“Can Football Rebuild a City? New Orleans, Katrina, and a Group of Saints”
by Rakibul Islam
When Hurricane Katrina struck the city of New Orleans in August 2005, it left a terrible wave of destruction as well as tens of thousands of displaced residents. Among those residents were the New Orleans Saints, the NFL franchise. While the players were fortunate enough to be in Oakland for a preseason game at the time, they had to watch in agony as their city and their homes were destroyed, while their stadium, the Superdome, became a massive refugee center and was heavily damaged. Forced to play home games in San Antonio and even New York, the Saints tried but failed to ease the pain of their wrecked city, struggling to achieve even a 3-13 record. This story, however, is not about the forgettable 2005 season for New Orleans and its not-so-storied football franchise. This story reflects the reemergence of the Saints in 2006, and how they became a rallying point for a damaged city and the darlings of a nation.
The story begins in January 2006, after the end of the Saints’ season. Coach Jim Haslett was fired and replaced by the young Sean Payton. He removed many players from the roster, including longtime starters like quarterback Aaron Brooks. Next, the Saints shocked the football world when they agreed to a 6-year, $60 million deal with free-agent quarterback Drew Brees. Brees had found success in San Diego after a rough start, but was coming off a major injury. He signed with the team although they still did not have a home. Brees embraced the embattled city, pledging many donations and helping out with the recovery. But even he could not prepare the city for the surprise it would receive on NFL draft day.
Thanks to their poor record, the Saints had the second overall pick in the draft. All they knew was that they would have no chance at getting running back Reggie Bush, an electrifying and fan-friendly talent who had just won the Heisman Trophy. People predicted that he would go to the Houston Texans at number one to help their offense. However, predictions were wrong, as the Texans chose defensive end Mario Williams instead. To the cheers of New Orleans citizens, the Saints chose Bush, who was quickly anointed the savior of the franchise. With the new exciting players came another surprise—the Saints had sold all their season tickets for the 2006 season. It was apparent that the citizens, despite all the troubles they had endured following the hurricane, were very supportive of their team and even reliant on them to bring them some sort of relief. The Saints would deliver.
The New Orleans Saints started the season with two wins on the road, as their Superdome was prepared for their triumphant return. On Monday, September 25, 2006, the Superdome reopened with U2 performing ahead of a match-up with the Atlanta Falcons. With the stadium filled to capacity with over 70,000 fans, the Saints defeated the Falcons 23-3. The team that was once without a home was now 3-0, and it was apparent that they were not only a force, but a beacon of hope for the city. Everywhere in the city, fans of the Saints showed their support. They showed up to the Saints games in full force, even though their city was still feeling the effects of Hurricane Katrina more than a year later. Many fans had nothing to hold onto except their lives and the Saints. This gave the team motivation to succeed, not only for themselves, but for their city.
There were many players responsible for their eventual success, but one of the most important was an almost forgotten running back. Deuce McAllister was born, raised, and went to college in Mississippi before being drafted by the Saints in 2001. He watched as his hometowns were ravaged by Katrina. While his actual house survived, many of his friends and relatives lost everything. He also suffered a torn ACL and missed the final 11 games of that 2005 season. With the number two pick spent on a running back, it seemed as if Deuce’s days were numbered. Nonetheless, in an incredible show of veteran leadership, Deuce agreed to split time with Bush in the interest of winning. He would end up rushing for 1,057 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2006, while doing all he could to rebuild his city. He gave money to people randomly approaching him in the street, explaining how they lost everything. Through his charity, he donated and helped the unfortunate rebuild their lost homes. He became an ambassador of sorts for the city, reminding the media around the nation that his city wasn’t close to normal (read an article about this on ESPN’s website).
Deuce and the Saints used the emotion and motivation of an entire city to post a 10-6 record and win their division for only the second time since 1992. With a 27-24 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the team advanced to the NFC Championship Game for the first time ever. Fans around the country were drawn to the Saints and their attempt to emotionally, if not physically, rebuild New Orleans. They became the chic pick to make the Super Bowl, as they had the spirit of almost the entire nation behind them. Unfortunately for them, they had to go to Chicago to take on the Bears. The Saints fell and ended their dream season. While the magic ride was over, there was still much to celebrate. In the end, it may have been the most successful season in team history.
New Orleans is nowhere near where it was before August 2005. Much of the city and its suburbs still lie in ruins. The Lower Ninth Ward, which felt the brunt of Katrina, has barely been touched. The famous Bourbon Street is a shell of its former self. It is questionable whether the city will ever be fully rebuilt. However, the spirit of the city remains strong thanks to the Saints. With the immense success they had in 2006, they brought happiness to a city that had none. They can continue to provide a refuge from the pain of losing everything that so many people suffered through. The New Orleans Saints may not be able to rebuild a city, but they certainly succeeded in rebuilding hope. Congratulations on an excellent season, New Orleans.
To donate to the rebuilding effort, here are a few charities:
Catch 22 (Deuce McAllister’s foundation) - http://www.catch22foundation.org/
Saints Hurricane Fund - http://www.saintshurricanefund.org/
BreesDream Foundation - http://www.drewbrees.com/
