NEW ORLEANS (AP) - 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.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)