But I'm also one who remembers - distinctly - going to Saints' Games as a kid with literally NOBODY in the stands, except for the two (opposing teams') fans behind us who, apparently, were using dirty language, because my mom literally covered my ears in a jesting attempt to remind them that there were kids around. And they apologized. I also remember sitting on the field while my dad's choir sang the national anthem and getting caught by the camera in the Superdome. I remember that, as a kid, no one in my family owned a Saints shirt. I remember the people in my class who did and frankly, I interpreted it to be part of their personality to wear a Saints shirt, rather than acknowledge that there was a team worth supporting outside of a physical presence inside the Dome. And I can still tell you about Bobby Hebert and Morten Andersen, and oh yeah, Archie Manning (and Peyton and Eli) was a member of our church. And then, we moved to Texas, right at the beginning of the Cowboys' heyday. Of course, now my family is back, and NOT being fair-weather fans like myself, they are all going nuts. And now, I am too.
So here's a few thoughts:
- I mostly wanted the Saints to MAKE the Superbowl. I think I'm more excited that they are playing tonight than I am worried about whether or not they will win.
- One of my first thoughts this morning was a secret prayer that they would win anyway. Not a secret now, I suppose.
- I like the Colts and am totally anticipating a good game between the two teams. And I am slightly disgusted by the Facebook poster that called this an "unexciting Super Bowl" a few minutes ago. Talk about a fair-weather fan. Even I know what is at stake here.
- I believe that Archie Manning is secretly pulling for the Saints.
- Hearing and reading sports journalists refer to the Saints as "one of the top two teams in the NFL" is still catching me off guard. Even today. I actually got a lump in my throat reading the paper this morning!
- I think this may be the first (and possibly last?) game that I actually look forward to every minute of the game and the commercials...and don't so much care about the intermission. Umm, I meant halftime. (Addendum: Just realized it will feature The Who. That was our band show junior year. Maybe I'll reminisce and watch a little after all...)
- According to my family, the city of New Orleans is going nuts. During a REGULAR season game, there is no activity anywhere away from TV screens. Consider the bridal shop that closed down 30 minutes prior to kickoff during playoffs a couple of weeks ago. Or the completely empty Starbucks/Creole Creamery when my dad and I left for a mid-game treat. Everyone knows it's the best time to go grocery shopping. Are they actually leaving the stores OPEN for the game tonight?
- I learned from my mistake in dress-shopping with Mom and Emily, and wore black and gold to church this morning.
- Not surprised to learn, via facebook, that on nola.com, you can read about the teenager sent home from school on Friday for wearing a Colts' jersey. You can also read about their newly-elected mayor...being the first to replace Classy Mr. Nagin...about three stories down from the Super Bowl stories.
Here's to a Cinderella team from my childhood, to the shots of Archie Manning that will undoubtedly air, to celebrities in black and old gold, to a city that deserves something to get all riled up about. Who Dat, folks!
That's the most excited I've ever heard you get about any kind of sporting event. I'm going to mark this in my memory, because I can't imagine it ever happening again.
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