The Saints' return to New Orleans and Steve Gleason's iconic play deserve a deep rewind

On September 25th, 2006, the Saints returned to New Orleans for their first home game since Hurricane Katrina. On Monday Night Football, the nation watched as it took just four snaps for history to be made. Steve Gleason blocked the punt, Curtis Deloatch recovered, and so much of what led up to the game was forgotten.

Even before Katrina made landfall the Saints’ future was up in the air with talks of relocation coming as owner Tom Benson delayed negotiations with the state. On top of that, the Saints were facing a dangerous Falcons team led by Michael Vick and Warrick Dunn, and just a play before it looked like Atlanta wouldn’t even need to punt.

Remember how we got to this point, and relive the moment that’s now known as “Rebirth.”

Written and produced by Will Buikema
Directed by Ryan Simmons

#SBNation #DeepRewind #SteveGleason

[djdevon]

Do you ever watch a moment in sport and think, damn I'm watching a future rewinder episode.

[turntommy]

“Touchdown New Orleans”
Classy move by the commentator to not say anything after that and let everyone watching at home know how much this meant to the city.

[Clewi]

"Some wide receiver out of Hofstra" Always love to hear how people thought of him before being well known

[ignaciopadilla]

I’m from New Orleans I was there that day in the dome that moment meant the world to our city I’ll never forget it and no one in New Orleans will either great video bright tears to my eyes love the memories WhoDat for life!

[Simeautomatic]

Little known fact for those who don't know how impactful that blocked punt was, they made a Steve Gleason statue of him blocking that punt & sits outside the superdome. Forever in etched in not only saints history but new orleans as well ;)

*#BLESSYOUBOYS*

[Andrew-tgxt]

Truly one of the most amazing sports moments in recent history, my dad had ALS, praying for you Steve 🙏🙏

[alexbulgarelli]

That reverse dunk on the field goal post was art. Miss that celebration lol

[thepower_]

Benny “the Jet” Rodriguez outrunning the beast deserves a deep rewind

[spartan]

Wow, just look at that draft sheet at 2:52. In the bottom 4 rounds they drafted Rob Ninkovich, Colston, AND Zach Strief. That's a crazy amount of steals.

[matthewsawczyn]

1:35 "He doesn't possess a cannon.. only 6-feet-even"
Goes on to become one of the greatest QBs of all time

[FingeringThings]

The best punt return I have ever seen in my lifetime

[dripbayless]

Steve Gleason's mom was my 5th grade teacher. Amazing family, and amazing play.

[standoughope]

It's so sad what happened to Steve Gleason, I hope that in his most depressed moods these days he uses the memory of the New Orleans' rebirth and that he was the patron saint. Bless you Steve! =)

[producerfav]

As a Saints fan and a NO native I literally cried watching this live.

[colemouledous]

I was crying during this game
It still gives me chills
Be a Saint

[russellst.martin]

Michael Koenen is so unknown his name can only be pronounced correctly via overdub.

[AllmightyMilpil]

This is one of the most deserving rewinds ever. So glad I finally got to see it. Geaux Saints!

[jakefromstatefarm]

Mike Tirico has said the he is very proud that his call was "touchdown New Orleans" as opposed to "touchdown Saints"

[deucemcallister]

This day, I cried for a while. This game was so important to us as a region. We will never forget it.

[DJPuffles]

I love rewinders like these because it shows how sports brings us together even in rough times