The Saints injury report, issued for the frst time in Super Bowl week, listed running back Lynell Hamilton as the only who did not practice. Hamilton is hobbled by an ankle injury.
Former Saint Archie Manning attracted a huge media throng as he appeared to honor the Saints offensive line as the Madden most valuable protectors. The inaugural award is symbolic of the best offense line in football.
Many said what he has said many times in the past 10 days. He will pull for his son Peyton's team in the Super Bowl. But of the Saints he said, "I knew they would make it eventually. I told Olivia (his wife) that I wanted to see the Saints in the Super Bowl and Ole Miss again in the Sugar Bowl." Ole Miss has not appeared in the Sugar Bowl since January 1, 1970 when Manning quarterbacked the Rebels to a win over Arkansas.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees knows his New Orleans. He was asked by a member of the media throng what was the meaning of the fleur de lis? Brees explained it expertly, harkening back to the time Louisiana was under French rule.
It was Brees, as always, superbly prepared.