America’s Vote…

The Indianapolis Colts have become the equivalent to a parent’s “best friend.” From the top of the franchise to the bottom of the 53 man roster, the Colts organization is full of individuals that parents can embrace. Although I cannot attest for all, based on opinion and insight it seems clear that the majority of the “stars” for the Colts are players that parents can feel comfortable with as role models for their children. From Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne to Tony Dungy and Jim Caldwell, the Colts franchise is littered with not only good football talent, but good people.

In today’s world children grow up envying athletes, Lebron James, Peyton Manning, and Albert Pujols are just a few of the superstars that children look up to and dream of one day becoming. However, just as the Colts have a plethora of role models, the Saints have an abundance of national support. The Dallas Cowboys have long been known as America’s team, but after hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, America’s hearts swung in favor of the Saints. This Super Bowl doesn’t offer the usual “hero-villain” matchup that fans love to see. Instead it offers a clash of the “good guys” of the NFL, the Tim Tebow’s and Tyler Hansbrough’s of pro football. Sure you might hate their success or be opposed to their message, but at the end of the day you respect their desire and passion for the game. 

Thus, come Super Bowl Sunday many football fans may be conflicted as to who to root for or who to root against. In my opinion the majority will eventually find themselves in the corner of the Saints, not necessarily rooting against the Colts, but rooting for the Saints and for a memorable Super Bowl. As an Indianapolis native it seems a bit unfair that the national media and population may sway towards the Saints, I cannot blame them. Although the Colts have been great for the state of Indiana, nothing compares to the positive influence the Saints have had on their community after hurricane Katrina. At least for this game we won’t have to listen to the New York media build up a team of their own for an entire two weeks.