SAINTS PARADE NEW ORLEANS

The New Orleans Saints have been given a jubilant reception by tens of thousands of fans during a victory parade to mark the team's first NFL championship. New Orleans Saints Many fans credit the Saints with uniting New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina The players tossed beads into the crowd and signed autographs for screaming fans while owner Tom Benson shouted the team's trademark "Who Dat!" chant into a microphone. "Here's to the best Mardi Gras week in the history of this city," head coach Sean Payton said, raising a glass of champagne during a toast outside the city's historic Gallier Hall. The parade, a week before the city's signature Fat Tuesday celebration, started outside the Saints' home ground, the Louisiana Superdome. "How's the 'Who Dat' nation feel tonight?" Saints quarterback and Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Drew Brees yelled to the crowd. "This toast goes out to you. We love you and we won that championship for you." Drew Brees Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees More than a dozen marching bands joined the team on its route, which passed by the edge of the French Quarter and ended at the city's convention centre. Although no official crowd estimates were released, many fans said the gathering seemed larger than any during Mardi Gras. (Sky News)