The 2004 NFL regular season ended with a matchup between the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints.  The Panthers were a team praised by the media for its strong heart and willingness to win despite a dismal start and numerous injuries.  The Saints on the other hand, had the reputation of playing heartless football, underachieving, and almost causing Coach Jim Haslett his job.  In that game, football fans flocked behind the Panthers.

What a difference a natural disaster makes.  Since Hurricane Katrina, the Saints players’ motive to play has changed.  The team is no longer a group of players worried about contracts, or how to upstage a cell phone touchdown celebration, but instead a team on a mission.  A mission to represent not only the city of New Orleans, but the whole Gulf Coast.  

Some skeptics may argue that after a disaster like Hurricane Katrina, sports should be last thing on people’s mind.  But, I like the Saints would have to disagree.  Many of these victims of Katrina have lost everything they owned.  Some of these victims are spending nights sleeping on cots with no idea what their future entails.  But, thanks to the New Orleans Saints, they now have something to look forward to.  Even if it is only a few hours on a Sunday afternoon, these people can put all their worries away and watch their team play a football game.

On Sunday, that was exactly what happened.  As the Saints played the Panthers, thousands of people watched.  And after weeks of sadness, there was actually some happiness in the air.  The Saints’ victory might have only represented a one in the win column, but to all those victims it represented a lot more.  People had a reason to celebrate for once.  

The Saints, unlike last year, played with heart.  They won for the Gulf Coast region.  Hurricane Katrina has taught these players that football is not everything.  But, sometimes, football is just what the doctor ordered.  This game did not help rebuild any homes or give people back their old life, but at least it lifted their spirits. 

Just like 9/11, when most fans rooted for the New York Yankees, fans will flock behind the Saints.  In times when disaster hits our country, sports help relieve the pain.  It will take years and years for people to recover from Katrina, but at least these people have the Saints to relieve them.    Could this story be a Cinderella story with the Saints going to the Super Bowl?   Does it really matter!  As long as the Saints are playing, and people can get away from their problems, even if it is only a few hours, that is enough.  The Saints are playing with heart and every time the Saints are on the field, the team gives its fans hope for the future.