"I've been given so much by this city. And 20 years later, I still want to give back," Steve Gleason said to a crowd of thousands outside of Gallier Hall prior to the 20th anniversary of the reopening of the Super Dome following Hurricane Katrina.
"You've helped me remember again and again that there's beauty here. Look around," Gleason continued. "Every person has lived a whole life that we almost know nothing about. None of us is promised tomorrow. But right now, we have each other. I love you all. So enjoy every breath today... You rays of ----ing sunshine."
There was hardly a face in the crowd without tears welling up as Gleason expressed his gratitude for New Orleans. And, to express the city's gratitude in return, Mayor Moreno gave Gleason the city's highest honor: a key to the city.
Drew Brees and Scott Fujita were also in attendance. And to bring the ceremony to a close, Brees gave a raucous pep talk over cries from the fans asking him to suit up.
"I like what I see with this group," Brees stated. "So continue to support them the same way you have for us. I know, even being removed for a while, we always have the same love and affection for our team. Always will."
"Now.. We're let's go kick the dirty birds' asses tonight," Brees said in closing.
