For 42 years, the New Orleans Saints have been supported by the greatest sports fans in the world. Despite a history of losing seasons, poor play, bad coaching and horrific front office decisions, the fans have stayed loyal to their team. Each year, the team has been supported by boisterous sellout crowds, first at Tulane Stadium and eventually at the Louisiana Superdome.

Regardless of the record, the fans showed their support, even if some of them showed up with bags on their head. While a few teams made the playoffs and the 2006 team made it to the NFC Championship Game, nothing compares to the 2009 Saints.  Finally, this year, the New Orleans Saints have delivered a team that is worthy of its fans, the very best in the league.

As was demonstrated in front of a nationwide television audience and over 70,000 screaming fans in the dome, the New Orleans Saints have no equal in the NFL. The team literally destroyed the New England Patriots, the standard bearer for excellence in the league.

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton and his staff have done a tremendous job. The players, led by Quarterback Drew Brees, are playing at a superior level. Credit must also be given to the front office, to General Manager Mickey Loomis and to owner Tom Benson. In recent years, the Saints made the right moves in their free agent acquisitions and draft choices and have developed the best organization in professional football.

It is amazing to think that only four years ago, there was much debate about the future of the Saints in New Orleans. There was serious talk about moving to San Antonio, Texas and questions about whether this community could support a NFL team post-Katrina. The community responded with continued sellout crowds and generous corporate support. We also need to thank former Saints Vice President and current Councilman-at-large Arnie Fielkow for all he did to keep the team in New Orleans. He never wavered in his commitment to this city and went to bat for the fans when many others wanted to abandon New Orleans.

Governors Blanco and Jindal and the Louisiana Legislature also provided the financial support that was essential to keeping the team in New Orleans. Team owner Tom Benson has not been easy to bargain with, but he realizes that he owns the most coveted professional sports franchise in the Gulf Coast.

However, everyone should realize that the Saints are a successful franchise because of the tremendous fan support. Along with the great play and coaching, another reason for the team’s success this year has been the only constant in the 42 year history of the franchise, the outstanding fan support. Congratulations to the fans for keeping the faith, their loyalty will pay off big time this year, with a Super Bowl victory.

Jeff Crouere is the Host of “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Fri. and 10:00 p.m. Sun. on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and 7 till 11 a.m. weekdays on WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the Northshore. He is the Political Analyst for WGNO-TV ABC26 and a Columnist for selected publications. For more information, visit his web site at RingsidePolitics.com. E-mail him at jeff@ringsidepolitics.com