5/20/2011 - 12:24 PM

Second-Chance Drawing Winner Receives VIP Treatment from Saints

Lifelong New Orleans Saints fan Jake Warren began his journey Wednesday as the Louisiana Lottery's 2011 Saints Season Prize Package winner, as he, his fiance' Kyle Portie and two friends enjoyed lunch with Head Coach Sean Payton and toured the practice facility. Warren won the once-in-a-lifetime experience prize during the Lottery's final World Champions New Orleans Saints second-chance drawing held March 10.

"I've been to a few games over the years and training camp in the summertime," shared Warren.  "I've even gotten to meet some of the players at camp, but nothing comes close to this."

Warren, who turned 21 years old shortly after the Saints won Super Bowl XLIV, had plenty of questions for Payton during their lunch in the team's cafeteria. Payton provided great inside information and shared funny stories with the winner and his guests.

Saints Owner Tom Benson stopped by for a surprise visit before the group took photos holding the Lombardi trophy and threw the football in the indoor facility. Warren did not leave the facility empty-handed either - he received autographed footballs and color copies of the newspaper article featuring Quarterback Drew Brees holding the trophy after the Saints Super Bowl victory.

"I really can't believe I actually won something, especially this," reflected Warren. "I've been a Saints fan all my life."

Warren won the prize when his Lottery scratch-off ticket, World Champions New Orleans Saints, was selected during the final second-chance drawing in March. As the winner, Warren also received four Plaza Sideline 2011 season tickets, a 2011 parking pass and four pre-game field passes.

Head Coach Sean Peyton and Jake Warren discuss football over lunch in the team's practice facility cafeteria.	Jake Warren holds the Lombardi trophy, as his fiance' Kyle Portie models a Super Bowl championship ring.