Well, it’s time for the ‘Who Dat’ Nation to rejoice. This year, the truly been a heartwarming story across America has been the Saints resurgence. Years ago, Hurricane Katrina devastated a once-proud city of New Orleans, a city that lived and died – mostly died – with the New Orleans Saints. Even in the 42 years in which the team had two playoff wins, loyal residents stuck by their team. In the 2006 offseason, they hired Sean Payton and signed free agent quarterback Drew Brees.

In 2006, they were a great team, but fell short in the playoffs. 2007 and 2008 were both disappointing years, thanks to poor defensive play. But the fans stood the test of time. This year, the Saints finally rewarded their team with a winner. Drew Brees, a true class act and great quarterback, has been the posterboy for the new way of the Saints: “do it for the city”. And they should. Whether you’re a member of ‘Who Dat’ nation or not, you should be happy for the Saints.

It’s a class team led by a classy quarterback and head coach. During the game, however, it didn’t start so well. Brees was just 2-for-6 in the first quarter, and the Colts led 10-0 after a beautiful touchdown pass from Peyton Manning to Pierre Garcon. After a pair of field goals, it was 10-6 at the half. That’s when things got interesting.

To start the second half, Sean Payton made a shocking move, going for an onside kick. The Saints recovered – and took advantage. Brees set up a screen, and hit multitalented running back Pierre Thomas, who scampered in for a score. The Colts, however, put together a methodical drive, and a short Joseph Addai drive made it 17-13. After Garrett Hartley hit another field goal (his third of 40+ yards, a Super Bowl record), it was 17-16.

After a stop on a missed Matt Stover field goal, Brees threw a touchdown, this one to veteran tight end Jeremy Shockey. On a two-point conversion, Brees threw to Lance Moore, who was able to stretch over the goal line for a score. Down 24-17, the Colts didn’t have momentum on their side – but this is Peyton Manning. After driving deep into New Orleans territory, it appeared the only way the Saints would win would be with a field goal late in the game. However, on a short throw to Reggie Wayne, Manning made an errant throw – imagine that – and Tracy Porter intercepted it.

Many yards later, the Saints had a 31-17 lead to wrap up a Super Bowl victory.

Be happy for Drew Brees, a quarterback who few teams showed interest in after an injury. Be happy for Pierre Thomas, an undrafted, small back who looked like a Pro Bowler in the grandest of stages. Be happy for Jeremy Shockey, who had to sit out the Giants Super Bowl victory in 2007, when he broke his leg. Be happy for Darren Sharper, a vet who lost his only Super Bowl appearance in 1997. Be happy for Sean Payton, a classy head coach.

But most importantly, be happy for a proud city, New Orleans, Lousiana.