Thanks to the Texans, a Bush Has Finally Arrived to Save the City of New Orleans
Sure the title of this article may be a little far fetched, but in the city of New Orleans and in the life of a Saints fan we’ve certainly learned how to dream, it’s just about all we’ve had in the franchise’s 40 year existence. We’ve also learned that most of those dreams when it comes to our football team do not get answered very often and usually never at all. That all ended last Saturday afternoon when former USC running back and Heisman trophy winner Reggie Bush fell in to the lap of the Saints as well as was thrusted into our lives.
The pick was a no-brainer for the front office due to the excitement that a player of his caliber can generate for not only a football team, but for a city and even a region. A city and a team that needs it more than any other ever has. No matter how successful Reggie Bush is in his first year in the black and gold, drafting him with the second overall pick in this year’s draft has finally put the Saints on the sporting world map (worldwide), in a way none of us could have ever dreamed or imagined, especially following the struggles through the disasters that were last seasons (hurricane and the Saints).
Will it go down as the most important day in Saints history? Certainly to date would be a solid argument given the circumstances currently surrounding this franchise, but its long-term effect can only be left for speculation at this point. The playoff victory over the Rams in 2001 surely would get some votes, but you could argue that even then the hope and excitement surrounding this organization was not at the level that it is today. With the additions of a new coaching staff, a prospective franchise quarterback, renovations to the dome and now the human high light reel that is Reggie Bush, there is a serious buzz in the city again, and it’s not just coming from the rows of FEMA trailers anymore. It’s the roaring of the most dedicated and underrated fan base in America, and they’re no longer screaming for the head of their owner but praising his willingness to take on the financial burden of the second overall pick. A burden that no doubt will turn into profits ten fold if Bush is even half the player most so-called experts and analyst project him to be.
Not even Bush knew what was waiting for him when he stepped off owner Tom Benson’s personal jet Saturday afternoon and on to the ground of his newly adopted home city. As he arrived at the Saints training facility fans flocked to him as if he were royalty, and if successful in a Saints uniform, he’ll likely be treated that way. Left speechless when later that evening he arrived at Emeril’s to a full restaurant, all there simply to be in his presence and welcome him to the Big Easy. Even more taken aback when none other than Emeril Lagasse himself emerged from the kitchen to take his order and to also welcome him to New Orleans. But he seemed most at awe when he was given a tour of the city and the surrounding areas seeing firsthand what he had before only seen on television, which as we all well know does no justice to actually witnessing the destruction firsthand.
Bush seems to understand and accept his role in all of this and first and foremost that will be to produce on the football field. Maybe he’ll even play with a chip on his shoulder after not fulfilling his dream of becoming the number one overall pick in the draft. Will there be pressure on him to become the savior that most are touting him to be in the Big Easy? Of course, but none near the likes of the pressure that Mario Williams will be under in Houston. Not only did the Texans select Williams over Bush, but they also chose him over hometown hero and fellow Houstonian Vince Young. His first game of three tackles and no sacks the boo birds are certain to arise in a city that is quickly becoming impatient with a franchise that in four years has managed to digress rather than progress. Reggie may fumble in a game three times, but in that same game if he returns a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown which do you think the majority of Saints fans will remember?
Will he really be able to single handedly save our franchise and even more so our city? That’s highly doubtful, but a lot of positive energy and a little dreaming never really hurt anybody. Especially at a time and a place that has no room for negativity in any form. And who knows maybe if we can sustain this attention surrounding our city for a while another Bush will arrive to finally provide the aid he promised our region over eight months ago.
Until then at least we can revel in the fact that the days of run Ricky run are far behind us, and the chants of run Reggie run are in our new and now suddenly promising future.
