The story never gets old, and it has been recreated countless times over the years. It just always feels good to know that David can ride into town and, even against the most unspeakable odds, can wield his slingshot and nail Goliath right between the eyes.

It’s a testament that the underdog can rise above the more powerful opponent, no matter how unlikely it may seem. It makes for fantastic drama and is something any sports fan, regardless of prior allegiances, can appreciate.

This year it’s Drew Brees and his New Orleans Saints — who have never even appeared in a Super Bowl and represent a city that has battled such unimaginable adversity — playing the part of David. Their quest is to defeat the Indianapolis Colts, who have been at the top of the NFL for much of the last decade and won a Super Bowl three years ago. Clearly, the ancient myth is as alive as ever.

Even though such formidable beasts of the sports world have taken home championships in the past year, (see: Los Angeles Lakers, New York Yankees) there is still a reason why everyone outside of Indiana should be rooting for the boys from the Big Easy.

The most obvious reason is that the city of New Orleans needs this. Not that a Super Bowl victory would permanently solve the city’s problems, but when a city has been as devastated as New Orleans has been, something like the Saints’ success is a perfect way to bring people together. If you need further proof, I recommend checking out the video footage of the celebration on Bourbon Street after the Saints beat the Vikings in the NFC Championship game.

The Saints have risen from the absolute depths of the NFL’s basement to be where they are today. It wasn’t too long ago fans were showing up at the Super Dome with paper bags on their heads. It’s incredibly challenging to climb the ranks of professional football (see: Detroit Lions) the way the Saints have, and it’s because of the team’s determination to bring the people of New Orleans a championship.

Brees himself is the embodiment of beating the odds to get to the top as well. Initially deemed too small to succeed in the NFL, he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers and was constantly threatened to be replaced under center. After a shoulder injury that required surgery, he went to the then-hapless Saints to see what he could do to save a failing franchise.

The Saints’ success against such insurmountable odds has been nothing short of miraculous, and if the football gods are just, David will once again topple Goliath come Sunday.

Cory Francer is a senior sport studies major. Contact him at cfrance1@ithaca.edu.