They’ve been blindsided by a celebrating Reggie Bush, starred in a beer commercial and even used by NFL Films to illustrate the futility of the franchise’s early years.
But mostly, the New Orleans Saints mascots of the past half-century – both real-life and costumed - have been there to put smiles on people’s faces – on and off the field.
“This is the greatest fun in the world,” said Henry Ballan, who has played Gumbo, the faux-furred direct descendent of that first St. Bernard who roamed the sidelines of Tulane Stadium from 1967-70 since 2005. “When I go to a hospital and see kids who want to know if they can take me home or it’s just being with fans at games, it’s all about making people happy.