There even was doubt they would return, but the NFL refused to abandon the city. The Superdome was repaired and the Saints won the NFC South in ’06, their first season with Brees and Payton.

“Four years ago, who ever thought this would be happening when 85 percent of the city was underwater from (Hurricane) Katrina.” Brees said. “Most people not knowing if New Orleans would ever come back or if the organization and the team would come back. … This is the culmination of that belief and that faith.”

Brees, who tied a Super Bowl record with 32 completions, the last a two-yard slant to Jeremy Shockey for the winning points with 5:42 remaining, completed 32 for 39 passes for 288 yards. “We just believed in ourselves, and we knew that we had an entire city, and maybe an entire country, behind us,” said Brees, the game’s MVP.

“What can I say? I tried to imagine what this moment would be like for a long time, and it’s better than expected.” Looking like the NFL’s most potent offense, the Saints seized the opportunity to take their first lead. It came on Pierre Thomas’ brilliant 16-yard run with a screen pass, capped by a dive into the end zone.

The Saints (16-3) won three postseason games this winter after winning only two in the previous 42 years. They beat Arizona, Minnesota and Indianapolis (16-3), all division winners, for their first title, scoring 107 points and allowing only 59.

Manning, who was matched up against the Saints 25th-ranked defense, struggled throughout the night. “I certainly know how it was three years ago when we won,” Manning said. “I know the people of New Orleans and the Saints have that same feeling right now.”