The Saints' first Super Bowl title was so big in New Orleans that Mardi Gras, a revered local institution dating back well more than a century, became popularly known as, "Lombardi Gras."

Drew Brees stood alone on the goal line, reflecting on everything that went wrong in practice. Then he took off, running the length of the New Orleans Saints' practice field several times over.

No confetti floated down from the Superdome ceiling this time.

A new season, a different result, a lot of improvement left for the Super Bowl champions to make.

Jimmy Wilkerson scooped up a fumble near midfield and rumbled down the sideline, leaving behind any anxiety about the pace of his comeback from left knee surgery.

The defending champion New Orleans Saints have opened training camp with the look of a team that has it all figured out.

Tiger Woods has dropped into a tie with Kobe Bryant as the favorite American sports star.

Drew Brees was the big winner at the ESPY Awards, collecting four trophies, including male athlete of the year on Wednesday night.

Brett Favre's doctor indicated Wednesday that his recent ankle surgery went well and the quarterback has a few more weeks of rehabilitation before he'll decide if he'll return for a 20th NFL season.

The Cleveland Browns filled a gaping offensive hole, signing free agent tight end Ben Watson to a multiyear contract.

Super Bowl champion quarterback Drew Brees is finally getting to play his first round of offseason golf.

Pete Fountain, clarinet in hand and looking dapper in a white tuxedo and fedora trimmed in gold, kicked off Mardi Gras with his "Half Fast Marching Club" the way they have for 50 years: with beads and jazz.