Sept. 30, 2026, 8:54 p.m. ET
See photos from the Saints’ emotional win in the return to their home stadium.
Above, Saints wide receiver Joe Horn (#87) yells to teammates in a huddle before a Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 25, 2006, at the Superdome in New Orleans.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints huddles up his team during the first quarter of the Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees during the first half of the Saints 23-3 win over Atlanta Monday, September 25, 2006, at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Kevin C. Cox, NFL
Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints calls out a play during the Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Runningback Deuce McAllister #26 of the New Orleans Saints is taken down by Michael Boley #59 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of the Monday Night Football game on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
An overall view of the first kick-off to start the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
New Orleans Saints safety (39) Curtis Delatch is congratulted by teammates (87) Joe Horn and (16) Lance Moore after scoring a touchdown off a blocked punt in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. The Monday Night Football game was the first event in the Louisiana Superdome a year after it was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina and used as a shelter from the storm by tens of thousands of people.
John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES Via Reuters Connect
Wide receiver Devery Henderson #19 of the New Orleans Saints is challenged by Demorrio Williams #51 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of the Monday Night Football game on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
New Orleans head coach Sean Payton and the Saints bench look on during the first half of their 23-3 win over Atlanta Monday, September 25, 2006, at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Kevin C. Cox, NFL
Fred Thomas #22 of the New Orleans Saints blocks a punt in the second quarter of the game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Justin Griffith #33 of the Atlanta Falcons tries to get past the New Orleans defense in the second quarter of the Monday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Runningback Deuce McAllister #26 of the New Orleans Saints tries to get past Michael Boley #59 and DeAngelo Hall #21 of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the Monday Night Football game on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
The New Orleans Saints kick off during the Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game. The Saints won 23-3.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
Wide receiver Lance Moore #16 of the New Orleans Saints runs from Brandon Jamison #54 of the Atlanta Falcons on a punt return during the game on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints watches his team from the sidelines during the game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Wide Receiver Joe Horn #87 of the New Orleans Saints runs away from Michael Boley #59 of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the Monday Night Football game on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
The New Orleans Saints defense line tackles Atlanta running back Warrick Dunn (28) during the first half Monday, September 25, 2006, at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.The Saints defeated the Falcons 23 – 3.
Allen Kee, NFL
Allen Rossum #20 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with the ball during the Monday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
Runningback Warwick Dunn #28 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by Austin King #66 and John Abraham #55 of the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter of the Monday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
Wide Receiver Joe Horn #87 of the New Orleans Saints warms up for the Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
Centerback Jimmy Williams #24 of the Atlanta Falcons plays in the Monday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
Head coach Jim Mora of the Atlanta Falcons yells at his team from the sidelines against the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
Runningback Warwick Dunn #28 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up for the Monday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
Fans gather outside the newly refurbished Superdome prior to the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Runningback Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints jumps in the air with teammate wide receiver Joe Horn #87 prior to the start of the Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
Curtis DeLoatch #39 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown after recovering a blocked punt by the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of the Monday Night Football game on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
A fan holds up a sign during the Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game. The Saints won the game 23-3.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
New Orleans running back Reggie Bush (25) during team introductions Monday, September 25, 2006, at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Falcons 23 – 3.
Allen Kee, NFL
(L-R) Spike Lee, Branford Marsalis and Harry Connick, Jr. look on from the sidelines during the second half of the New Orleans Saints 23-3 win over the Atlanta Falcons Monday, September 25, 2006, at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Kevin C. Cox, NFL
Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints watches his team from the sidelines during the game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Runningback Reggie Bush #25 waves to the fans he leaves the field after the Saints 23-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the Monday Night Football game on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Katie and Jamie Province of New Orleans pose for a photograph with their make-up in support of the New Orleans Saints outside the newly refurbished Superdome prior to the Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Eddie Livette (L) and Misty Angelle (R) of New Orleans dance outside the newly refurbished Superdome prior to the Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
A fan holds up a sign during the Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
A New Orleans Saints cheerleader cheers during the Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
Confetti flies as a Saints fans enter the newly refurbished Superdome after the official re-opening ceremony at Gate C prior to the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
New Orleans Saints fans hold up signs during the first quarter of the Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
A player holds his walkman during the National Anthem prior to the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
Quarterback Drew Brees #9 leaves the field after the Saints 23-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the Monday Night Football game on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Former President of the United States, George H. W. Bush (C) walks on the field for the coin toss prior to the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
Lt. Gen. Russel Honore of the U.S. Army attends the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. General Honore served as Commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, coordinating military relief efforts, after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf coast last August.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
A fan holds up a sign during the Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game. The Saints won the game 23-3.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
A New Orleans Saints cheerleader cheers during the Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
(L-R) The Edge of U2, Billie Joe Armstrong, the lead singer for the rock group Green Day and Bono of U2 perform prior to the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
The Edge of U2, Billie Joe Armstrong, the lead singer for the rock group Green Day and Bono of U2 perform prior to the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Rebecca Butala, Getty Images
Owner of the New Orleans Saints, Tom Benson, his wife Gayle and his granddaughter, Rita Benson LeBlanc, Saints Chief Operating Officer celebrate as they leave the field after the Saints 23-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the Monday Night Football game on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Confetti flys as the banner drops outside the Louisana Superdome before the ESPN Monday Night Football game September 25, 2006 in New Orleans.
Al Messerschmidt, NFL
Runningback Reggie Bush #25 leaves the field after the Saints 23-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the Monday Night Football game on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates with teammate Jammal Brown #70 after their team’s 23-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the Monday Night Football game on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight’s game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
New Orleans running back Reggie Bush celebrates after a defensive stop in the second half of the Saints 23-3 win over Atlanta Monday, September 25, 2006, at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Kevin C. Cox, NFL
Leave a Reply