The thank yous went both ways Friday. Porter, a Saints cornerback from 2008-11 who was an NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl XLIV hero during the 2009 season, and safety Brett Maxie, a Saint from 1985-93 who was a member of the franchise’s first winning season and first playoff appearance, received their Saints Hall of Fame jackets and saw the unveiling of their portraits at the enshrinement luncheon.
Journalist Ed Daniels also posthumously received the Joe Gemelli Fleur De Lis Award for his contributions to the organization (his wife, Robin Daniels, accepted the award), and safety Steve Gleason received the inaugural Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award.
Porter had seven interceptions, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 37 pass breakups and 227 tackles in 43 games, with 39 starts in New Orleans. He etched his name in franchise history with an interception against the Vikings in the NFC Championship Game to force overtime in a 31-28 victory, and a pick against the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV that he returned 74 yards for a touchdown in the 31-17 win.
Briefly after the Super Bowl victory, his hometown of Port Allen, La., became “Porter Allen.”
“It had a ring to it,” Porter said. “But everyone in my hometown, from the schools I grew up in, they have always had my back and I try to do my best to represent our city and make sure that when they say my hometown, they state it correctly — Port Allen.”
Porter said he was overwhelmed with being inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame.
“Words can’t describe what that means and how excited I am that my hometown team, that I helped bring our first championship to, is recognizing me in this way and giving me these accolades,” he said.