Bonafide Love Fest

The Saints have certainly come a long way since the “Joe Horn, did you bone my wife?” era. The franchise, once known for having more locker room drama than an episode of Desperate Housewives, may have finally found a way to translate their on-field chemistry into off-field friendships.

Coming off one of the most successful seasons in franchise history will do that to you, not to mention being the product of good leadership in the form of Sean “Tough Love” Payton and the ever humble Drew Brees. During the 2007 Meet the Saints luncheon, The Chicks played witness to male bonding between the teammates, at its finest. The traditionally good natured event took on an even more laid back vibe this year. It was almost like crashing a party full of poker buddies who just love giving each other a hard time.

Take for instance the Water Park Distance Champion Award, presented to Defensive Lineman Scott Fujita who famously injured his knee during a team field trip. During his acceptance speech, Fujita told the crowd and his teammates, “I already felt like an ass but now I feel like an even bigger ass.” He also thanked Charles Grant for saving his life by being in the way as he came down the slide, preventing him from going all the way through a fence. (It’s a fact that Grant apparently reminds him of quite regularly.) Fujita also used the opportunity to announce his retirement in the Water Park Distance Olympics.

The awards kept coming and not all of them were of a tongue and cheek nature. Will Smith gave credit to his teammates for his honor as the Defensive Player of The Year. Steve Gleason was happy to accept the award for being the Special Teams Player of The Year, a bittersweet honor given his season ending knee injury. Deuce McAllister was given the Saints 2006 Ed Block Courage Award, a distinction voted on by the teammates. Deuce was honored for his rehabilitation during the difficult 2005 season following his ACL injury and his strong comeback in 2006.

Alright, enough of the mushy stuff…back to the heckling!! Veteran sportscaster Jim Henderson led the revelry as Master of Ceremonies. Below are just a few Chick Picks of Henderson’s far too G-Rated nitpicks:

Henderson On #7 Steve Weatherford’s Celebrity Crush: “Why does Steve Weatherford wear a Dukes of Hazzard jersey to sleep each night? Well, rumor has it that Jessica Simpson wears a #7 jersey to bed.”

Henderson’s Nickname for Reggie Bush: King of All Media

Henderson On Newbie Kicker Olindo Mare: “What was Miami thinking let you go? They obviously weren’t!”

Henderson On Scott Fujita’s Slip-n-Slide: “Next year you may want to stick to the kiddie pool with some floaties to stay out of trouble at the water park.”

(If this were an 80’s sitcom, we’d cue the laugh track, freeze frame, and call for a credit roll.)