Even before riding along with the New Orleans Saints with a police escort from the team hotel to Sun Life Stadium for Super Bowl XLIV, I gained a better understanding of the love affair Saints fans have for their team, and the love the team has for its fans.

Musician/actor/recording artist Harry Connick Jr. will be singing tonight’s national anthem, an honor he said he takes quite seriously while chatting after his soundcheck.

In a few hours, downtown Pittsburgh will be transformed into a giant party, courtesy NFL Opening Kickoff 2009 Presented by EA Sports. For now, things appear relatively normal.