Inspirational Sport
By Marcie Dickson
Oct 20, 2009 - 12:00 AM
I was 12 the first time I saw the New York Giants play at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. I spent most of that game pondering why the Giants and the Jets played in Jersey instead of New York and the rest of it harassing my dad with questions after every play: “What’s a down?” “What’s forward progress?” My questions were really just a diversion from my indifference toward the game, a way to pass the time and subtly imply that I was a less-than-ideal sports companion. I guess it worked because my dad never took me to another pro game. And I never asked to go.
Until recently, football was the only sport I didn’t understand. But I always acted like I knew all the nuances of the game. It’s not hard to fake it. All that’s required is to get excited when everyone else cheers and yell any time you see a yellow flag: “That wasn’t a horse collar!” or “Better not be holding!” Works like a charm. Well, at least until you actually develop an interest in the sport.
These days, I’m enamored with football thanks to the New Orleans Saints and the thousands of “bleeding” black-and-gold hearts around here. I wonder how many other converts floating around the city used to loathe football but can now barely contain their urge to scream out “Who Dat?”
On my way to the game this past Sunday, I passed hundreds of fans who milled through the streets like anxious angels headed toward heaven. Most folks were already stumbling along with libations in hand, stammering staccato “Who Dats?” every 15 seconds. And despite the crowd’s diversity, everyone chanted in unison, with an air of congeniality and football-inspired fellowship. I wish CNN had been there to film such positive sights.
A few blocks from the Superdome, some random guy — who pretty much fit the description of a Tangipahoa justice of the peace — approached me and insisted that I accept a strand of black-and-gold beads. Baffled, I accepted them, smiled and shouted “Who Dat?” instead of “Thank you.” It was a strange exchange, one that I’m certain would not have occurred had we not been en route to the game.
I’ve discovered that this is the beauty of football season in New Orleans. People come together, join hands, pray, hope for the best, eat, drink and be merry. Granted, not everyone’s interested in whether the Saints will remain undefeated, but my guess is those folks feign indifference because it’s too scary to embrace the beefed-up bruise fest for what it really symbolizes.
I’ve been in enough cities to know that football symbolizes something different in each city. In some places, it’s just a pastime, in others, a way of life. Here in New Orleans, football serves as a metaphor for hope, revitalization and unification. But then again, what do I know? I used to hate football.
What do you think?
About This Blog
In spite of how much she tries to feign Cajun flavor and infuse her speech with yat, Marcie Dickson is not from New Orleans. She’s a Jersey girl — born and raised.
She still has intense cravings for Jersey bagels and “diner fare,” but she would gladly swear it off for a lifetime, especially if it means she can continue indulging in crawfish etouffee, jambalaya and bread pudding.
And it’s not that she’s chosen to disavow her New Jersey roots, it’s just that she’s incredibly smitten with New Orleans. Aside from hurricane season and shady politics, what’s not to love about this grand city?
She hasn’t quite decided what she loves most: strolls through Audubon Park, music in the Marigny, drinking daiquiris on sidewalks, or Mardi Gras, among many other things.
Her list continues to grow as she discovers more each day. Follow this quirky girl as she makes her way through this equally quirky city.
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Reader Comments:
Marcie,
I do agree with you that the Saints have been a sign of hope and unification. I'm a long time season ticket holder for LSU Football and it is unlike no other. I did have the opportunity to attend the Saints/Giants game this past weekend and it was a site to see, let me tell you!!!! The crowd was so supportive and it really makes a difference. I will definitely be attending more Saints games. By the way.... CNN can leave the "Who Dat" cheer out; it makes us look like illiterate Cajuns down here. Sorry if that offends.
Keep 'em coming. Thanks Marcie!!
Marcie,
I do agree with you that the Saints have been a sign of hope and unification. I'm a long time season ticket holder for LSU Football and it is unlike no other. I did have the opportunity to attend the Saints/Giants game this past weekend and it was a site to see, let me tell you!!!! The crowd was so supportive and it really makes a difference. I will definitely be attending more Saints games. By the way.... CNN can leave the "Who Dat" cheer out; it makes us look like illiterate Cajuns down here. Sorry if that offends.
Keep 'em coming. Thanks Marcie!!
Illiterate cajuns? What?
"whodat" cajun talk ??? where you from mon ami?
I was there when it all started. The jingle came from a crowd of fans who were definitely Inner City folks, not Cajuns, it had a definite Big Easy rhythm to it and it went like this --- "Who Dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints? Who Dat? Who Dat?" . It was inspired by the respected and winning Saints team that included then quarterback, Bobby Hebert and the infamous defense named the "Dome Patrol" and it caught on like wild fire. All Saints Fans took it and ran with it. It wasn't a Cajun phrase but it became the Saints Fan anthem ever since.