New Orleans is a football town.
The Pelicans are trying to carve out their space in that market — and landing Zion Williamson with the No. 1 pick in the draft has helped generate the kind of excitement they need — but the Big Easy is all about the Saints. Quarterback Drew Brees is treated like a deity in that town.
Brees welcomed Williamson to town Tuesday by giving him an autographed jersey, one that read, “Passing the torch to you.” It also came with a card that said, “Zion, welcome to the family. Let’s dance.”
After arriving in New Orleans, @ZionWilliamson received a gift from @DrewBrees 🔥#LetsDance @Saints pic.twitter.com/qR5yqcdCNb
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) June 25, 2019
The best part of this is Williamson’s reaction — he is genuinely in awe. Much like when he teared up on the night of the draft (when we all knew he was going to be taken No. 1 for months), Williamson just seems humble and taken aback by everything through this process.