Flashback Friday: Saints Win Super Bowl XLIV!

It’s the anniversary of the New Orleans Saints first Super Bowl victory in their 43-year franchise history. Four years ago to the day, the New Orleans Saints would defeat the Indianapolis Colts 31-17, in their first ever Super Bowl appearance.

At the time, it was the first time in sixteen years that the top two seeds met in a Super Bowl. In 1994, the Dallas Cowboys would defeat the Buffalo Bills 30-13 in Super Bowl XLVIII.

The Saints would struggle early, and go into the half trailing 10-6. However, Sean Payton and the Saints would convert one of the greatest, gutsiest play calls in NFL history. The opening second half kickoff was a surprise onside kick by Thomas Morstead, and the ball would be recovered by Chris Reis. The following drive would put the Saints ahead 13-10, after Pierre Thomas would score a 16-yard touchdown.

After the Colts answered with a Joseph Addai touchdown, the Saints would rely on kicker Garret Hartley for a successful 47-yard field goal, and the Saints would never trail again.

Drew Brees would find Jeremy Shockey for a 2-yard touchdown reception, and the Saints would convert a two point conversion via Lance Moore late in the fourth . It would have to be reviewed, but the ruling on the field was reversed from an incomplete pass.

Then, bedlam ensued just two and a half minutes later. Tracy Porter would jump Reggie Wayne’s route, and intercept Peyton Manning to take it 74 yards the other way to solidify the Saints victory.

Super Bowl XLIV was played at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Carrie Underwood would sing the National Anthem, Emmitt Smith would perform the coin toss, and The Who would perform the halftime show. The Colts were a five point favorite.

Drew Brees was named the Super Bowl MVP, finishing 32/39 for 288 yards, and two passing touchdowns. Perhaps the best gem we received in the Super Bowl was afterwards, when Brees said this:

"“Four years ago, who ever thought this would be happening when 85 percent of the city was under water? Most people left not knowing if New Orleans would ever come back, or if the organization would ever come back. We just all looked at one another and said, ‘We are going to rebuild together. We are going to lean on each other.‘ This is the culmination in all that belief.”"

It gives me goosebumps to type this article, and even more to relive those moments that we cherish so dear.