(Thumbnail image: The Times-Picayune)
“Hartley……SENDS THE SAINTS TO THE SUPERBOWL!!!”
It’s being called America’s new success story. The New Orleans Saints are making their first ever Super Bowl appearance since the franchise's debut some four decades ago.
The team’s success is being hailed as the revival of New Orleans, giving the city its first glimpse of hope since Hurricane Katrina.
We’re looking at perspectives from CNN, Fox News, CNBC, and New Orleans ABC affiliate WGNO.
The Indianapolis Colts are favored to win Super Bowl 44 over the Saints by five points. But Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal told FOX News that such predictions don't hold much sway in New Orleans.
“What a great story. The Saints show that we're building back better than we were pre-Katrina. They show that perseverance of the team. They’ve been inspirational not only on the field but off the field. They’ve been involved in rebuilding and charitable work all along the Gulf Coast. What a great success story. Indeed many people are calling them America’s new team.”
It's been more than four years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the city is still trying to rebuild. CNN notes that from the beginning, the Saints have been a source of hope for struggling residents.
“I think to a lot of people it symbolized hope. That there is hope, that we still have a football team to cheer for. There was people at games on Sundays that didn’t even have a home to live in. It’s not about the economic value to the people that fill those seats every week and sit in front of their TVs. It’s about a dream… that’s about to come true.”
Meanwhile, CNBC’s Worldwide Exchange focuses on the benefits a Super Bowl appearance will bring the Saints organization.
“After Katrina, the Super Dome was like a staging ground. It certainly wasn’t for football. With a lack of Fortune 500 companies there, forget about luxury suites and everything else. New Orleans was in trouble in terms of a football town and now that they’re in the Super Bowl for the first time ever, I think we’re pretty sure that they are not going to be leaving New Orleans any time soon.”
New Orleans has shown the world that despite adversity the city has kept its fun-loving spirit. WGNO’s Good Morning New Orleans showed viewers how to celebrate Bourbon Street-style.
“To a Super Bowl victory”
“To a Super Bowl victory, by the Saints no less.”
“You know what, they also don’t have second lines and big bands like we do here in New Orleans. Come on guys.”
“Come on, take it away”
So what do you think? Are the Saints America’s new success story?
Writer: Maurice Scarborough
Producer: Newsy Staff
