The Touchdown Club of New Orleans hosted the 46th Annual Meet the Saints Luncheon on Friday at the Marriott in downtown New Orleans.
The Touchdown Club, founded in 1967, is a non-profit organization that aims to be "the best fan club and social organization that promotes and creates spirit and enthusiasm among friends, family and the community connected to the New Orleans Saints."
The entire Saints roster and coaching staff, members of the team's business staff, and Owner/Vice Chairman of the Board Rita Benson LeBlanc were joined by members of the Touchdown Club and more than 1,000 fans for the event.
Jim Henderson, the longtime voice of the Saints for WWL Radio, served as the Master of Ceremonies, introducing all members of the head table and providing an introduction for each player. Then, he introduced Coach Sean Payton to present team awards given at the luncheon annually.
Right tackle Zach Strief was named the 2013 Offensive Player of the Year after starting all 15 games he appeared in, only missing the Patriots game due to injury. Strief blocked for an offense that ranked fourth in the NFL in net yards per game (399.4).
Cornerback Keenan Lewis was named the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year after posting 40 tackles (33 solo), a career-high and team-leading four interception returns for 34 yards and nine passes defensed.
Linebacker Ramon Humber was named 2013 Special Teams Player of Year after recording 24 tackles (17 solo), a half-sack, one pass defensed and nine special teams stops.
To close out the awards ceremony, Payton then introduced Trainer Scottie Patton to present the 2013 Ed Block Courage Award, given annually to a player voted on by the team who overcame adversity throughout the year, to wide receiver Marques Colston. Colston led the receiver corps in catches and yardage with 75 receptions for 943 yards with five touchdowns.
Following the meal, players spent time signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans before leaving to travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts.
For more information on the Touchdown Club of New Orleans, including information about membership and upcoming events, please visit www.tdcno.co.
