New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - Article Henderson living the dream

Fans lined the breezeway outside Brothers on the Boulevard on Saturday to get an autograph from Saints receiver Devery Henderson

Henderson, an Opelousas native and second-round draft pick of the Saints in 2004, recently wrapped up his sixth NFL season helping his team to a 31-17 win in Super Bowl XLIV, a game in which he had seven receptions for 63 yards.

Since then, Opelousas and the entire state of Louisiana, for that matter, hasn't been the same.

Henderson saw firsthand as he entered the store to a multitude of cheers.

"It's good to see how much the fans appreciate me, the team and what we've done," Henderson said.

One fan in particular, 11-year-old Jacob Conque wanted a picture of Henderson more than anything. Conque, who was on his way to pick up a copy of Madden 10 for his Playstation 3, made the trip along with his grandfather Delmon McNabb, a former LSU track member.

"It's cool being here," Conque said. "I've never seen any of the Saints in person, but they're my favorite team. I love playing with the Saints on Madden."

Henderson, who has achieved stardom without ever leaving Louisiana, had a stellar career at LSU capped with a BCS national championship in 2003, under then-coach Nick Saban — the school's first football championship since 1958.

He then helped deliver the Saints first Super Bowl in team history. Henderson has 157 receptions for 3,094 yards and 16 TDs as a Saint.

"It's a blessing," Henderson said of his career. "Not too many people can experience that. Not too many people are that fortunate."

Since the Super Bowl, Henderson's life has kicked into overdrive.

Before making the trip to Lafayette, Henderson had an autograph signing earlier in the day at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.

Henderson said he is also planning a parade in Opelousas, although there is no set date.

And along with former LSU standouts Kevin Faulk and Josh Reed, Henderson will participate in the grand opening ceremony for Pit Stop Truck Wash on Ambassador Caffrey on March 13.

Brothers owner Edward Abdalla said the event took place because he asked Henderson if he was interested in doing an autograph signing when he spotted the 5-foot-11 receiver shopping in the store last week. Henderson kindly obliged.

"He's the nicest guy," Abdalla said. "Nicest guy you ever want to meet. I love that he represents the state, Opelousas, LSU and the Saints."

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