A Former Eagle Helped the Saints Win the Super Bowl

You know it’s the offseason when an article is led with a title like the one shown above. If you read this upon it’s original release time, you should know that the New Orleans Saints captured their first-ever Super Bowl victory moments ago, and put the heralded Indianapolis Colts in a state of shock in the process. A city and franchise that was once the laughing stock of the league just crowned themselves the best club in the NFL this evening, and did it against one of the most respected and successful teams in the Colts.

My respect goes out to the hard-working players, coaches, and supporters of the Saints, because they are simply a great story and will be known as one of the most heart-warming title winners in history. Of course, it would have been so much more pleasing if it was our beloved Eagles that were celebrating right now and the cheers would be roaring in Philadelphia, but obviously we will have to wait at least another year for that to happen.

One interesting storyline that not many are likely to pick up from the Super Bowl tonight is the fact that a former Eagle was involved in a play that had a large impact on the game’s momentum, and arguably the outcome. Okay, maybe that’s taking it too far, but when you’re trying to find connections to a team that was not even in the game, this would definitely fit: Indy’s WR Hank Baskett was the one who touched and fumbled the Saints’ onside kick attempt to open the second half, which led to New Orleans grabbing possession of the ball and gaining a serious jolt of confidence and swagger.

Baskett (pictured), if you remember, was a member of the Eagles since 2006 and up until September 15th of this season as a reserve Wide Receiver and special teams contributor. He was released to make room for Michael Vick on the roster and shortly after signed with the Colts. He was certainly not used in a large role with Indianapolis, but his play in the Super Bowl was a big one. The fumble on the kickoff by Baskett was not all his fault, for he was hit while trying to recover it, and of course, his brief blunder was not the sole cause of the Colts’ upset loss. It was just interesting to know that a former Eagle–in a way–helped the Saints win the Super Bowl.

No, I do not particularly dislike Hank Baskett or either of the teams in the Super Bowl; this article was meant to relate the Eagles to tonight’s season finale, even if it meant exaggerating something that really was just a single play in the game. I hope that everyone enjoyed the 44th edition of the contest, and here’s to seeing our Birds in it next year!

(picture source)