Super Bowl XLIV

The 2009 football season concluded at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida yesterday after Super Bowl XLIV, in which the New Orleans Saints became NFL Champions for the first time since their inception in 1967. They defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 and quarterback Drew Brees was the game MVP. Brees tied a Super Bowl record set by Tom Brady in Super Bowl XXXVIII with 32 completions. Brees also had 2 touchdowns and 288 yards passing.

Other stars of the day were Colts quarterback Peyton Manning who had 31 completions for 333 yards and a touchdown, however, he threw the interception, by Tracy Porter, that sealed the win for the Saints in the 4th quarter. The leading rusher was Indianapolis' Joseph Addai, who ran for 77 yards on 13 carries. It was a day for passing, however, as Addai, Dallas Clark (Colts), Marques Colston (Saints), and Deverey Henderson (Saints) all came away with 7 receptions each. Dwight Freeney, who was under speculation for two weeks as to whether he would play due to an ankle spain in the AFC Championship, had the only sack of the night. Indy's Gary Brackett had 12 tackles. Also, the Saints Garrett Hartley became the first kicker with 3 field goals over 40 yards in a Super Bowl game.

The story of the day seemed to be New Orleans willingness to take risks and leave it all on the field, with both success and failure. Their 4th and goal attempt from the Colts 1 yard line came up short, but their onside kick immediately after halftime proved to be genius as it caught the Colts special teams off guard and leaning away in anticipation of a long kick.

The halftime show was performed by The Who and accented by a brilliant light show. They played a medley of their hits, including "Pinball Wizard", "Who Are You", "Baba O'Riley", "See Me Feel Me", and "Won't Get Fooled Again".

The Colts were favored by Las Vegas by 4 points and the over/under was set at 57.

A 30 second commercial during this years Super Bowl cost $2.5 to 2.8 million.