A Thorough History of the New Orleans Saints
Charlesaaronthompson, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The New Orleans Saints, founded in 1967, are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, marked by periods of struggle, perseverance, and eventual triumph. The team’s history reflects the resilience of the city of New Orleans itself, overcoming adversity to eventually claim its place in the football world. The franchise is also a symbol of the city’s cultural importance, blending sports with local identity.
Founding and Early Years (1967-1970)
The New Orleans Saints were founded in 1966, when the NFL awarded an expansion team to the city of New Orleans. The team’s name, Saints, was chosen in honor of the city’s rich Catholic heritage and its traditional Mardi Gras celebrations, particularly the tradition of jazz music, which often incorporates spirituals and hymns.
In 1967, the team played its first season under head coach Tom Fears. The Saints were part of the NFL’s expansion into new markets in the 1960s, a decade that also saw the creation of teams such as the Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins. The Saints’ inaugural year was marked by a rough start, as the team finished with a 3-11 record.
The early years of the Saints were characterized by instability and poor performance on the field. The franchise struggled with consistent leadership, and the Saints’ records were often among the worst in the league. However, the team had some bright spots, such as the signing of legendary players like Archie Manning in 1971. Manning, a talented quarterback from Ole Miss, became the face of the franchise and a beacon of hope for fans during the team’s early struggles. Despite Manning’s talent, the Saints continued to flounder, and their overall performance did not improve significantly.
The “Aints” Years (1970s-1980s)
By the late 1970s, the Saints had developed a reputation for being one of the league’s most unsuccessful franchises. During this time, the Saints were often referred to by their critics as the “Aints,” a term that reflected the team’s consistent losing record. Despite loyal fan support, the team continued to struggle with poor management and lackluster performances.
The early 1980s saw some slight improvement for the Saints under head coach Bum Phillips (1981-1985). However, even with the leadership of Phillips, the Saints only had modest success. The team did manage to qualify for the playoffs in 1987, but the Saints’ ability to compete consistently remained elusive.
The Jim Mora Era and the First Playoff Berth (1986-1996)
In 1986, the Saints hired head coach Jim Mora, who would lead the team into one of its most successful periods. Under Mora’s leadership, the Saints became a competitive force in the NFC West division. The 1987 season marked the first time in the franchise’s history that the Saints made the playoffs, an achievement that was historic for the team and its fans.
In the 1990s, the Saints became more competitive in the NFL. The team had a series of decent to good seasons, with solid performances from players like Bobby Hebert (quarterback), Rickey Jackson (linebacker), and Sam Mills (linebacker). The Saints even made the playoffs several times during the decade, but they continued to fall short of reaching the Super Bowl.
The Post-Mora Years and Struggles (1997-2005)
The Saints experienced a period of decline following the departure of Jim Mora in 1996. Successive coaching changes and player turnover led to instability and disappointing seasons. Coaches like Mike Ditka (1997-1999) and Jim Haslett (2000-2005) struggled to find consistency. The Saints would occasionally show flashes of brilliance but never seemed to put together a season that would lead to long-term success.
By the time Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in August 2005, the city was left in devastation, and the Saints’ future was uncertain. The team was displaced and had to play their 2005 season in other cities, primarily in Baton Rouge and San Antonio. However, the team’s return to the Superdome in 2006 provided a much-needed boost to the spirits of New Orleans residents, who rallied behind the Saints in their time of crisis.
The Rebirth of the Saints (2006-Present)
Tammy Anthony Baker from Louisiana, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The arrival of Sean Payton as head coach in 2006 marked the beginning of a new era for the New Orleans Saints. Payton was hired to revitalize the team and bring the Saints to a competitive level. His partnership with quarterback Drew Brees, who had joined the team in 2006 after leaving the San Diego Chargers, transformed the franchise.
Brees, a highly skilled and durable quarterback, was instrumental in the team’s resurgence. His accuracy, leadership, and ability to orchestrate high-powered offenses led to a dramatic turnaround for the franchise. Payton’s offense, known for its innovative play-calling, allowed Brees to set numerous NFL records, including breaking single-season passing yardage records.
The 2009 season was a defining moment in Saints history. The team finished the regular season with a 13-3 record, and they reached the Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. In a thrilling game against the Indianapolis Colts, the Saints triumphed 31-17, earning their first-ever Super Bowl victory. The win was symbolic not just for the team, but for the city of New Orleans, which had endured so much hardship after Hurricane Katrina. The Saints’ victory gave the community a much-needed symbol of hope and pride.
Brees and Payton continued to lead the team through the next decade, with the Saints remaining competitive in the NFC South. The team made several playoff appearances and consistently had one of the league’s most prolific offenses. Key players like Marques Colston (wide receiver), Cameron Jordan (defensive end), and Alvin Kamara (running back) contributed to the team’s success.
Recent Years and Continuing Success
In recent years, the Saints have remained one of the NFL’s most successful franchises. Brees retired after the 2020 season, but his impact on the team and the city will be felt for years to come. With Brees’ departure, the Saints entered a new era, with Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill stepping in at quarterback, though the team struggled to maintain its usual dominance in the NFC South.
Despite challenges, the Saints continue to be a well-respected franchise in the NFL, known for their offensive ingenuity, strong team culture, and resilience. The team has consistently been in playoff contention under Sean Payton and continues to be a major force in the league.
Legacy
The New Orleans Saints’ legacy extends far beyond their football achievements. The team represents the spirit of New Orleans itself: resilient, passionate, and filled with pride. Their 2009 Super Bowl victory, the first in franchise history, was a symbol of hope and renewal for a city that had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina just a few years earlier.
The Saints are deeply embedded in the fabric of New Orleans culture. The team’s fan base, known for their enthusiastic support, is some of the most loyal in the NFL. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the team’s home stadium, remains a symbol of the team’s strength and the city’s resilience.
Conclusion
From its tumultuous early years to its Super Bowl victory and ongoing success, the New Orleans Saints have become one of the most respected franchises in NFL history. Their journey has mirrored the struggles and triumphs of the city of New Orleans itself, and their place in both the NFL and the hearts of New Orleans residents is firmly established. As the team continues to evolve, it remains a pillar of strength and pride for the city, a testament to perseverance and the power of sport to unite a community.
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