The following is a rewrite from the original, in 2010
Football has been more than just a sport to me; it's been a classroom of life where I've learned the essence of teamwork, the resilience needed after defeat, and the discipline required for success. Each game, each season, has been a lesson in leadership, strategic thinking, and maintaining composure under pressure. But perhaps most importantly, football has taught me about community - how a shared passion can unite people, creating bonds that last well beyond the game. Whether it's learning to accept failure or celebrating success, the field has been my teacher, showing me how to navigate life's plays with grace and determination.
So, let me tell you a personal story:
I've been a New Orleans Saints football fan all my life, and it hasn't always been easy. For years, we suffered through losing seasons, with fans at the Superdome even wearing paper bags over their heads in mock shame. Yet, our loyalty never wavered; we cheered on our "Ain'ts" regardless.
This year, however, was different. With players like Drew Brees, Pierre Thomas, Robert Meachem, Reggie Bush, Mike Bell, Darren Sharper, Jonathan Vilma, Jeremy Shockey, and the entire team, we achieved an unprecedented 13-3 season.
The emotions I felt were a curious blend of pride, joy, and happiness, sparked by something as seemingly trivial as a football game. I found myself screaming with unbridled passion, genuinely upset over bad referee calls or when the opposing team scored. As Rush Limbaugh once noted about football, "Most guys I know love to watch football because it allows them to spend unlimited amounts of passion, with minimal or no consequences." That's me to a T. Yes, it's just a game, but for the Saints, I give my all.
Who could forget the nail-biting overtime win against the Redskins, rallying from 24-3 down against the Dolphins, or the intense battles with the Panthers? There was also the surprising loss to Tampa Bay in our own dome, but then came the victory over the Patriots on Monday Night Football, with the whole nation watching. Brees led the NFL in passer rating, making this season one far beyond my wildest dreams.
But it's more than just fandom. Imagine the Superdome filled with thousands of proud Saints fans, their collective joy echoing like thunder. This unique ferocity of loyalty has been noted by many, and it swells my heart with pride to be a New Orleanian.
Thank you, Sean Payton and team. Well done! We're with you in the playoffs, hoping for that particularly tasty gravy of a Super Bowl win.
