The 2009-10 season, capped by a Super Bowl championship in February, was certainly the highlight of the Saints’ decades of existence. Today, the gridiron heroes begin the defense of their title with a game against the Seattle Seahawks, to be played in Seattle despite the club’s losing record.

It has been a tough season for the Saints. Injuries have plagued the team, and all the calls that seemed to go their way last year seem to be going against them this year. They remain a strong team, however, and Saints fans, probably more than any other fans in the country, have an abundance of faith.

Win or lose, true Saints fans are Saints fans for life, and even if the boys do not make it out of the first round, a swarm of fans will surely be there to greet them when their plane touches down in New Orleans, warm memories of last year buzzing in their heads.

Area residents should also remember, however, the sense of camaraderie that filled the region following that historic Super Bowl win. For a few days, everyone was united under the banner of “Saints fan.” If they keep that feeling going, everyone will be a winner all year long.