The New Orleans Saints are NFL champions for the first time ever, rallying to upset Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 tonight (Sun., Feb. 7) in one of pro football’s most thrilling title games.
Drew Brees tied a Super Bowl record with 32 completions, the last a 2-yard slant to Jeremy Shockey for the winning points with 5:42 remaining, and was chosen the game’s MVP.
“We just believed in ourselves and we knew that we had an entire city and maybe an entire country behind us,” Brees told the Associated Press. “What can I say? I tried to imagine what this moment would be like for a long time and it’s better than expected.”
A surprise onside kick sparked the Saints’ second-half comeback. Their 25th-ranked defense made several key stops, and Tracy Porter’s 74-yard interception return on a pass from Manning, of all people, clinched it.
Manning tried to give chase, but was blocked by a New Orleans defender and fell awkwardly as the cornerback raced by. The four-time NFL MVP walked to the sideline as the Big Easy celebrations began.
“It’s time for the Saints to celebrate,” he said. “It’s their field and it’s their championship.”
Information from Espn.com and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
