Black and gold floats filled the streets of Opelousas today, all in celebration of hometown hero, Devery Henderson. Opelousas residents were thrilled to celebrate Henderson’s visit to town.

“Oh it makes me feel great. One of our own has done it,” Renada Sam, an Opelousas resident, said. “He’s on top right now, he’s number one.”

Jackie Williams added, “It’s a beautiful day for Opelousas.”

“He brought our first super bowl and we’re proud to have Devery as our Louisiana, Opelousas savior, “Opelousas High School classmate, Brad Comeaux, said. He graduated with Henderson in 2000.

With marching bands playing and pom poms waving, fans welcomed home their own. People packed the streets and went crazy when they saw Henderson ride into town on top of a fire truck.

Devery Henderson, Saints wide receiver, said “I’m thankful for it. It’s a blessing to have those many people follow and support me.”

Henderson said he’d been around the people in the Opelousas community for most of his life and that it feels good to share the excitement with them.

Fans in the community said that Henderson isn’t just a great athlete, but a role model for children.

“Out here in Opelousas, we have hardly nothing, We don’t even have a mall and a lot of kids look up to him. They know that you might be from a small rural town, but anything is possible.”

Williams, said “I wish many young men would do like he did.”

After the end of the parade, Henderson stayed to sign autographs and spend one-on-one time with his loyal supporters.

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