New Orleans culture is an athlete’s dream
By Sean Nief
The Culture
One of the greatest things that New Orleans is able to provide for their athletes doesn’t come from the city itself. It doesn’t come from a restaurant or a music hall. Instead, it comes from the people who live in the city.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a legend, a transfer or a rookie. The relentless support and devotion that the fans of New Orleans give to their teams is something unrivaled by most sports markets.
Safety Kurt Coleman has been able to experience that support firsthand. Having played in Philadelphia, Kansas City, and rival Carolina before arriving in New Orleans, Coleman has been backed by some of the most dedicated fans.
However, he has been quoted saying that New Orleans still stands out. “What they do, the support that they have, it’s what makes this city as special as it is.”
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But New Orleans fans have been through the suffering with the team without letting it cloud their judgment or their feelings.
They embrace the players as part of our community, even though some of them are from so far away. Kamara walks to the Dome. Teddy Bridgewater famously rides his bike to the dome and invites others to tag along. It’s that kind of atmosphere.
Fans love the players, but not all of them worship them as celebrities as they do elsewhere. They will be more harassed by the other tourists than by a local.
Another nickname of the city is “the city that care forgot”.
This doesn’t mean that people are not motivated or unhelpful. It simply means people let things go easily, take our time. Natives of New Orleans experience life in their own way at their own pace. “Laissez les bon temps roulez” isn’t just some French statement – it’s a way of life.
Natives will have a good time and celebrate often as a way of celebrating life.
There’s always a party or a festival or celebration. It’s important not to dwell on the negative but to look for the next positive. This kind of positive reinforcement can be crucial for young players’ confidence and team confidence.