Getting Ready for the Season 

It has been a very busy offseason following the Super Bowl win, but I have really enjoyed the excitement. I view the Super Bowl victory as a humbling experience because I have worked my whole career to be able to win the big game. Now that I have accomplished my dream, it is time to repeat the process and do it all over again! The feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment that you get after such a big achievement is so rewarding, and it makes me hungry to come back strong this year and win again. I have been asked by so many people to attend important events, parties, and shows, but I have been humbled by this whole Super Bowl ride. I am making sure that I keep my feet on the ground and remember how I got to this point. I am staying in shape and working on my physical strength, while making sure to spend time with my family and friends. It is very nice to have all of these options to attend big parties and events, but I am happy with staying close to my roots and being thankful for everything I have been given.

The offseason has been a roller coaster ride, but now it is time to get back to work and prepare to win another Super Bowl Championship next year. This offseason has been different from others in the past, but the extra energy and motivation I have from witnessing the excitement following a championship will keep me hungry. I have been working hard this offseason to not get distracted by the hype associated with being champions. My job is to play well on the football field and I am making sure that I can get even better for the fall.

Looking ahead to the 2010-2011 season, the Saints can improve in a few minor ways. We need to come back strong and ready to grind it out. We should use this Super Bowl run as a learning experience that motivates us even more. We will not come back relaxed and at ease because we are the reigning champs, but we will come back strong to protect our title as the best team in the NFL. We can improve in a few ways: our run defense needs to become stronger, we need to create more opportunities for sacks within the general scheme of our defense (not just on designated blitzes), and we need to avoid giving up the big plays on defense and making costly penalties. Our team as a whole is much smarter after experiencing what it takes to win a Super Bowl trophy. We will use our experience and team cohesion to our benefit next year.

I have been working hard to raise money and awareness for Haiti. I have donated a lot of time and energy this offseason to a cause that means a lot to me. I am very proud of the work we have been able to do, so even though it requires a lot of time, I want to make sure everything runs smoothly. The Haiti tragedy has humbled me as a person and has made me realize the power you can have if you are passionate about a cause. I am very thankful to be able to help out the people who need our aid the most. Thanks to everyone who has donated money, time, resources, and prayer to the Haiti relief efforts!

The NFL Draft is coming up this Thursday night. While I don’t have any hopes or predictions to share, I am excited to see who will become a New Orleans Saint and help us make another Super Bowl run.