President Obama Honors Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints

President Obama (bottom right) congratulates the team on their Super Bowl win.

President Barack Obama welcomed the New Orleans Saints to the White House Monday morning to honor their Super Bowl win for the 2009-2010 NFL season.

While the Marine Band played New Orleans jazz selections, guests like James Carville and Mary Matalin, Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) chatted together.

The Saints processed in to “When the Saints Go Marching In,” along with team owner Tom Benson and head coach Sean Payton.

President Obama began his speech naming fans of the team who are members of his administration, including EPA administrator Lisa Jackson and Craig Fugate, FEMA administrator.

“It’s a rare thing when a sports team carries a city through tough times,” said President Obama, citing the 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster that devastated the city. “These are all big guys with big hearts.”

Before the ceremony, the Saints held a “Let’s Move-PLAY 60” Football clinic with D.C. area children. Immediately after the ceremony, the team was invited to see the president leave on Marine One.  After they left the White House, the Saints players and staff will visit troops and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

— Report and photographs by Kate Oczypok

President Obama speaks as team owner Tom Benson and head coach Sean Payton look on.

Drew Brees  chats with a small Saints fan.

President Obama shakes Reggie Bush's hand

President Obama and Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees

President Obama is presented with a #44 Saints jersey, making him the 44th president to get the 44th Super Bowl jersey

President Obama greeting guests

New Orleans Saints await the president’s departure.