Calling the Shots:

Super Bowl Sunday will sure to be extra special for Ray Rando, a Newport Beach resident who grew up in New Orleans.

There’s no doubt he loves the Saints. He’s been a die-hard fan ever since he was a child. When he was 8, he met Archie Manning, one of the all-time greatest Saints, during a training camp practice and went home with an autographed football.

Rando later became a friend of Manning’s son, Cooper, and he watched Peyton grow up when they all would sometimes work out together at the Archie Manning Gold’s Gym.

So Rando’s been rooting for the Saints back when they were the “Aints,” and a paper bag to cover the face was the proper attire for home games.

When kicker Garrett Hartley nailed a 40-yard field goal in overtime to win the NFC Championship game, it was as if the city of New Orleans smiled. Some wept with joy. In Newport Beach, Rando celebrated too.

Now the Saints will face the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV in Miami.

“It‘s a dream,” said Rando, 40. “Just for them to be there is the dream of my life. I just bought some new stuff online. I got shirts and a Super Bowl hat. This is like a once-in-lifetime thing. But I’m hoping it’s not once in a lifetime.”

Being a Saints fan was a way life for Rando while growing up in New Orleans. It doesn’t hurt that he loves football, too. He had his fun as a running back for Archbishop Rummel High in Metairie, La.

He also played Division III football at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn.

He, just as many in New Orleans, has been inspired by the story of the Manning family, of how Archie Manning’s father committed suicide, but yet Archie overcame that adversity to become a pro quarterback. Peyton and Eli each went through their own trials before becoming Super Bowl champions with the Colts and Giants, respectively.

In reality, Super Bowl Sunday is a win-win situation for many Saints fans.

“The city can’t lose because we love the Manning family so much,” Rando said. “If we have to play anyone, it’s best we play them.”