Week 4 of Monday Night Football commemorates a historic moment for the people and city of New Orleans, LA and their New Orleans Saints. It’s the 20th anniversary of what’s been dubbed the “Domecoming” — when the Saints and Atlanta Falcons played a Monday Night Football game on the heels of Hurricane Katrina to let the country know that New Orleans was back open for business.
That night has become one of the NFL’s most iconic moments, where head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees made their
home debuts, and safety/special teams ace Steve Gleason made a special teams punt block heard round the world. Much has changed in the two decades since that evening, which includes Gleason’s continued courage and strength in battling the horrific effects of ALS after revealing his diagnosis in 2011.
Tonight is sure to be filled with nostalgia, and plenty of tear-jerking moments. If you haven’t seen the documentary yet, it’s available on Amazon Prime and highly recommended. There are numerous additional documentaries and interviews with Gleason about his life and battle with ALS, including his “A Football Life” story.
Gleason’s ALS diagnosis years following his iconic punt block are a reminder that life is fleeting, and it’s bigger than football. However, Gleason reminds us that football can play a huge role in outreach for those battling life-threatening conditions and situations. Look no further than former NFL running back Chris Johnson, who recently shared his own ALS diagnosis at the age of 39 and the rapid onset of debilitating effects from the disease.
It’s without question that there will be a lot to take in tonight, and that includes the game between the Saints and Falcons. Two young quarterbacks looking to make a name for themselves will feature throughout tonight’s game. Tyler Shough (Saints) and Michael Penix Jr. (Falcons) have played impressive football for their teams in recent weeks. Can they keep up the hot streak?
Will Atlanta steal the spotlight with running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and maybe finally tight end Kyle Pitts? Not if New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara, wide receiver, Chris Olave, and edge rusher Chase Young have anything to say about the matter.
With that, here’s your open thread for Week 4 of Monday Night Football. As always, be kind to one another — and in all things… Go Bills!
