I would like to congratulate the New Orleans Saints on their Super Bowl 44 win. To the team, organization, fans, and city - enjoy and celebrate. Oh wait, it's Mardi Gras time - you are already celebrating. Just keep it going :-)

A special congratulations to Pierre Thomas, the running back who scored two touchdowns. I got to see Pierre play 2 seasons with the University of Illinois Fighting Illini. He was overshadowed by Reshard Mendenhall at school, but man has he come on strong in the NFL. Pierre was not drafted. He earned that spot. And I think he is the best back on the Saints. Here is a great tribute video to both Pierre Thomas and Kelvin Hayden of the Colts, another former Illini.

Sean Payton, head coach of the Saints, Saints special teams coach Greg McMahon, Saints assistant special teams coach Mike Mallory all served as assistant coaches at Illinois as well. Congrats to them.