Avery Johnson, Saints Local Inspiration, Meets Sean Payton in the Locker Room

When Sean Payton was hired as Saints head coach in 2006, he wanted a native of the city to serve as an additional inspirational force for the team. Then-Mavericks coach Avery Johnson, born and raised in New Orleans, served as motivational speaker for the team in its first training camp under Payton.

That was hardly the end of the connection. When the Saints reopened the Superdome with a victory in 2006, Johnson met with the team in the locker room and received the game ball.  He's been a fixture at games since, as a guest of owner Tom Benson.

And when the Saints took home their first title last night, Johnson was there to meet them in the locker room again.

Meanwhile, back within the bowl of the stadium, Saints fans were leading an extended Who Dat chant. The rest of the country outside The Big Easy will likely tire of the refrain in the months to come, but for now, we're happy to let them enjoy their moment.

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.