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New Orleans Saints History
Born in 1966, and joining opponents on the field of play in 1967, the New Orleans Saints represented more to professional football than their early records would show. The AFL-NFL merger was awaiting congressional approval, and upon suggestion by New Orleans resident and football lover, David Dixon, a series of dealings began between Congressman Hale Boggs and NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. On November 1st, 1966 - All Saints Day - Commissioner Rozelle arrived in New Orleans and announced that the city would receive a professional football franchise. Although ironic, the Saints name didn't come from their official induction date into the league. Instead, it is a simple tribute to the New Orleans jazz culture - the only true American art form - and the traditional jazz classic, "When the Saints go Marching In." The city embraced their New Orleans Saints from the team's inception, and stomached nearly two decade's worth of poor play before the Saints would even face the direction of the promise land. Archie Manning would give the Saints much of what they could cheer for during the early years of the franchise. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Saints were often and affectionately refered to as the "Aints" by commentators, and their loyal fan base. However, beginning in 1987, the Saints would shock the football world and their fans by posting 5 consecutive seasons of .500 or better football under head coach Jim Mora, Sr. Mora led the Saints to one 12-4 season and multiple playoff appearances, yet resigned mid-season during 1996. The Saints organization would hire Mike Ditka to get the team to the next level, but the excitement and potential was quickly met with disappointment. After Ditka traded all of his draft picks in the 1999 draft as well as picks from the following year, in order to draft Texas phenom Ricky Williams, fans and ownership decided they had experienced enough. The Jim Haslett era began in 2000 and lasted until 2005, offering the Saints their first playoff win. He would deal with quarterback controversy, and players performing below their potential, all to be followed by the worst natural catastrophe in United States history: Hurricane Katrina. Although the New Orleans Saints had existed as a football team for nearly 30 years, it didn't seem they were clearly defined until a category 5 hurricane rocked the city, killing thousands and leaving many more residents homeless, jobless and without life direction. The city turned to their team - their team that played every regular season game at interim stadiums while the Louisiana Superdome was being repaired. The season would ultimately yield a disappointing result of 3-13, and would end the Haslett era in New Orleans. It all changed in 2006, when Sean Payton was brought in to lead the Saints from the sideline and Drew Brees was acquired from San Diego to lead the Saints on the field. Deuce McAllister and rookie phenoms Reggie Bush and Marques Colston would become 3 of the most potent offensive powers in the NFL By seasons end, the Saints and the city of New Orleans had proven to the world that there was no quit in the town known as the Big Easy! After a 10-6 regular season, the Saints would push through the playoffs, finishing one game shy of the Super Bowl, while being the top ranked offensive team in the NFL. New Orleans Saints Memorable Moments The Archie Manning QB sneak to secure the Saints their first franchise win vs. the Los Angeles Rams.
1987 marked the first winning season for the Saints, followed by taking a hammer in the playoffs, losing by 34 points.
And how about Jim Mora's final speech as the Saints head coach? Profanity laced, and mixed beautifully with that Jim Mora, Sr. sense of humor.
The Saints win their first playoff game in franchise history vs. the St. Louis Rams in 2000.
The 2006 season was marked with the reopening of the Louisiana Superdome, and a dream season for Saints fans. The team and the city enjoyed a new attitude. New Orleans Saints Records
All-time regular season franchise record: 252 - 364 - 5
All-time playoff franchise record: 2 - 6
All-time franchise passing leader: Archie Manning - 21734 yards
All-time franchise rushing leader: Deuce McAllister - 5678 yards
All-time franchise receiving leader: Eric Martin - 7854 yards
New Orleans Saints Playoff Results
2006
NFC Divisional Playoff: won 27 - 24 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
NFC Championship Game: lost 14 - 39 at Chicago Bears
2000
NFC Wildcard Game: won 31 - 28 vs. St. Louis Rams
NFC Divisional Playoff: lost 16 - 34 at Minnesota Vikings
1992
NFC Wildcard Game: lost 20 - 36 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
1991
NFC Wildcard Game: lost 20 - 27 vs. Atlanta Falcons
1990
NFC Wildcard Game: lost 6 - 16 at Chicago Bears
1987
NFC Wildcard Game: lost 10 - 44 vs. Minnesota Vikings
All-time playoff record: 2 - 6
SOURCE: Pro Football Reference |
New Orleans Saints HISTORY 
