Week 4 of the 2026 season concluded this Monday night with a memorable rivalry game between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints.
This game between the Falcons and Saints marks the 20th anniversary of the Superdome reopening after Hurricane Katrina. In 2006, Saints special teams ace Steve Gleason sent the New Orleans crowd into a frenzy by blocking a punt in the first quarter of action.
Before kickoff Monday night, New Orleans music icon Irma Thomas performed the national anthem alongside local artist River Eckert. It was a heartwarming moment for Thomas, who performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Superdome back on Sept. 25, 2006.
© John David Mercer-Imagn Images.
Unsurprisingly, NFL fans adored Thomas’ performance this Monday night.
“That national anthem was awesome,” one fan said.
“I’m so locked in I just stood up with the national anthem,” a second fan wrote on X.
“Really nice opening to MNF looking back 20 years with a very NOLA national anthem,” another fan commented.
“Irma Thomas is a legend,” a social media user wrote.
More than a game for the Saints.
Saints safety Justin Reid talked about the importance of that game in 2006 and what it meant for the city.
“I grew up in Louisiana, so I know how much football at all levels means to the state,” Reid said. “Football is something that people spend their whole week looking forward to. It’s a beacon of hope for the city. It’s something that brings people together. It’s something that transcends socioeconomic status. It transcends race. And it’s a big deal in the City of New Orleans.”
Tyler Shough, meanwhile, told reporters he was choked up watching highlights from that “Monday Night Football” game.
We’ll see if the Saints give their city something to cheer about tonight.
