had longed for. This joyful event held deeper meaning than just winning in the Super Bowl; it represented the resilience and recovery of the entire city. As author King1 aptly stated, "When you win a championship together, you walk together forever." It serves as a powerful reminder that even if sports teams like Rams, Raiders, Dodgers or baseball Giants may be relocated or taken away from a city, they can never diminish the unity and spirit that winning a championship cultivates.

The New Orleans Saints are not only a football team but also have a strong bond with the city and its residents. The people of New Orleans cherish them dearly. As Americans, we appreciate the

importance of assisting others in times of crisis and being good neighbors. The New Orleans Saints not only boosted morale but also made significant contributions to rebuilding their hometown by providing financial resources, time, dedication, and physical labor. Through numerous projects of varying sizes, the New Orleans Saints played a vital role in supporting their community.

Drew Brees and Sean Payton have both made significant philanthropic contributions in the Gulf Coast region. Brees established the Brees Dream Foundation, which has raised over $11 million and created three charter schools in Louisiana. Meanwhile, Payton founded the Payton's Play it Forward Foundation to improve the lives of children and their families in the same area. Furthermore, the New Orleans Saints organization donated $50,000 to the Hurricane Katrina fund and actively participated in reconstruction efforts. Not only did players and coaches contribute, but even office staff and team owner joined in by performing tasks such as hammering, nailing, hanging drywall, and painting to repair homes affected by severe flooding.

The New Orleans Saints have a deep connection with the city of New Orleans, being cherished for their presence and contributions instead of being idolized. Layden3 notes that fans show support not just to the team, but also to their city and themselves. The evident love and appreciation from the people of New Orleans leave no doubt in the minds of the New Orleans Saints about how much they are valued.

Sports have always held great value in America, especially during challenging times. They provide hope, strength, and opportunities for celebration. This significance is evident in notable occurrences such as Mike Piazza's game-winning homerun after the

tragic 9/11 attacks in New York. Likewise, the New York Knicks' triumph following Hurricane Sandy brought much-needed relief to the community. The influence of sports on individuals can be both surprising and deep, particularly when their communities are confronted with desperate situations. In these circumstances, victory becomes even more significant and motivating.