The Comeback Begins at Home: How Sports Helped Heal New Orleans

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans faced more than physical destruction—it faced the loss of identity, tradition, and community. But in parks, rec centers, stadiums, and stands, the comeback quietly began.

In this episode of Heart of a Fan, we explore how sports helped heal a city—not just through the Saints’ return to the Superdome, but through the voices of youth coaches, community organizers, and neighborhood fans. From the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club to NORD to high school fields across the region, we hear what it meant to come back together through fandom.

This is a story about what happens when cheering isn't just about the score—it's about survival, pride, and rebuilding what matters most.