Members of the 2013 New Orleans Saints rookie class took a tour of New Orleans on Wednesday to learn more about their new home.
An initiative started by Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis and Head Coach Sean Payton, the rookies were led on a tour of the Crescent City by Director of Player Development Fred McAfee .
The group visited the Lakefront, Ninth Ward, Uptown, French Quarter, Mercedes-Benz Superdome and finished their tour at the Wednesday at the Square concert in Lafayette Square.
While in the Ninth Ward, the rookies listened to executives from the Make it Right Foundation about the progress of the area since Hurricane Katrina. The foundation was founded by actor Brad Pitt in 2007 to build healthy homes, buildings and communities for people in need.
While touring the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the rookies walked through the tunnel for the first time and visited the Saints locker room.
When the excursion arrived at Lafayette Square, the rookies were treated to a true New Orleans welcome as members of the Tulane Brass Band, the Saintsations and Gumbo the mascot led the rookies to the Wednesday at the Square stage with a second-line dance through the cheering crowd.
While on stage, select players were interviewed by Owner/Vice Chairman of the Board Rita Benson LeBlanc. The players ended the night by enjoying some food with guests in the Saints-Pelicans tent.
"It's such a blessing to play here and I can't wait for the games," said Saints first-round pick safety Kenny Vaccaro. "It was humbling to see everything, especially the Ninth Ward and hear about everything that happened. I am glad to represent this city."
