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When Sean Payton came to New Orleans in 2006 to coach the Saints, he was little more than "that guy from Dallas" to most local fans. He was young. He was energetic. He was highly regarded in football circles. But he was also the latest in a long string of coaches who had come and gone after promising everything and delivering precious little.

But if you've been watching closely, something has happened over the past 12 years. Something has changed in the ol' ballcoach's relationship with the city. That was as clear as ever in the Saints' locker room following the team's wild-card playoff victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday (Jan. 7).



As members of the Saints' 53-man squad relished their hard-fought, closer-than-anybody-really-wanted victory, Payton appeared in the locker room. He had one last demand: "I want 53 jumping right now!," he shouted.

He then proceeded to lead the way with a dance that can only be described as utterly beautiful -- if not for its technique than for its sheer sense of "dance like nobody's watching" unselfconsciousness. The locker room erupted, and, brother, they danced.

So did the city. Videos of Payton's expression of unadulterated, stiff-armed joy were captured on players' cellphones and beamed out to the Who Dat Nation. The videos soon went viral. Within two days, trumpeter Shamarr Allen had recorded a new rap song, "Hit the Sean Payton," inspired by the head coach's sweet, sweet moves. The whole thing has become a Crescent City sensation the likes of which haven't been seen in New Orleans since it first learned how to stand up and get crunk.

But in the process, Payton has given the city more than just a viral video. Gradually over the past 12 years (almost to the day; he was hired Jan 17, 2006), Sean Payton has given the city what it always wants the most: He has wrapped his arms around it and given it a hug. He has accepted it. He has, despite perceived efforts at times to keep it at arm's-length, gone native.

By all outward appearances, that guy from Dallas has become a true New Orleanian.

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Mardigras9

How fickle it all is, the love for Payton and Brees that is, when at 0-2 everyone was ready to pack them up. We have at least two more years to enjoy them with this incredible run in Saints history, maybe everyone can keep it mind, no matter how the rest of the season plays out.

Euphoria

Not everyone! I stand by SP because he is the only coach in 50 years to win a SB with this francise. As for as I car he has a job here for as long as he is alive and can bleed.

The only think I expect from him though is that when thinks aren't working that he makes tough decisions. Fire and bring in guys to get the job done. Don't hold any favortism. Part ways with your best friend or your mother if they aren't getting the job done.

He has proven to do that and isn't afraid to do so... Its about winning and nothing else. Although I am still woundering my Chase is still our back up.

E U P H O R I A

Rugby Saint II

If you read his book you'll understand his love for New Orleans. It's a great read. I still keep my autographed copy on my coffee table.

skymike

George Carlin said, "You cant have it all. Where would you put it?"

You always have either defense or offense. You cant have both Sean Payton AND Wade Phillips (or Bum, for that matter)

Payton is the only offensive master, I've ever had for a head coach, and as much as I loved "3rd and Long," when we had Rickey, Sam, Meat, & Pat, if I cant have it all, I want offense. I want to score.

The Saints are always exciting, when Payton's our coach.