MIAMI - Darren Sharper is a Super Bowl champion.
Finally.
"We're the best in the world, baby! Can you believe it? The best in the world!" the Saints' safety yelled as he grabbed teammate Reggie Bush and shook him after Sunday's 31-17 win over the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV at Sun Life Stadium.
Sharper, 34, joined the Saints during the offseason when the Vikings didn't make what he considered a serious offer to bring him back for a fifth season in purple. He ended up becoming one of the missing pieces in new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' aggressive unit.
It was a perfect fit that resulted in the 13-year veteran helping beat the Vikings in the NFC title game to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since his rookie year with the Packers in 1997.
"This is the most special group of guys I have ever been around," Sharper said. "We worked for it. We knew that if we did, we would be here today."
Sharper also fell in love with the city of New Orleans in his first year there.
"It's more special winning a Super Bowl for the city of New Orleans," Sharper said. "Everyone knows what the city has gone through.