Two Saints legends reflect on their time in New Orleans
Tracy Porter has a special place in New Orleans Saints history. Super Bowl hero, but his interception in the NFC Championship against the Vikings was just as pivotal in sending the Saints to the Super Bowl in 2009. Brett Maxie was a Saint from 1985 to 1993 and was part of the first winning season and playoff appearance in franchise history.
Porter struggled with appearing for his induction as his wife has just given birth to their son Sayden. The delivery wasn't easy, but Porter made it to the luncheon with his daughters.
"Honestly, I was on the fence about coming because of that," he said. "But my daughters, my wife — they said this is a huge honor. The Saints, the city, the fan base — they mean so much to us. You guys are like family to us. So that's why when I see you I don't mind taking pictures, signing autographs, having conversations.
"But it was a mental hurdle that I had to overcome. I haven't overcome it, but you guys have made that a little bit easier to deal with. So, for that, I want to say, 'Thank you.'"
Porter reflected on the 2009 Super Bowl run and how much it means to him.
"Words can't describe what that means and how excited I am that my hometown team, that I helped bring our first championship to, is recognizing me in this way and giving me these accolades," he said.
Maxie highlighted his journey as an undrafted rookie and reflected on his time with New Orleans.
"(The Saints) found me somehow," said Maxie, "I don't know how they did it, but they were looking at film, and they saw this guy just running around from sideline to sideline making tackles. After the draft, they asked me would I come to New Orleans and try to make their football team."
Saints legend Steve Gleason also received the inaugural Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award. Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and started his non profit organization, Team Gleason, which supports people living with ALS via technology, equipment and services.
Finally, Saints journalist Ed Daniels received the Joe Gemelli Fleur De Lis Award for his contributions to the organization. Daniels' wife accepted the award on his behalf.
The luncheon was a celebration of Saints legends, but people whose contributions will be felt for years by Saints fans.