Displaced Saints Fans In Tulsa Celebrate Super Bowl Victory

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- While most football fans in Tulsa had a casual rooting interest Sunday night, there were some passionately cheering on the New Orleans Saints in the Super Bowl. 

Several Louisiana families displaced by Hurricane Katrina have called Tulsa home since 2005. The families plan on staying in Green Country, but say their hearts remain in New Orleans and their loyalties lie with the Saints.

The crowd at one Super Bowl party nearly wore themselves out long before kickoff. 

"I'm kind of hoarse right now because I've been ‘who datting' all day," said Harriet Journee, a Saints fan.

It was a celebration nearly five years in the making. Everyone in the room was forced to leave New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. With nowhere to go, they followed their pastor to Tulsa. They had few possessions left, but they brought their devotions to the Saints with them.

"The Saints mean everything to me. Ever since I was little, I always wanted to play football for the Saints," said Michael Johnson, a Saints fan.

"I feel like I need this as well, just to connect with the city even though we're 700 miles away," said James Joseph, a Saints fan.

"Just keeping this alive. I think if we keep this alive, we'll keep home alive," said Harriet Journee.

The group is now proud to call Tulsa home, but its members will always prefer Cajun cooking, as well as black and gold.

They say they and their football team have finally completed a long journey.

The families are obviously ecstatic as the Saints won the Super Bowl.

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