Getting a lot done hasn't been the practice in some New Orleans neighborhoods, and I imagine the Saints must be reminded daily. If they don't see it, they read about it. And if they don't read about it someone has a story to pass on.
Anyway, the bottom line is: They can't ignore it.
That is precisely what the Saints thought when they decided to forgo the paintball games, go-kart trips and movies that, in the past, pulled the team together. Instead, they made a $50,000 donation to the New Orleans Saints Hurricane Katrina Fund, then followed up by teaming with Rebuilding Together to offer themselves as laborers.
"They were unbelievable," said Palmer. "Within a half hour of they're getting off the bus, they were all on the job. They cleared lots. They painted the exterior of one house. They painted the inside of a double. They built two fences. They planted trees.
"And you should've seen coach Payton. He was working with the weed-wacker and helping dig holes with other coaches and players. They were all side by side, and it was pretty intense. I was impressed."
I am, too, because the Saints didn't stop there. They were asked to work as carpenters, too, which doesn't sound like much until you try operating a skill saw or driving a nail in straight. But they did it, cutting and assembling boards for a picket fence that went up without a glitch.
"I've done things like this before," said Palmer, "and a lot of times the staff will ask (volunteers) what they're comfortable doing. So we asked if they were ready to go on scaffolding or a 20-foot extension ladder, and if they would feel confident. They said they would, and they did it. We were blown away by the amount of work they did."
Listening to Palmer, I couldn't help but believe that for one morning it must have been good to be in Hollygrove, and I say that knowing how difficult it's been for one of New Orleans' most ravaged neighborhoods to get back on its feet.
But that's the point. I don't care what you think of the New Orleans Saints, but they cared enough to stop what they were doing and reach out to people who need the help.
I'm taking about someone like Reedell Parker, who worked as a pest control specialist until losing his sight in a car accident in 2001. His home was damaged by Katrina, and he's been living with different family members since.
Then there's Harry Vanderson. He owned a home since 1972, but he had to evacuate to Gray, La., before living in a FEMA trailer for two years. With the help of the Saints and Rebuilding Together, he was able to move back into his home Tuesday.
And let's not forget Doris Garrett and Alex Tumblin. Garrett is 80 and a resident of New Orleans for over 50 years. She was evacuated to Lake Charles, then moved to Georgia and returned to live in a FEMA trailer for two years. A few months ago, she moved into her unfurnished home. Tumblin, a retired dock worker, is 86 and was forced to live in a number of places in Texas and Jefferson Parish after he was driven from his home.
I don't know how they felt when the Saints showed up, but my guess is that if they weren't fans of the team before Tuesday morning they were by that afternoon. But that doesn't mean this experience cut one way, which is the beauty of what took place in New Orleans on Tuesday.
"As the players were getting on the buses," said Palmer, "they were telling us how special this was. In fact, I overheard one player say how much respect he has for the people who do this (work) every day, and for my staff, that's great to hear.
"I know that sometimes the nation complains about Katrina fatigue, but what they don't understand is that people here have to deal with it every day. Now, here are guys who understand it, wanted to do something about it and made something happen. The Saints were great."
