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Saints Celebrate 20 Years Since 2006 Comeback Win

By Drooid · Oct 4, 2026, 11:27 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The New Orleans Saints marked the 20th anniversary of their 2006 comeback win.
The bronze “Rebirth” statue, unveiled in 2012, honors Steve Gleason’s blocked punt.
Curtis Deloatch recovered the blocked punt in the end zone for the game’s first touchdown.
The Superdome reopened after 13 months of repairs following its use as a Katrina shelter.
Steve Gleason, living with ALS, and Drew Brees attended the celebration as honored guests.

History

Historical Context

On August 28 2005 Mayor Ray Nagin ordered a mandatory evacuation and designated the Superdome as a last-resort shelter; Governor Kathleen Blanco’s contraflow plan moved roughly one million residents out of New Orleans. Katrina’s levee breaches left the dome damaged, forcing a 13-month closure and $400 million in repairs before its 2006 reopening. The Saints now mark the 20th anniversary of that recovery with Steve Gleason and Drew Brees.

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Story summary

The New Orleans Saints marked the 20th anniversary of their 2006 comeback win.
The bronze “Rebirth” statue, unveiled in 2012, honors Steve Gleason’s blocked punt.
Curtis Deloatch recovered the blocked punt in the end zone for the game’s first touchdown.
The Superdome reopened after 13 months of repairs following its use as a Katrina shelter.
Steve Gleason, living with ALS, and Drew Brees attended the celebration as honored guests.

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