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New Orleans Saints fans celebrate on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter after the Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 31-28 in overtime in an NFC conference championship football game in New Orleans, Sunday. The Saints head to their first Super Bowl appearance to face the Indianapolis Colts in Miami Feb. 7. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
It was even reflected in the political discourse.
At a forum of candidates for mayor on Monday afternoon, one candidate promised to hire "the Drew Brees of police chiefs" if he wins the election.
The Saints' 31-28 Sunday night victory over Minnesota also could mean an economic lift: Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret (MOH' Ray) says the ensuing trip to the Super Bowl puts a positive national spotlight on the state.
They are headed to Miami for a meeting with New Orleans' native son Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in two weeks. The Colts (16-2) won the AFC crown by beating the New York Jets 30-17, and are an early 4-point favorite over the Saints (15-3).
Click here for Saints Alive! blog post from Writer's Brew as Features and Special Sections Editor Leslie Criss looks back at the night of the big Saints win.