Football is not something we all need in the next few months. The issues facing United States of America are no doubt pressing and will likely change many people’s lives for at least a generation. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, protests, economic uncertainty, and evictions, the feelings of despair runs rampant in many of cities.
Unifying Who Dat Nation when the Season Begins for the New Orleans Saints Remains a Question
The truth is, the NFL and the New Orleans Saints are luxuries in the “Big Easy.” The crucial ingredient in spawning a franchise over many years of suffering goes to the loyal faithfuls. The 1980s brought a glimmer of hope and plenty of lackluster teams in the black and gold. On the other hand, Jim Mora brought a consistent winning expectation. The only kink in the armor was the 0-4 playoff record.
Finally, the Saints eventually became playoff winners and brought home a Super Bowl. The people were the secret ingredient. There was no draft for the fans. Generations come and go as a new wave of “Who Dats” enter the fray of another hopeful outcome.
Still, the fans held court. They never gave up. Even recently, when the Saints had three 7-9 seasons in a row the fans came. They came back after Hurricane Katrina. When the city nearly drowned underneath waves of muck. Murky water and starving fans stood at a bridge waiting to be rescued. Surely, many wore Saints gear reminiscing about some of the good times; others literally died waiting for help that never came.
Katrina Never Stopped the Enthusiasm
The people of New Orleans waited and waded through waves of uncertainty before, keeping their heads above water to try and survive. And maybe one day, a chance to rebuild – a chance to thrive in a new city. Not to mention, to be part of one nation under immense pressure to come together to unite behind a mission.
Here we are in 2020. The season is slated to start on time, but everyone is simply hoping for a miracle. Surely, a vaccine is the number one hope to rid countless suffering around the world. Even if the miracle happens, the earliest would be in the year 2021.
Be that as it may, there is another battle ongoing. Ironically, the country is as polarized as ever. Unfortunately, The Who Dat Nation has succumbed to a similar fate. Taking COVID-19 out of it, fans of the Saints are at odds with each other.
The infighting is sad to see. Of course, the conflict can be overlooked. All of us can pretend to be 100 percent behind the team this year. But circumstances surrounding the issues of the country has made it down to the bayou. Usually, the people can rally around the upcoming season and let grudges go.
The controversy around the country’s inept ability to address racism, economic disparity, and varying political beliefs have poisoned even the most loyal of fans. Some have been season ticket holders for decades.
Jarrius Robertson Became A Beacon of Hope
There was a time when a little kid could teach us all a bit of knowledge.
The reclaiming of innocence seems to be eons ago. Points of time drift from day to day during the pandemic plays a similar tone as a broken record spins into constant chaos.
Still, there has to be hope. Jarrius lived on hope alone. For many of us, being a kid meant having no responsibility. Not worrying about the future. The present was all that mattered. Now, the New Orleans Saints eventually will play some football.
Camp is opening without fans. Games likely shall follow the protocol of camp at least early on. But the question remains for fans of The Who Dat Nation. Will there be a common ground where fans of varying opinions can support the 2020 team? Moreover, how much will it matter without many fans anyway. Football in New Orleans is usually the one place where everyone is on the same page. The team will be ready. Are the fans going to be able to unite behind them is the real question.
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