The 2010 Super Bowl Champion’s were honored at a White House reception yesterday. President Barack Obama hosted the New Orleans Saints and accepted jersey #44 from team QB and Super Bowl XLIV MVP Drew Brees.
Team owner Tom Benson and Saints head coach Sean Payton led the group into the East Room to the strains of the U.S. Marine Band playing When the Saints Go Marching In.
The White House event wasn’t just about the Saints victory on the field but was also a nod to the team’s efforts to rejuvenate the entire region devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Obama said: “Look, I’m a Bears fan. I’m not going to lie. But this was a big win for the country – not just for New Orleans – because five years ago, this team played its entire season on the road. It didn’t have a home field.”
The Saints 2010 season will begin in the Superdome against Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. The night game, on Thursday September 9, will be televised on NBC.
More White House reception photos and video below:
Photos: Carrie Devorah – WENN