Saints Luv Reigns

by Erin Z. Bass

I became a Saints fan the year after Hurricane Katrina. My husband is an avid fan, and I realized that the Saints were just what a grieving city needed to give them hope. At the time, cheering for the Saints on Sunday was something that took people’s minds off of the hurricane and gave them something to look forward to. They came together and cheered for a team that represented the future of their city and also kept New Orleans in the media spotlight around the world. The Saints seemed to be playing on a magical mission, one that’s led them to this monumental moment. It’s been heartwarming to see all of the Saints love pouring out all over the country this week. The Saints, and New Orleans, are back, and I’m glad everybody knows it.

Here are just some of the examples of recent Saints love from near and far:

The Wall Street Journal called the Saints the “Sentimental Team of the Century” on Jan. 19.

USA Today followed suit Jan. 22 with an extensive article titled “A City’s Patron Saints.” (A Google news search today pulled up over 2,000 articles about the Saints.)

NBC’s 30 Rock Jan. 21 referenced the Saints bandwagon.

Favre’s hometown of Kiln, Miss., can’t decide who to root for. And Times Picayune writer Brett Anderson reported from Minnesota that he had a hard time getting Vikings fans to talk trash about the Saints.

Billboards supporting the Saints are popping up. You can see the “Mission: Miami” one on I-10 heading into New Orleans and a Budweiser “Who Dat Nation” one on West Congress Street in Lafayette. Let us know if anybody spots other ones.

Sellers of Saints and Who Dat t-shirts, like Fleurty Girl, Dirty Coast, Storyville,  Preggie Prep, Fig Street and Lady Fleur are getting a boost.

Drew Brees’ “Finish Strong” t-shirts as part of an effort to blackout the dome had to be restocked after selling out all over the city. Proceeds from the shirts directly benefit New Orleans.

Local musicians got on board and recorded more than three dozen Saints-themed songs to keep fans pumped up.

Manny Randazzo’s Bakery in Metarie created a fleur de lis king cake with a football inside.

Sucre pastry shop in New Orleans created a Saints helmet cake to get in on the action.

Closer to Brett Favre territory in Picayune, Miss., Paul’s Pastry Shop has been busy making Saints king cakes. Of course they have a Vikings version as well, but “we want the Saints to win,” says Owner Sherri Thigpen.

The city of Abita Springs officially declared its love for the Saints.

And we know there’s lots more love out there. Comment and let us know about instances of Who Datism you’ve seen!