You’d be surprised to learn that I, as a sports journalist, did not get the chance to watch Super Bowl XLIV. Unbelievable, I know. I have, however, had a chance to watch nearly each and every play forty times or more, courtesy of ESPN, complete with narration from a myriad of expert analysts. There are also the columns, both online and print, which have all joined in to the collective hoopla.

So, after hearing nearly every argument from every angle, I am prepared to make a judgment about last week’s big game.

The New Orleans Saints’ victory in Super Bowl XLIV is the best thing to happen to the NFL in a long, long time.

Think about it. There’s always a feeling of jubilation after the Super Bowl. Everyone has this post-ecstatic glow about them, which spills over into the following weeks. This is, almost invariably, accompanied by a tremendous sense of anticipation for the next football season.

This aura soon fades however, and fans are left with nothing but the fond memories of a weekend in February.

But, really, does anyone else feel this? This isn’t the usual post-Super Bowl fuzziness. There’s something different swirling through the emotional airwaves, something with more zip and tenacity.

This charge, without question, comes courtesy of the New Orleans Saints. We as a nation bore witness to a franchise’s first NFL title victory. This team, who only a few years ago was ravaged by the breath of mother nature, has rebuilt itself and its city into a monument to human spirit an determination. It really is a feel-good story, no matter how you slice it.

But there’s more to it than that. The Saints’ victory should give hope to all of the other downtrodden franchises around the League. Clubs like the Lions, Redskins and yes, maybe even the Raiders, can look to the fans of New Orleans and say, “We may have a shot next season.”

This win and all the storylines accompanying it will keep the NFL fresh in everyone’s mind through out the offseason. And, for once, there is nothing about that fact that doesn’t leave me feeling warm and fuzzy.

- Taylor Maxwell

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Tags | Football, New Orleans Saints, nfl, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLIV