Team History

The New Orleans Saints have a storied history that is as rich and vibrant as the city they call home. Founded on November 1, 1966, they were named in honor of the city’s deep Catholic traditions, coinciding with All Saints Day. The early years of the franchise were marked by struggle and perseverance, embodying the spirit of their namesake. Despite the rocky start, the foundation laid during these formative years would eventually lead to significant achievements and establish the Saints as a beloved fixture in the National Football League (NFL).

Throughout their history, the Saints have experienced a transformation from a team often referred to as the ‘Aints, due to their initial lack of success, to Super Bowl champions in the 2009 season. This victory in Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts marked the pinnacle of the franchise’s achievements, symbolizing a remarkable turnaround. The road to this triumph was paved with moments of both despair and hope, including notable early achievements such as Tom Dempsey’s record-breaking 63-yard field goal in 1970. Over the decades, the Saints have grown into a team characterized by resilience, community support, and a deep connection with the city of New Orleans.

Foundation and Early Years

The foundation of the New Orleans Saints in 1966 was a momentous event for the city, intertwining the team’s identity with New Orleans’ rich cultural heritage from the outset. The team’s establishment was the result of years of effort by local sports entrepreneur Dave Dixon, who, along with a civic group, lobbied for an NFL franchise to bolster the local economy and morale. The NFL awarded the franchise to New Orleans as part of the league’s merger with the AFL, recognizing the city’s passionate sports culture and the potential for a successful team. Named after the iconic jazz standard “When the Saints Go Marching In,” the team’s identity was deeply linked to New Orleans’ musical and cultural traditions from the very beginning, embodying the city’s resilience and spirit.

The Saints’ early years were challenging, as is often the case with expansion teams, marked by an initial struggle to achieve success on the field. Their inaugural season in 1967 set the tone, with the team managing only a few wins. Despite the rocky start, the Saints’ first game was memorable, featuring John Gilliam’s 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on their very first play, hinting at the excitement and potential the team could bring to the city. These early years were characterized by a determination to build a competitive team, laying the groundwork for the future success that would eventually define the Saints’ legacy in the NFL.

Notable Early Achievements

Among the New Orleans Saints’ early achievements, Tom Dempsey’s record-setting field goal stands out as a highlight. On November 8, 1970, Dempsey kicked an unprecedented 63-yard field goal to defeat the Detroit Lions as time expired. This feat was especially remarkable considering Dempsey was born without toes on his right foot, which he used for kicking. His record remained unbroken for 43 years, cementing his place in NFL history and giving the Saints a memorable moment that symbolized the potential for greatness within the franchise. This achievement was a beacon of hope for a team still searching for its identity and success in the competitive landscape of the NFL.

Another notable achievement during the Saints’ early years was their first season in 1967, which, despite the team’s overall struggles, included a dramatic opening play for the franchise’s history books. John Gilliam’s 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on their first-ever play in the NFL showcased the explosive potential the team possessed. While victories were scarce in those initial seasons, moments like Gilliam’s touchdown return and Dempsey’s record field goal provided Saints fans with glimpses of the excitement and talent emerging within the team. These early achievements helped to lay the foundation for the Saints’ enduring spirit and resilience, characteristics that would define the team in the decades to follow.

Periods of Change

The New Orleans Saints have undergone several significant periods of change that have shaped the direction and fortunes of the franchise. One of the most transformative periods occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s when the team began to shake off its reputation for futility. The Saints achieved their first winning season and playoff appearance in 1987, a watershed moment that marked the franchise’s emergence as a competitive force in the NFL. This era was characterized by the leadership of players like quarterback Bobby Hebert and linebacker Rickey Jackson, who were instrumental in altering the team’s trajectory. Their success during this time not only changed the narrative surrounding the Saints but also galvanized the fan base, setting the stage for future achievements.

Another pivotal period of change for the Saints came in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The devastating impact of the hurricane on New Orleans and its aftermath forced the Saints to play their entire 2005 season without a true home game, a challenging ordeal that tested the resilience of the team and its community. The following year, under the guidance of new head coach Sean Payton and with the addition of quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints experienced a remarkable turnaround, culminating in a trip to the NFC Championship Game. This era not only revitalized the team but also became a symbol of hope and recovery for the city of New Orleans. The Saints’ success in the years following Katrina, highlighted by their Super Bowl victory in the 2009 season, underscored the franchise’s ability to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

Championships and Achievements

The pinnacle of the New Orleans Saints’ achievements came during the 2009 NFL season when they captured their first Super Bowl title, Super Bowl XLIV, cementing their place in NFL history. This victory was not just a testament to the team’s talent and determination but also served as a beacon of hope and rebirth for the city of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Saints, led by head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees, finished the regular season with a 13-3 record, showcasing a high-powered offense and a resilient defense. Their path to glory included memorable playoff victories over the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, before triumphing over the favored Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl. The win was highlighted by Tracy Porter’s pivotal interception return for a touchdown, sealing the victory and igniting celebrations throughout New Orleans and beyond.

Beyond their Super Bowl victory, the Saints have amassed a collection of division titles and playoff appearances that underscore the franchise’s sustained success, particularly in the 21st century. They have won multiple NFC South championships, reflecting their dominance in the division and their regular presence in the postseason. Players such as Drew Brees have set numerous NFL records while with the Saints, including the record for most career passing yards—a testament to the high-caliber talent that has been part of the Saints’ roster over the years. The team’s ability to consistently compete at a high level, combined with their Super Bowl XLIV victory, has firmly established the New Orleans Saints as one of the NFL’s premier franchises, celebrated for their on-field achievements and their role in the community.

Current Roster

The current roster of the New Orleans Saints for the 2024 season includes key players like quarterbacks Derek Carr, Taysom Hill, and Jake Haener. The running backs feature Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller, with wide receivers such as Chris Olave, A.T. Perry, and Michael Thomas. On the defensive side, notable names include Cameron Jordan and Marshon Lattimore, highlighting the team’s depth across various positions. This mix of talent underscores the Saints’ strategic approach to building a competitive team for the season.

Management and Coaching Staff

The New Orleans Saints’ management and coaching staff for the 2024 season are led by owner Gayle Benson, with Mickey Loomis as the executive vice president/general manager. The coaching staff is headed by Dennis Allen as the head coach, with Klint Kubiak serving as the offensive coordinator and Joe Woods as the defensive coordinator. This leadership team is tasked with guiding the Saints through the season, leveraging their experience and strategic insight to achieve success on the field.

Home Stadium Information

The New Orleans Saints play their home games at the Caesars Superdome, located in the heart of New Orleans. Since opening in 1975, the Superdome has become an iconic symbol of the city and a central hub for major sporting and entertainment events. Its distinctive structure and capacity to hold tens of thousands of fans make it one of the most recognized stadiums in the United States. The Superdome has hosted numerous significant events, including multiple Super Bowls, highlighting its importance not just to the Saints, but to the broader sports world.