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"New Orleans is like no other place,” said Saints middle linebacker Curtis Lofton. “All of my buddies call and ask me what I think, and it is really tough to explain.”

Understandably so. Lofton had complex feelings about coming to New Orleans this offseason as an unrestricted free agent after spending four seasons with an NFC South rival, the Atlanta Falcons, where he was selected in second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

The former Oklahoma standout started 66 of the 67 games he appeared in as a Falcon, totaling 599 tackles (402 solo), four sacks, three interceptions, seven forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 17 pass defenses with his best year to date coming in the 2011 season where he rang up double-digit tackles in ten regular season games. He registered 19 tackles (nine solo) with two for a loss against the Saints last season.

As do all division opponents, Lofton and the Falcons traveled to New Orleans and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome once each season to compete in a battle for division standings.

“We knew that once we came to New Orleans, it was going to be a tough place to play,” said Lofton as he recounts his four trips as a Falcon. “Their fans were going to be loud and active in the game. I never really understood the love of this team by their fans.”

In just three months, Lofton went from competing in a Falcons uniform against the Saints to donning the Black and Gold. The Kingfisher, Okla., native made a quick transition to his new city and his new team.

“I was really surprised how easy the adjustment was,” said Lofton. “I met the coaches and got to meet some of the players. The players were great, and they welcomed me with open arms. If I needed any help with anything, questions, places to go eat, any of that, they were there.”

He had some friends on the team but quickly became acclimated with his new teammates. He spoke with linebacker Jonathan Vilma and safety Roman Harper before signing with New Orleans but has become close with each individual in the locker room since his arrival.

Lofton began to learn more about the city of New Orleans and the fan base very quickly as well. Within a few weeks, the linebacker was being recognized in restaurants and stores by the Who Dat Nation all over the city.

“I hadn’t played a snap,” said Lofton. “I hadn’t stepped on the field or anything, and people would know my name. I just thought, ‘how does anyone know me?’ This community just loves their Saints.”

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Something different. Glad you've embraced the city.

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