In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, many lives have been lost in the gulf coast region, important structures wiped out and above all family ties are now strewn about the sewage floating about. Everyone is affected by this tragic loss to our nation, even-as trivial as it sounds-the football world.
The New Orleans Saints are now homeless, left stranded in San Antonio to continue their preseason and possibly the regular season. The Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, where the Saints play, was destroyed by the hurricane, leaving the Saints with the possibility of playing in Texas the rest of this season and into the playoffs.
“At this point you have to proceed on the assumption … that they may be unable to play in New Orleans at all for the entire season,” NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said in an interview with CNBC.
According to the National Football League in conjunction with the Red Cross, the NFL is now set to donate over $1 million dollars to those in need. Not only has the NFL stepped in to help, but teams have begun bringing in supplies to those in need as well. The Green Bay Packers flew into Nashville to play their final preseason game, bringing along with them emergency supplies and generators for the victims of the hurricane devastation.
According to NFL.com, Wide receiver Javon Walker of the Green Bay Packers was just one of the players affected by the hurricane. Walker has family in New Orleans.
“Obviously, dealing with what they’re going through. It puts a lot of things in perspective for me, as far as family and friends,” Walker said on NFL.com.
Quarterback Brett Favre has family in Mississippi and was also affected greatly. “To think that we’re going to try to play football and enjoy it, it’s difficult.” Favre said in an interview with NFL.com.
He teamed up with quarterback Steve McNair of the Tennessee Titans and was able to distribute supplies more efficiently. McNair was exchanging autographed photos for $100 dollar donations towards the victims of the hurricane.
All around the league teams are pushing for donations to be sent to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Many team websites, including the New Orleans Saints, have specific links to ways to donate money and resources.
Coming together and helping out is an attitude the National Football League is proud of. It is an attitude we all are proud of.
To help Hurricane Katrina victims, please call the American Red Cross at 1-800-HELP NOW or go to their web site at www.redcross.org.
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