Who Dat? Super Bowl XLIV preserved on George Halas Drive

{GALLERY}The New Orleans Saints magical 2009 season capped by a thrilling victory in Super Bowl XLIV was celebrated on Bourbon Street and all around New Orleans. Now, fans on George Halas Drive can savor the great Super Bowl win.

Mementos from Saints quarterback Drew Brees and head coach Sean Payton arrived at the Pro Football Hall of Fame (located at 2121 George Halas Drive NW in Canton) on Wednesday afternoon.

The jersey Brees wore during his Most Valuable Player performance in the Saints’ 31-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Feb. 7, 2010 was among the pieces shipped to the Hall. Payton’s coaching outfit, including his signature visor, along with his head set and the challenge flag from the game, were also among the memorabilia sent to the Hall of Fame.

“We’re obviously thrilled that Drew and Sean were willing to donate something to us from this historic moment in Saints history,” stated the Hall’s Vice President-Communications/Exhibits Joe Horrigan. “These pieces will forever conjure up images of such a thrilling Super Bowl not only for Saints fans but for football fans everywhere.”

The museum’s curatorial staff will place the items on exhibit in the upcoming days. Already on display in the Hall of Fame is the coin that was used for the pre-game toss.
 

Saints archived

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s archive is home to the largest collection of pro football memorabilia found in the world. Among the artifacts preserved by the Hall’s curatorial staff are numerous items charting the history of the New Orleans Saints. Here’s a sampling of mementos from the Saints past that are in Canton.

 The 1967 jersey worn by Jim Taylor who ended his career with the Saints.

 The helmet worn by Hall of Fame defensive tackle Doug Atkins when he finished his career with New Orleans from 1967-69.

 Danny Abramowicz’s dented helmet from a memorable NFL Films clip in which he collided with a camera during the Saints game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 17, 1971.

 Running Back George Rogers' jersey when he set the franchise record with 1,674 rushing yards in 1981. The mark still stands today.

 Documents outlining modifications to the Superdome in preparation for the stadium serving as the venue for Super Bowl XXXI .

 Joe Horn’s jersey from the Saints first game back at the Louisiana Superdome after the devastation from Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans beat the Atlanta Falcons in an emotional game played on Sept. 25, 2006.

 Drew Brees on Dec. 28, 2008 joined Dan Marino as the only QBs in history to throw for 5,000 yards in a season. The jersey he wore in that season finale against the Carolina Panthers was donated to the Hall days after the historic milestone