ONE
The New Orleans Saints were established in 1967 as an expansion team. The team got their name after the franchise was awarded to New Orleans on November 1, 1966 - All Saints' Day. The team was founded by John W. Mecom Jr., David Dixon, and the city of New Orleans. The early years were marked by struggles - with the Saints not recording a winning season in their first 20 years of existence. Despite this, key moments such as the drafting of Hall of Fame tackle Willie Roaf in 1993 signalled a shift towards a more competitive team.
Willie Roaf, Offensive Tackle 1993-2001
TWO
The tenure of head coach Jim Mora from 1986 to 1996 marked a turning point for the Saints. Under Mora's leadership, the team experienced its first taste of success, earning a playoff berth in 1987. The Saints finished the regular season with a 12-3 record - their first winning season in franchise history. This milestone was fueled by the emergence of stars like linebacker Rickey Jackson and wide receiver Eric Martin. In the 1980s and early 1990s, the Saints boasted one of the most formidable linebacking corps in NFL history, known as the "Dome Patrol." This group included Rickey Jackson, Sam Mills, Vaughan Johnson, and Pat Swilling. Jackson later became the first Saints player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
THREE
In 1985, Tom Benson purchased the Saints. His ownership brought financial stability and a commitment to building a competitive team. Benson was instrumental in keeping the team in New Orleans amid various challenges. Under Benson's leadership, the Saints underwent significant renovations to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, enhancing the fan experience and modernising the team's facilities. These renovations included improvements to seating, concessions, and premium amenities - ensuring that the Superdome remained a state-of-the-art venue. Benson's commitment to the team's success and the city of New Orleans endeared him to fans and solidified his legacy as a beloved figure in Saints history.
Caesars Superdome
FOUR
In 2005, the city of New Orleans was tragically struck by Hurricane Katrina - leaving the Saints as a symbol of hope and resilience for residents. As a result of the damage, the 2005 season was spent splitting their games between their temporary headquarters at San Antonio’s Alamodome, and LSU’s stadium in Baton Rouge. The Saints even played their first home game at the MetLife in New York. With the city desperately in need of wins, a 3-13 finish meant that head coach Jim Haslett was fired.
Jim Haslett, Head Coach 2000-2005
FIVE
The 2006 season marked a dramatic rebirth for the team. The Saints returned to the Superdome with new head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees. Their emotional homecoming game against the Atlanta Falcons is one of the most memorable moments in NFL history. A win back at the Superdome helped carry the Saints to an impressive 10-6 season. Payton's innovative offensive schemes and Brees' precise passing gave New Orleans a playoff berth for the first time since 2000. Brees' prolific passing, including a then-franchise record 4,418 passing yards, propelled the Saints' high-powered offense to new heights. However, a defeat at the hands of the Chicago Bears in the NFC Conference Championship saw their season come to an end.
Drew Brees, Quarterback 2006-2020
SIX
The pinnacle of the Sean Payton and Drew Brees era came in the 2009 season when the Saints won their first Super Bowl. Led by Brees' record-breaking passing, the Saints overcame formidable opponents en route to Super Bowl XLIV. Brees set numerous records during the season - including surpassing Dan Marino's single-season passing yards record with 5,476 yards. The Saints' 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl is remembered for a particularly brave onside kick to start the second half, when they were down 10-6. The Saints not only brought home the Lombardi Trophy but also gave hope and resilience to the city of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Sean Payton, Head Coach 2006-2021
SEVEN
The Saints' success was soon marred by the infamous "Bountygate" scandal, which resulted in severe penalties being imposed by the NFL. Allegations of a pay-for-performance program tarnished the team's reputation and led to suspensions for key personnel, including head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Despite the adversity, the Saints maintained their resilience and continued to compete at a high level, demonstrating the team's unwavering commitment to overcoming adversity.
EIGHT
After an 11-5 2013 season, New Orleans then saw three consecutive 7-9 seasons. The defense struggled significantly - allowing the most points in the league, which overshadowed strong offensive outings from Drew Brees. In 2017, the Saints drafted Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore, who went on to sweep the Rookie of the Year awards. As a result, the team finished 11-5, winning the NFC South. They advanced to the Divisional Round of the playoffs - however suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Vikings thanks to the "Minneapolis Miracle". 38 regular season wins ensured the Saints were perennial Super Bowl contenders, though they could never return to the big game.
Alvin Kamara, Running Back 2017-Present
NINE
The 2020 season marked Drew Brees' final year, as he announced his retirement after the playoffs - leaving a huge void for the Saints to fill. After two sub-par years, Sean Payton “retired” following the 2021 season. Dennis Allen was promoted but it was more of the same for New Orleans as Allen has failed to impress with quarterback Derek Carr under center - leading to increased media scrutiny over his job as he heads into 2024.
Derek Carr, Quarterback 2023-Present
BEFORE YOU GO
During the 1980 season, fans were so frustrated at the lack of success that they wore paper bags over their heads and referred to the team as the "Aints".
The Saints' mascot, "Gumbo the Dog" was replaced by "Sir Saint" in 2009. Sir Saint features a unique look with a large chin and a fleur-de-lis hat - symbolising the team's deep ties to the culture and history of New Orleans
According to Forbes, the New Orleans Saints franchise net worth is estimated at $4.08 billion as of 2023.
