Victorious Saints borrow Mardi Gras floats for parade through grateful, euphoric New Orleans

Parade for Saints gives New Orleans more euphoria

NEW ORLEANS — The Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints are celebrating Mardi Gras-style.

Carnival floats carrying players, coaches and team owner Tom Benson started rolling through downtown New Orleans for a victory parade Tuesday.

The celebration comes two days after the team earned its first championship in franchise history. Quarterback Drew Brees and other players were throwing beads into the crowds as confetti floated in the air. One float carried an oversized replica of the Super Bowl trophy.

The Mardi Gras-flavored parade includes 12 marching bands and one float each from 10 krewes.

The Saints’ 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts capped just the ninth winning season in the team’s 43-year history.