text: is it true fema gave each saints player 40000 dollars?   while its possible some fema assitance was given to saints players (not likely, but i dont know the fema rules on that) the money your probably thinking of was given by the nfl as part of the "pay for play" adjustment in the cba.  normally, this adjustment goes to those players who played alot of downs  but were not paid "starter" money. the theory is, minimal contracts are given for backup players and if a player hired for just special teams/backup is moved to a starter position through injury or great performance he has earned to be paid along with other starters.   the saints recieved their money for "performance in adverse conditions" notably havingno true locker room, practing under an underpass and playing a home game in ny.