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JUPITER — Backup running back Mike Bell played a minimal role in New Orleans' 31-17 victory over Indianapolis in Super Bowl XLIV at Sun Life Stadium two weeks ago, but he's still gotten the hero's treatment since returning to the Bayou.

"No matter what your role in the game, you still feel like a celebrity," Bell said Saturday night.

"It's been crazy."

Bell, fellow running back Pierre Thomas and tight end David Thomas joined teammate and West Palm Beach native Heath Evans at a charity softball game to benefit the Heath Evans Foundation at Roger Dean Stadium.

Evans, who tore an ACL at mid-season, said he was gratified at finally winning the big prize after coming close with New England two years ago. But he still termed the experience of not being able to play as "bittersweet."

"I was pulling like crazy for our boys and our staff and our city," he said, "but at the end of the day it was tough having a coaching hat on instead of a helmet."

A number of NFL stars with local ties added star power to the festivities, including Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester of Riviera Beach, New York Jets wideout David Clowney of Delray Beach and Cleveland safety Abram Elam of West Palm Beach.

Also participating were New England wide receiver Randy Moss, who spends his off-season in Boca Raton, and former Patriots defensive back Rodney Harrison, now an NBC analyst.

David Thomas had just come with his family from Disney World, a trip he said was planned even before the Saints earned a trip with their victory. He said the Saints' victory parade was an experience he won't forget.

"There was so much support, so loud," he said. "I don't know how many beads we threw, but it was definitely a lot."

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