In the heart of Louisiana, where jazz flows through the streets and the spirit of Mardi Gras lingers year-round, stands a football franchise that has become synonymous with resilience, determination, and triumph against all odds. The New Orleans Saints, once lovingly referred to as the “Aints” during their struggling years, have transformed into one of the NFL’s most respected organizations. This remarkable journey from underdogs to champions mirrors the indomitable spirit of the city they represent – a city that knows all too well how to rise from adversity.
The Birth of a Franchise: Early Years in the Big Easy
The New Orleans Saints came into existence on November 1, 1966, when the NFL awarded the city of New Orleans its own professional football team. The announcement came appropriately on All Saints Day, giving birth to the team’s iconic name. The franchise was the brainchild of prominent Louisiana businessman John W. Mecom Jr. and New Orleans civic leader David Dixon, who had tirelessly lobbied the NFL to bring professional football to the Crescent City.
The Saints played their inaugural season in 1967 at Tulane Stadium, with John Mecom Jr. as the majority owner and Tom Fears as head coach. Their first-ever NFL game was a 27-13 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, though they did secure their first victory several weeks later against the Philadelphia Eagles. The early roster featured notable players like quarterback Billy Kilmer and wide receiver Danny Abramowicz, who became the team’s first true star.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the new franchise, success proved elusive. The Saints failed to post a winning record in any of their first 20 seasons, establishing them as one of the league’s perennial underdogs. This challenging period gave rise to the infamous paper bags that disgruntled fans wore over their heads, christening the team as the “Aints.” Yet, even during these difficult years, the passionate fan base never wavered in their support, filling the stands game after game with their distinctive “Who Dat” chant that would eventually become the team’s rallying cry.
Building the Foundation: The Jim Mora Era
The Saints’ fortunes began to change in 1986 when Jim Mora was appointed head coach. Under Mora’s disciplined leadership, the franchise achieved its first winning season in 1987, going 12-3 in a strike-shortened year voguevarsity and making their first playoff appearance. The “Dome Patrol” linebacker corps, consisting of Rickey Jackson, Sam Mills, Vaughan Johnson, and Pat Swilling, emerged as the backbone of a formidable defense that would be recognized as one of the greatest linebacker units in NFL history.
Mora led the Saints to four playoff appearances between 1987 and 1992, establishing a culture of competitiveness that had previously been absent. Though playoff success remained elusive, with the team failing to win a postseason game during this era, Mora’s tenure represented a pivotal turning point that laid the groundwork for future accomplishments. His 93 wins remain the second-most in franchise history, and he was the first to prove that sustained success in New Orleans was possible.
The Sean Payton-Drew Brees Revolution
If Jim Mora planted the seeds of success, the partnership of head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees brought them to full bloom. When Payton was hired in 2006, he immediately targeted Brees, who was recovering from a serious shoulder injury and had been discarded by the San Diego Chargers. This partnership, born from mutual redemption, would redefine Saints football for the next 15 years.
The timing couldn’t have been more significant. The Saints’ return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina had devastated the city in 2005 symbolized hope and renewal for a community in desperate need of something to rally around. On September 25, 2006, the Saints returned to a renovated Superdome for a Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons. The emotional 23-3 victory, highlighted by Steve Gleason’s blocked punt that was recovered for a touchdown, became one of the most iconic moments in franchise history and a symbol of the city’s resilience.
Payton and Brees led the Saints to their first NFC Championship appearance in the 2006 season, losing to the Chicago Bears but establishing themselves as legitimate contenders. Three years later, they delivered the franchise’s crowning achievement.
Super Bowl Glory: The 2009 Championship Season
The 2009 season stands as the zenith of Saints football. The team started with an unprecedented 13 consecutive victories, finishing the regular season with a 13-3 record and securing the top seed in the NFC. Brees orchestrated one of the most efficient passing offenses in NFL history, completing an NFL-record 70.6% of his passes while throwing for 4,388 yards and 34 touchdowns.
The Saints defeated the Arizona Cardinals in the Divisional Round before facing the Minnesota Vikings in an epic NFC Championship game. In overtime, kicker Garrett Hartley’s 40-yard field goal sent the Saints to their first Super Bowl appearance, triggering celebrations throughout New Orleans that rivaled Mardi Gras in intensity.
Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts and their star quarterback Peyton Manning was a masterclass in strategic coaching by Payton. Trailing 10-6 at halftime, Payton called for an onside kick to start the second half—a daring move that became known as “Ambush.” The Saints recovered the kick, scored a touchdown, and eventually secured a 31-17 victory. Brees, who completed an astounding 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns, was named Super Bowl MVP.
The victory transcended sports, becoming a symbol of revival for a city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. The championship parade through New Orleans drew hundreds of thousands of ecstatic fans, cementing the unbreakable bond between the Saints and their community.
Sustained Excellence and Playoff Heartbreaks
The Payton-Brees era continued to produce impressive results, with the Saints winning division titles in 2011, 2017, 2018, and 2019. The team consistently boasted one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, with Brees breaking numerous passing records along the way. By the time he retired after the 2020 season, Brees had rewritten the NFL record books, at various points holding the marks for career passing yards, career completions, career completion percentage, and single-season completion percentage.
However, this period was also marked by a series of heartbreaking playoff defeats. None was more controversial than the 2018 NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams, where a blatant pass interference penalty went uncalled late in the fourth quarter, likely costing the Saints a trip to Super Bowl LIII. The “No-Call,” as it became known in New Orleans, was so egregious that it prompted the NFL to change its rules to allow limited replay review of pass interference calls.
Despite these disappointments, the Saints maintained their status as perennial contenders, a remarkable transformation for a franchise once synonymous with futility.
The Post-Brees Era: Navigating Transition
Drew Brees’ retirement after the 2020 season marked the end of the most successful chapter in Saints history. Sean Payton’s departure following the 2021 season further signaled the close of an era. The franchise entered a period of transition under head coach Dennis Allen, who had previously served as the team’s defensive coordinator.
While the immediate post-Brees years have been challenging, the Saints have continued to field competitive teams built around a solid defense and an offense seeking to redefine itself with new leadership. The team has maintained its aggressive approach to roster building, consistently pushing against the salary cap to maximize its championship window.
Cultural Impact: The Saints and New Orleans
Few NFL teams are as intrinsically linked to their city’s identity as the Saints are to New Orleans. The “Who Dat Nation,” as the fan base is known, represents one of the most passionate and distinctive fan cultures in American sports. The famous chant—”Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?”—embodies the defiant, celebratory spirit that defines both the team and the city.
The Saints’ special relationship with New Orleans was never more evident than in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. When the team returned to the Superdome in 2006, they provided more than entertainment; they offered hope and a sense of normalcy to a community in desperate need of both. The 2009 Super Bowl victory, coming less than five years after the hurricane, represented a powerful symbol of resilience and recovery.
Beyond the emotional connection, the Saints have made tangible contributions to New Orleans through various community initiatives. The Saints and Pelicans Gulf Coast Renewal Fund, established by team owner Gayle Benson, has provided millions in assistance to regional causes. Players and coaches have consistently engaged with local charitable efforts, understanding their responsibility as community leaders extends far beyond the football field.
Legendary Saints: The Franchise’s Greatest Players
Throughout their history, the Saints have been home to some of football’s most accomplished players. The franchise’s Mount Rushmore would undoubtedly include:
Drew Brees: The face of the franchise for 15 years, Brees rewrote the NFL record books while leading the Saints to their only Super Bowl victory. His precision passing and leadership transformed the team from perennial underachiever to consistent contender.
Rickey Jackson: The heart of the “Dome Patrol” and the first pure Saint inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Jackson was a relentless pass rusher who helped establish the team’s defensive identity during the Jim Mora era.
Archie Manning: Though his tenure was marked by team struggles, Manning’s individual brilliance as quarterback during the 1970s kept the Saints relevant. His lasting legacy extends beyond his playing days, as he remains an ambassador for both the team and the city.
Willie Roaf: The dominant offensive tackle earned seven of his 11 Pro Bowl selections with the Saints, protecting quarterbacks and opening holes for running backs with remarkable consistency and skill.
Other notable Saints legends include linebacker Sam Mills, running back Deuce McAllister, wide receiver Marques Colston, offensive tackle Jahri Evans, running back Alvin Kamara, defensive end Cameron Jordan, and wide receiver Michael Thomas.
Looking Forward: The Future of Saints Football
As the Saints navigate the post-Brees era, the franchise faces the challenge of maintaining its competitive edge while developing new cornerstones. Owner Gayle Benson, who took control of the team after her husband Tom Benson’s passing in 2018, has demonstrated a commitment to continued excellence and community investment.
The team continues to benefit from a strong organizational structure built during the Payton years, with general manager Mickey Loomis providing continuity in the front office. The passionate support of the Who Dat Nation ensures that the Mercedes-Benz Superdome remains one of the NFL’s most intimidating venues for visiting teams.
While recapturing the magic of the 2009 championship season represents a lofty goal, the Saints have permanently shed their “Aints” identity. The expectation in New Orleans is no longer merely competitiveness but championship contention—a dramatic shift from the franchise’s first two decades.
Conclusion: The Saints’ Enduring Legacy
The story of the New Orleans Saints is, at its core, a testament to perseverance. From their challenging early decades to the euphoria of Super Bowl XLIV and beyond, the Saints have embodied the resilient spirit of their beloved city. The franchise has evolved from lovable losers to respected champions, all while maintaining the distinctive cultural flair that makes them uniquely New Orleans.
As the team continues to write new chapters in its history, the black and gold colors remain a symbol of pride throughout Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. The Saints have proven that with patience, vision, and unwavering community support, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome. In that sense, they are the perfect standard-bearers for a city that has faced its share of challenges and emerged stronger for having endured them.
