Super Bowl XLIV: Colts Vs. Saints - NPR

Accessibility links

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Super Bowl XLIV: Colts Vs. Saints The Indianapolis Colts will face the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV in Miami.

• Subscribe to NPR's Up First Email

In New Orleans, Rise Of Saints Symbolic Of City

February 5, 2010 • Can a football team breathe life into a city? Saints fans think so. For many, their team's long climb to the Super Bowl is symbolic of New Orleans' ongoing struggle to recover from Hurricane Katrina.

In New Orleans, Rise Of Saints Symbolic Of City

Listen · 4:12 4:12 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123417854/123417853" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas speaks during a January 2009 aviation industry forum in Little Rock, Ark. Lincoln might be facing the toughest U.S. Senate race for a Democrat this year — which will be even tougher if her opposition receives generous donations from corporations per the recent Supreme Court ruling. Danny Johnston/AP hide caption

toggle caption Danny Johnston/AP

Super Bowl Ads Vs. Political Campaigns

February 5, 2010 • Last month, the Supreme Court handed corporations a new way to spend their funds — on ads advocating for or against political candidates. So what could corporations get if they put money into a campaign instead of buying a $2.5 million Super Bowl ad? Experts say that kind of money could cover enough ads to sway some House and Senate races.

Super Bowl Ads Vs. Political Campaigns

Listen · 3:54 3:54 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123408976/123418405" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai has only racked up 828 yards this season. Andy Lyons/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Who Needs A Running Back To Win The Super Bowl?

February 7, 2010 • One thing football fans hear over and over again is that a team must run in order to be successful. You can't win in the NFL without a ground game, TV experts still say. But that doesn't seem to be the case in the Super Bowl, and it doesn't seem to be the case overall in the NFL. Running, as a means to victory, is under aerial assault from the passing game.

Who Needs A Running Back To Win The Super Bowl?

Listen · 4:19 4:19 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123463756/123463787" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

Sponsor Message

K. Gates, here in a still from the video for "Black & Gold (Who Dat!!)," also goes by the name The New Orleans Savoir. courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption courtesy of the artist

Who Dat?!: Songs For The New Orleans Saints

February 4, 2010 • When the Saints captured the NFC Championship two weeks ago, music roared from every neighborhood and spontaneous brass-band parades shut down streets: New Orleans rhythms exploded across the city in a way that seemed natural for celebrations of football glory. Now, you can hear 10 songs which typify the music in the New Orleans air right now.

Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints celebrates with fans after defeating the Minnesota Vikings to win the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Fumbling Around? Get Super Bowl 'Fun'-Damentals

February 5, 2010 • Having a tough time trying to figure out the football part of the Super Bowl? These Super Bowl conversation starters can help you wage a good offensive game on Sunday.

New gay dating site ManCrunch.com made an ad for the Super Bowl, featuring two male football fans kissing. The ad was rejected by CBS. ManCrunch.com hide caption

toggle caption ManCrunch.com

Gay Dating Commercial Fuels Super Bowl Ad Wars

February 4, 2010 • Last week, CBS turned down a commercial produced by a new gay dating site called ManCrunch.com. The ad raises questions about not just what networks want in Super Bowl advertisements, but what potential advertisers really want from the Super Bowl.

Gay Dating Commercial Fuels Super Bowl Ad Wars

Listen · 3:16 3:16 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123377010/123380122" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

Ravens Coach Brian Billick Tackles Super Bowl XLIV

Fresh Air

February 4, 2010 • During his nine years as the coach of the Baltimore Ravens, Brian Billick led the team to a Super Bowl win in 2001. Now a commentator for Fox Sports and the NFL Network, he joins Fresh Air to discuss the upcoming Super Bowl — and the future of the NFL.

Ravens Coach Brian Billick Tackles Super Bowl XLIV

Listen · 25:22 25:22 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123349175/123371013" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

Super Bowl Food Fight: Indy Vs. Big Easy

February 4, 2010 • Football fans are looking forward to this Sunday's Super Bowl –- and a day full of good food. But the menu doesn't have to be limited to pizza and nachos. We asked two chefs from the Colts' and Saints' hometowns about what they'd be cooking this weekend.

Super Bowl Food Fight: Indy Vs. Big Easy

Listen · 7:20 7:20 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123334392/123363335" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

Sports

Super Bowl XLIV: Stars To Align In Title Game

February 3, 2010 • See how the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts match up in the NFL title game. AP writer Barry Wilner gives a preview of the game, along with a breakdown of key players and team statistics.

Opinion

Sweetness And Light

Super Bowl XLIV, By The Numerals

February 3, 2010 • The Super Bowl has always had a fondness for Roman numerals. Commentator Frank Deford takes a look at noteworthy numbers in pro football — and has a message for anyone who thinks the commercials are more fun than the game.

Super Bowl XLIV, By The Numerals

Listen · 3:39 3:39 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123276295/123312779" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

Sponsor Message

Getting Set For The Super Bowl In Miami

February 3, 2010 • There are just four days left until the Indianapolis Colts face the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV in Miami. News leading up to the big game includes developments with some of the top players: Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney and quarterback Peyton Manning.

Getting Set For The Super Bowl In Miami

Listen · 3:41 3:41 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123311959/123312001" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

Susan Russo for NPR

A Twist On Traditional Super Bowl Snacks

February 3, 2010 • Avid foodies and celebrity chefs, along with football's growing female audience, are influencing big-game grub. Let your guests think you're giving them the old standby snacks, then fake them out with a few gourmet twists.

University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow embraces his mother, Pam, during a November 2009 pre-game ceremony before an NCAA college football game against Florida State. The two are set to appear in a controversial anti-abortion ad that will air during the Super Bowl. Phil Sandlin/AP hide caption

toggle caption Phil Sandlin/AP

Anti-Abortion Super Bowl Commercial Causes Storm

January 27, 2010 • For years, CBS banned "advocacy" commercials from airing during the Super Bowl. But the network recently reversed its stance. An anti-abortion ad, featuring Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow, is set to air during this year's big game.

Anti-Abortion Super Bowl Commercial Causes Storm

Listen · 3:25 3:25 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123035871/123037188" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

Super Bowl Advertisers Buck Up

February 2, 2010 • CBS said Monday that it has sold all of the ad time for Sunday's Super Bowl game. Typical advertisers are there, like Anheuser-Busch. Pepsi opted out and is mounting an online campaign instead. A senior manager at video game maker Electronic Arts told Bloomberg News it's worth spending millions for a 30-second spot because the game is one event where viewers actually watch the commercials.

Super Bowl Advertisers Buck Up

Listen · 0:54 0:54 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123251654/123251623" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

Men In Gowns Kick Off Saints' Super Bowl Party

February 3, 2010 • The party has started in New Orleans for the Saints' first-ever Super Bowl. Earlier this week, a bunch of men paraded around the French Quarter in ballgowns, including former quarterback Bobby Hebert. It was a memorial to Saints announcer Buddy Diliberto — who promised to walk Bourbon Street in a dress if the Saints got to the big game. Buddy D died five years ago.

Men In Gowns Kick Off Saints' Super Bowl Party

Listen · 0:28 0:28 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123313276/123313275" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

The Saints Or The NFL: Who Owns The Phrase 'Who Dat'?

February 1, 2010 • The New Orleans Saints are going for their first Super Bowl win ever when they play in the big game Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. But a battle is brewing over the Saints' motto and rallying cry, "Who Dat?"

The Saints Or The NFL: Who Owns The Phrase 'Who Dat'?

Listen · 4:18 4:18 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123229110/123229082" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

New Orleans, Indianapolis To Headline Super Bowl XLIV

January 25, 2010 • Super Bowl Lineup Settled: The New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints The face off for NFL Super Bowl XLIV is set. Sunday, 2007 Super Bowl championship team Indianapolis Colts came from behind to beat the New York Jets and earn another spot at the showdown. And the New Orleans Saints went into overtime to squeek past the Minnesota Vikings to secure their first Super Bowl slot. Sports Illustrated Reporter Pablo Torre offers analysis of the past football season gives his predictions.

New Orleans, Indianapolis To Headline Super Bowl XLIV

Listen · 6:52 6:52 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/122949664/122949653" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

Sponsor Message

Super Bowl Ads: What To Watch For Between Plays

February 5, 2010 • This weekend, more than 100 million people will gather around their televisions to watch the New Orleans Saints take on the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. But that's only part of the entertainment: The commercials often draw more Monday morning quarterbacking than the game itself. Linda Wertheimer talks with author and former ad man James Othmer about what will play between the plays Sunday.

Super Bowl Ads: What To Watch For Between Plays

Listen · 4:27 4:27 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123399691/123399664" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

Fans celebrate the New Orleans Saints' win against the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, Sunday in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Colts 31-17. Cheryl Gerber/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption Cheryl Gerber/Getty Images

New Orleans Celebrates Saints Win As New Beginning

February 8, 2010 • In New Orleans, it's a holiday of sorts after the Saints' come-from-behind victory in the Super Bowl on Sunday night in Miami. New Orleans beat Indianapolis 31-17, setting off a celebration in the streets. Some residents see the win as a sign of the city's rebirth after Hurricane Katrina, which devastated parts of the city.

New Orleans Celebrates Saints Win As New Beginning

Listen Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123485280/123485259" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

Saints Beat Colts For First Super Bowl Win

February 8, 2010 • The New Orleans Saints are the champions of the National Football League. The Saints beat the favored Colts by two touchdowns, 31-17 in Miami, to win their first championship. Saints quarterback Dree Brees tied a Super Bowl record for completions and was voted the game's MVP.

Saints Beat Colts For First Super Bowl Win

Listen · 4:41 4:41 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123485303/123485266" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

Ahead Of Super Bowl, Focus Turns To Game

February 5, 2010 • The New Orleans Saints play the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in the Super Bowl XLVI. Despite the hoopla surrounding the clash, the players say they remain focused on the game. Still, it's not easy for players to remain focused.

Ahead Of Super Bowl, Focus Turns To Game

Listen · 4:03 4:03 Transcript Toggle more options

• Download
• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/123418462/123420815" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
• Transcript

More from Super Bowl XLIV: Colts Vs. Saints Load more stories Browse archive or search npr.org Sponsor Message

Sponsor Message

Become an NPR sponsor