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Weekly Sports Talk Show
With
an Italian, New Orleans Twist
Kyle &
Craig give their thoughts on the eve of Super Bowl
44:
Kyle
As New Orleanians, this is something we’ve been
anticipating forever - and like great weather on
Bacchus Sunday, this moment will not disappoint.
Think back to all of this franchise’s moments that
never made sense, some borderline stupid, in-fact
…drafting Russell Erxleben in the first round, Big
Ben versus Atlanta, Barefoot Mike Lansford’s 49
yarder as time ran out, Trading Archie when we
finally got him Wes Chandler to throw to, The River
City Relay followed by a missed extra point (I blame
the holder), the bag-heads and going 1-15 in
1980….the list is long and dreadful, but so was the
3rd grade.
We stand here breaking new ground as Saints – competing in
our first ever Super Bowl – with NFL immortality our
ever-lasting reward. In our way stands a the two-time world
champion high-flying Colts, Saint Archie’s son, and a
history of losses and disappointments that would break most
people, even most cities.
To that moment, I say this: You don’t scare us anymore.
Truth be told, we’ve been waiting for you since 1967. We’ve
invited you every year, but you never showed up….maybe that
was a good thing. I’m not so sure our house was ready, or
the food warm enough, or if we had enough Dixie Beer and K&B
Whiskey to accommodate. But that was yesteryear…so here and
now, we say this: Come on over…as a matter of fact, get your
ass here now. Come early, leave late. It’s what WE always
do, and after tomorrow, you’ll be one of us. You’re name is
Championship, and while it doesn’t end in a vowel and you
don’t exactly know how to pronounce anything ending in
“eaux”, you had better get used to these names and faces
because after tonight, you’re family.
This is our time, our day, dare I say, our year. We’ve been
paying on this lay-a-way, damn, since forever. And while
D.H. Holmes, Maison Blanche, Godcheaux’s and friends “ain’t
dere no more,” we are… We started here and we stayed here.
We are fans, we are family, we are Saints…and, in the words
of Saint Drew, WE ARE NEW ORLEANS!
We’ve been waiting for you…..welcome home.
Let’s get it on.
I’m Kyle. I’m a Saint.
Craig
Today, on Super Bowl Eve, I felt compelled to
venture down to the French Quarter to enjoy the
festivities. I wanted to feel the “vibe” of the Who
Dat Nation from the epicenter of the city.
With my wife and son at my side, all of us draped in black
and gold jerseys, we strolled from Canal Place to Jackson
Square, settling in on the Decatur Street semi-circular
steps near the River. As a group of dancers entertained and
poked fun at the passers-by to the delight of the capacity
crowd, I glanced at their smiling faces, at the cool blue
skies above, and at the serene beauty of St. Louis Cathedral
towering over the stoic likeness of Andrew Jackson.
One thought came to mind: For those who are not fortunate
enough to live in this great city, especially those who
ponder why our citizens would fight to overcome
incomprehensible challenges to rebuild it in the aftermath
of Katrina, I wish they could be here to experience this
setting. The privilege of living and basking in this melting
pot of culture, cuisine, architecture, ambiance, and spirit
– that’s why we overcome.
But until this day, one thing was still lacking – a
celebration of our renewal that was befitting the party
capital of the world. That’s where the 2009-2010 New Orleans
Saints came in. A team of individuals who galvanized these
embattled citizens and reflected their resilience and
fortitude. As the Dolphins, Panthers, Redskins, and Falcons
tested our run at perfection, they only strengthened our
resolve to dig deeper and find a greater will to conquer.
When the undefeated run ended, again the boisterous doubters
surfaced. Don’t have contempt for them – relish your role as
the underdog once again – it’s the only way we would have
it.
Even outsiders acknowledge the inextricable link between the
New Orleans Saints and the citizens of this great city. Here
we are on a stage that is worthy of our journey, Super Bowl
44. And your job is clear – cheer them on loudly and proudly
as though it’s a celebration of all that we have
accomplished. Whether you’re rooting from Sun Life Stadium,
from downtown New Orleans, from your favorite neighborhood
watering hole, or from your living room. Because the Saints
will hear you and feel you, as you will feel them.
One team, one community, one soul. All of us survivors. All
of us winners.
What you will hear
on the show:
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Humorous, "tell it like it is" sports
discussion |
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Frequent references to Italian movie
classics and comedies (Godfather I & II (not so much
III), Goodfellas, Caddyshack, Stripes, you get the
idea...) |
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Phrases like "Fuggetaboutit," "Bada-Boom
Bada-Bing," and "Capisce?"
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Frequent guest appearances from "da
guys" |
What you won't
hear on the show:
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References to The View,
Cosmopolitan, or Rosie O'Donnell, or phrases
like "Let's get in touch with our feminine side"
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Atlanta Falcons or Alabama Crimson
Tide fans |
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