Saints make first return to Miami since historic Super Bowl campaign
Posted November 29, 2025
When the New Orleans Saints take the field Sunday against Miami, it will mark their first time stepping onto the same grass that witnessed the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory -- a 31–17 win over the favored Indianapolis Colts. It was a monumental moment for the city of New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast region, one that still resonates nearly 16 years later.
Back during Super Bowl XLIV, what we now know as Hard Rock Stadium was called Sun Life Stadium, a name it carried for six NFL seasons (2010–2016). The venue briefly went by the name “New Miami Stadium” during the summer of 2010, before officially transitioning to Hard Rock Stadium ahead of the 2016 season.
Nearly a decade and a half later, there are still active players around the league who were part of that historic Saints team. Thomas Morstead, one of the unsung heroes of that Super Bowl run as a rookie, is still flipping the field today -- now in his 17th season with the San Francisco 49ers. Several former Saints from that era have also moved into coaching roles, including longtime Pro Bowl guard Jahri Evans, who now serves as an assistant offensive line coach under Sean Payton in Denver.
Since that championship season, the Saints and Dolphins have met three times, with New Orleans winning two of those matchups. Two of the meetings came in the Superdome -- most recently a 20–3 loss in 2021 -- while the other was a 20–0 Saints shutout in London in 2017. Because the teams reside in opposing conferences, they only meet on a four-year rotation, which has limited the number of matchups despite their relative geographic proximity.
While no current players -- and only one member of the Saints’ present coaching staff in Jahri Evans -- were part of the Super Bowl XLIV team, interim coach Kellen Moore could use the historic setting as extra motivation heading into Sunday’s game. As the players step onto that storied field, they should feel the weight of that sacred ground and strive to play up to the standard set by that historic 2009 squad.
World No. 25 Griekspoor urged not to play in Russian exhibition by Dutch government
Politics and sport have come together again after Tallon Griekspoor was asked to reconsider his decision to play at an exhibition in Russia.
Since February 2022, ATP and WTA events have not been held in Russia because of the country's illegal invasion of Ukraine. That war continues, but some are hopeful that a peace deal will finally be reached.
Russian and Belarusian players have also played under neutral banners. Belarus's government has enthusiastically supported Russia's actions in Ukraine since the invasion was launched close to four years ago.
An exhibition in St Petersburg, Russia, is scheduled from November 29th to 30th. Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Bublik, Karen Khachanov, and Diana Shnaider
However, some from outside the country are also on the entry list. That includes Griekspoor, who has been one of the Netherlands' most prominent players in recent years. His achievements include overcoming Jannik Sinner at the 2025 Shanghai Masters when he began cramping in the third set.
Griekspoor's decision drew criticism from his home government. David van Weel, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged the players' decision was not illegal, but believes it is morally indefensible.
"It is not forbidden to participate in tournaments in Russia, but I do call on him not to do so. Consider the moral aspects."
The situation also drew an announcement from the Dutch Tennis Federation, which said it communicated its position to Griekspoor while reiterating that the three-time ATP titlist is entitled to play in Russia if he wishes.
"We have been in contact with Griekspoor to inform him of the KNLTB’s position. At the same time, players are free to make their own choices and considerations regarding participation in competitions and tournaments in Russia. In this case, Griekspoor made that decision independently; the KNLTB is not involved."
Griekspoor would be making a very late decision if he had a change of heart. That seems highly unlikely at this stage, meaning the Dutchman will have to accept being unpopular with Ukrainian colleagues.
Ukrainian players have strong opinions amid ongoing war against their country
Several Ukrainian stars do not think that Russian and Belarusian players competing under neutral banners since Russia's illegal invasion goes far enough, considering the suffering their compatriots are enduring.
Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina have called for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be banned from sports until Russia withdraws its forces from Ukraine. Ukrainians also do not shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players.
Kostyuk explained why she shook hands with Russian-born Daria Kasatkina before a match earlier this season. Kasatkina has criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine and switched allegiances to Australia, something Kostyuk believed deserved respect.
Aryna Sabalenka, the Belarusian-born WTA world No. 1, is among those who think politics and sport should never mix. She believes sport should instead be used to bring people together, regardless of who they are.
Many agree with Sabalenka's opinion, but others believe it does not show a proper understanding of the devastation Russia's actions in Ukraine have caused.
