50 Seasons of Saints History

Season tickets go on sale

March 8, 1967

First season-ticket drive launched…Saints sell 20,000 on first day and 33,400 before first game.

Gilliam ran for six on Saints’ first NFL play

September 17, 1967

Saints open first regular season schedule in style as rookie RB John Gilliam returned the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown, but lost to the Rams, 27-13 in front of 80,879 at Tulane Stadium.

First regular season win

November 5, 1967

Saints record first regular season win, beating the Philadelphia Eagles at Franklin Field, 31-24, as WR Walt Roberts scores 3 touchdowns.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Saints first Pro Bowl

January 21, 1968 CB Dave Whitsell represented the Saints as the club’s first Pro Bowl selection.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Atkins received Lombardi award

February 9, 1969 NFL 16-year veteran DE Doug Atkins receives Vince Lombardi Award as NFL’s most dedicated player.

Dempsey kicked 55-yard field goal

October 5, 1969 At the Los Angeles Rams, K Tom Dempsey kicks a 55-yard field goal, the Saints’ longest to date…the kick was the NFL’s longest of season and one yard shy of tying the NFL mark.

Set NFL passing record

November 2, 1969 Saints snap six-game losing streak at St. Louis, 51-42…game set NFL record of most total passing touchdowns in a game as the Saints’ Billy Kilmer and the Cardinals’ Charlie Johnson connected on six each.

Atkins retired

December 21, 1969 DE Doug Atkins retired after 17 NFL seasons.

50 Seasons of Saints History

J.D. Roberts hired

November 3, 1970 J.D. Roberts replaces Fears to become the second head coach in Saints’ history.

Dempsey kicked NFL-record 63-yard field goal

November 8, 1970 K Tom Dempsey kicked what was then an NFL-record 63-yard field goal on the game’s final play to defeat Detroit, 19-17.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Saints drafted Manning

January 28, 1971 Saints drafted Mississippi QB Archie Manning with the second overall selection in the NFL Draft.

Manning made first regular season start

September 19, 1971 Saints defeat L.A. Rams in season opener in New Orleans, 24-20… Manning made first regular-season start and ran for one-yard touchdown on the final play after he completed 16-of-29 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown.

50 Seasons of Saints History

First appearance on ABC’s “Monday Night Football”

September 25, 1972 Saints made first appearance on ABC’s “Monday Night Football,” losing to Kansas City, 20-17.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Selected Moore in the NFL Draft

January 29, 1973 Saints selected Oklahoma DE Derland Moore as the club’s first selection of the NFL Draft (second round-29th overall).

50 Seasons of Saints History

Beat St. Louis Cardinals 14-0

December 8, 1974 Saints shut out the St. Louis Cardinals 14-0 in the franchise’s final game in Tulane Stadium.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Louisiana Superdome is dedicated

August 3, 1975 Louisiana Superdome is dedicated.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Hank Stram hired

January 20, 1976 Saints hired Hank Stram as the club’s fifth head coach.

Chuck Muncie drafted

April 8, 1976 Saints selected California RB Chuck Muncie in the first round of the NFL Draft.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Saints finish with 5-11 record

December 18, 1977 Saints finish with 5-11 record…RB Chuck Muncie set what was club single-season rushing mark with 811 yards and TE Henry Childs set what was the Saints single-season TD record with nine.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Dick Nolan hired

February 6, 1978 Dick Nolan is hired as the Saints’ sixth head coach.

Manning won NFL’s Byron White Award

June 11, 1978 QB Archie Manning won the NFL’s Byron (Whizzer) White Award for his contributions to team, community and country.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Ended the season with an 8-8 record

December 16, 1979 Saints ended the season with an 8-8 record after beating eventual NFC champion Rams, 29-14, setting a new club mark for wins.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Muncie selected Pro Bowl MVP

January 27, 1980 RB Chuck Muncie is selected as Pro Bowl MVP. Saints had a then club-record five Pro Bowl players as QB Archie Manning, S Tommy Myers, WR Wes Chandler and TE Henry Childs joined Muncie.

Stan Brock drafted

April 29, 1980 Saints selected Colorado T Stan Brock with their first selection in the NFL Draft.

Dick Stanfel named interim head coach

November 25, 1980 Dick Stanfel replaced Nolan in the interim and became the Saints’ seventh head coach.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Phillips announced as head coach

January 22, 1981 O.A. (Bum) Phillips is announced as the Saints’ eighth head coach.

Selected Rogers with the first overall choice in NFL Draft

April 28, 1981 Saints select South Carolina RB and 1980 Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers with the first overall choice in NFL Draft…Rogers is one of 17 selections by Saints…with a second round pick, they would choose Pittsburgh LB Rickey Jackson, in what would turn out to be one of the franchise’s top drafts…future cornerstones in DE Frank Warren

50 Seasons of Saints History

Rogers selected to Pro Bowl

January 31, 1982 RB George Rogers is selected to the Pro Bowl.

Atkins inducted into Hall of Fame

August 7, 1982 Former DE Doug Atkins, who played the final three seasons of his career with the Saints from 1967-69, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Ken Stabler signed

August 25, 1982 Veteran QB Ken Stabler signed with Saints as a free agent.

50 Seasons of Saints History

First sudden death victory in franchise history

September 18, 1983 Saints defeated Chicago, 34-31 at the Superdome in overtime for the first sudden death victory in franchise history.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Acquired Earl Campbell

October 9, 1984 Saints acquired RB Earl Campbell from Houston for Saints’ first-round draft choice in 1985.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Benson bought team

May 31, 1985 Ownership was transferred from Mecom to Benson for the sale price of $70.204 million. Benson becomes managing general partner of the Saints.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Jim Mora hired

January 28, 1986 Jim Mora named the Saints’ 10th head coach.

Mayes named Rookie of the Year

December 21, 1986 RB Rueben Mayes finished with 1,353 yards rushing (fourth in the NFL) and is named consensus Rookie of the Year.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Biggest come-from-behind effort to win in Saints’ history

December 20, 1987 Down 24-3 in the second quarter, the Saints rallied behind backup QB Dave Wilson for a 31-24 win at Cincinnati, the biggest come-from-behind effort at the time in Saints’ history.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Finks named Executive of the Year

February 7, 1988 President/General Manager Jim Finks was honored as The Sporting News NFL Executive of the Year.

Mora named Coach of the Year

February 7, 1988 Coach Jim Mora was a unanimous choice for NFL Coach of the Year.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Paul Tagliabue selected as league commissioner

October 26, 1989 NFL owners select Paul Tagliabue to succeed Pete Rozelle as league commissioner.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Playoff-bound

December 31, 1990 On New Year’s Eve, a national TV audience saw K Morten Andersen kick a 24-yard field goal with :02 left to beat the Los Angeles Rams 20-17 which evened the Saints’ final record at 8-8 and gave the club a berth in the playoffs.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Campbell inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

July 27, 1991 RB Earl Campbell, who played his final two seasons with the Saints from 1984-85, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Four chosen for Pro Bowl

February 2, 1992 Four Saints were chosen for the Pro Bowl, LBs Vaughan Johnson, Sam Mills and Pat Swilling were named starters, the most linebackers from a team in league history. Special teams standout Bennie Thompson also made the trip to Honolulu.

Clinched home-field advantage

December 26, 1992 The Saints clinched home-field advantage for the playoffs in the NFC wild-card game with a 20-0 win over the New York Jets on the road.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Roaf drafted

April 25, 1993 Swilling was traded by the Saints to Detroit for the their first- and fourth-round picks in the 1993 NFL Draft…The Saints picked T William Roaf with the eighth overall selection.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Joe Johnson drafted

April 24, 1994 The Saints chose Louisville DE Joe Johnson with their first pick in the NFL Draft.

Hughes returned two kickoffs for TDs

October 23, 1994 The Saints beat the L.A. Rams 37-34 at the Superdome as Tyrone Hughes returned two kickoffs for TDs on his way to setting or tying seven team and four NFL records.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Finks inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

July 29, 1995 The late Jim Finks, who served as the Saints’ president/general manager from 1986-93, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Roaf and Allen participated in Pro Bowl

February 4, 1996 T William Roaf and CB Eric Allen participated in Pro Bowl.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Ditka hired

January 28, 1997 Bill Kuharich was promoted to president/general manager/chief operating officer…Mike Ditka was named the 12th head coach in club history.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Roaf selected to fifth consecutive Pro Bowl

December 19, 1998 T William Roaf is selected to his franchise-record fifth consecutive Pro Bowl.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Dick Stanfel announced retirement

January 21, 1999 Dick Stanfel, who served as offensive line coach from 1997-98 and 1976-80 and head coach for the last four games of 1980, announced his retirement.

Williams drafted

April 17, 1999 The Saints acquired the fifth overall selection from the Washington Redskins in exchange for the Saints’ first- and third- through seventh-round draft choices in 1999 and New Orleans’ first- and third-round picks in 2000…with the fifth overall pick, the Saints selected Texas RB Ricky Williams, the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner.

Roaf was named to sixth consecutive Pro Bowl

December 23, 1999 T William Roaf was named to his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl, tying him for the club record in appearances.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Jim Haslett hired

February 3, 2000 Former Saints Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett was named as the 13th head coach in club history.

Johnson selected NFL Comeback Player of the Year

December 28, 2000 DE Joe Johnson selected NFL Comeback Player of the Year by the AP after he missed 1999 with a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee.

First postseason win

December 30, 2000 Saints won in postseason for the first time, a 31-28 victory over the Rams in a NFC wild card playoff game at the Superdome.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Haslett selected as NFL Coach of the Year by the AP

January 6, 2001 Jim Haslett was selected as the NFL Coach of the Year by the AP

Six Saints participated in the Pro Bowl in Honolulu

February 4, 2001 Six Saints participated in the Pro Bowl in Honolulu: DT La’Roi Glover, DE Joe Johnson and T William Roaf, who had a then club-record seventh appearance started, while WR Joe Horn, LB Mark Fields and LB Keith Mitchell were selected as reserves.

McAllister drafted

April 21, 2001 Saints picked Mississippi RB Deuce McAllister with their first selection in the NFL Draft.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Mickey Loomis promoted

May 13, 2002 Saints promoted Mickey Loomis to general manager of football operations from director of football administration.

Stallworth set rookie record

September 29, 2002 WR Donte’ Stallworth became the first rookie in 20 years to catch a TD in his first four NFL games.

50 Seasons of Saints History

100th victory in the Superdome

November 16, 2003 A 23-20 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons gives the Saints their 100th victory in the Superdome.

McAllister had ninth straight 100-yard game

November 30, 2003 McAllister rushes for 165 yards on 31 carries in a 24-20 victory at Washington, his ninth straight 100-yard game…the streak tied former Chicago RB Walter Payton and Jacksonville RB Fred Taylor for the third-longest in NFL history…he would be held below the milestone the following week vs. Tampa Bay

50 Seasons of Saints History

Will Smith drafted

April 24, 2004 Saints select Ohio State DE Will Smith 18th overall in NFL Draft.

Lewis named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

December 26, 2004 WR Michael Lewis returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown vs. Atlanta, giving the Saints a comfortable lead in the 26-13 victory.  For his efforts, Lewis is named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Hurricane Katrina

August 28, 2005 In anticipation of Hurricane Katrina making landfall on the Gulf Coast, the team and operations staff flew to San Jose, Calif. three days early for the final preseason game at Oakland…the team set up operations in a hotel and practiced at San Jose State University in preparation for the preseason finale.

Benson announced Saints Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund

September 8, 2005 Owner Tom Benson announced the start of the New Orleans Saints Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund to provide aid and assistance to the people of the entire Gulf South…the fund raised approximately $1 million to benefit local causes.

Team plays at Tiger Stadium

October 30, 2005 The Saints fall to Miami, 21-6, before 61,643 fans at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, a game which marked the team’s return to Louisiana…it was the first regular-season NFL contest played at LSU

50 Seasons of Saints History

Sean Payton hired

January 18, 2006 Sean Payton named as the 14th head coach in club history.

Drew Brees joins Saints

March 14, 2006 The Saints agreed to terms with former San Diego QB Drew Brees to a five-year contract, the most notable and successful free-agent acquisition in team history.

Reggie Bush drafted

April 29, 2006 Saints pick RB Reggie Bush second overall in the NFL Draft.

Superdome re-opened

September 25, 2006 In the first contest at the stadium since it was used as a shelter of last resort during Hurricane Katrina, the Saints christened the refurbished Superdome with a 23-3 victory on Monday Night Football.

Clinched first NFC South title

December 17, 2006 Despite a 16-10 loss to Washington, the Saints clinch their first NFC South title with losses by Atlanta and Carolina.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Brees is voted co-recipient of NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

February 2, 2007 After the most memorable year in club history to date, QB Drew Brees is voted co-recipient of the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award…it was one of a slew of awards won by Saints personnel following the 2006 season, including Sean Payton as a unanimous choice as NFL Coach of the Year and Executive VP/GM Mickey Loomis as NFL Executive of the

Thomas became the first player to pick up 100 yards rushing and receiving in the same game

December 30, 2007 Rookie RB Pierre Thomas became the first player in Saints history and just the second rookie in NFL history to pick up 100 yards rushing and receiving in the same game, carrying the ball 20 times for 105 yards and catching 12 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown in his first career start at Chicago against the Bears.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Brees named NFC Offensive Player of the Month

October 2, 2008 QB Drew Brees named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September after throwing for 1,343 yards and eight touchdowns in the team’s first four games.

Played at Wembley Stadium

October 26, 2008 Playing in their first regular-season game outside the United States, the Saints defeated San Diego 37-32 at London’s Wembley Stadium.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Saints, state agree to long-term deal

April 30, 2009 Owner Tom Benson and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal announced a lease extension that will keep the Saints in New Orleans through 2025 and provide $85 million to upgrade the Superdome…Benson also announced that he will purchase the Dominion Tower and develop a festival plaza outside the stadium.

Saints averaged a club record 9.6 yards per play

November 30, 2009 In a 38-17 Monday night win over New England, where the Saints averaged a club record 9.6 yards per play, Brees completed 18-of-23 passes for 371 yards with five touchdowns…his career-high passer rating of 158.3 was only the second perfect rating in club history…Brees was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

10 game winning streak was the longest in franchise history

December 22, 2009 Following their 38-7 win over Tampa Bay to improve their record to 10-0, New Orleans’ 10 game winning streak was the longest in franchise history.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Won NFC Championship

January 24, 2010 Saints defeat Minnesota, 31-28, in an overtime thriller in the NFC championship game at the Superdome, advancing to the Super Bowl for the first time.

Won Super Bowl XLIV

February 7, 2010 Saints defeat the Indianapolis Colts, 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Brees named Super Bowl MVP

February 7, 2010 Drew Brees was named the game’s MVP as he completed 32-of-39 passes for 288 yards with two touchdown passes and a 114.5 rating, tying the NFL record for completions in a Super Bowl.

Super Bowl XLIV rings

June 16, 2010 The entire Saints organization were presented with their Super Bowl XLIV Championship rings at a ceremony at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Jordan and Ingram drafted

April 28, 2011 Saints used the 24th overall pick in the NFL Draft to select California DE Cameron Jordan and then acquired the 28th pick from the New England Patriots and selected Alabama RB and 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram.

Saints’ point total set club record

October 23, 2011 In a 62-7 prime-time, nationally televised victory over Indianapolis in the newly minted Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the Saints’ point total set a new club record and was tied for the highest total since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger…in addition to the club scoring record, they also set team marks for margin of victory (55), first downs (36) and PATs

Brees broke single-season passing record of 5,084 yards

December 26, 2011 Brees breaks Dan Marino’s 27-year old single-season passing record of 5,084 yards when he connects on a nine-yard TD to Sproles…Brees captured NFC Offensive Player of the Week for the third time in 2011.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Brees named Offensive Player of the Year

February 4, 2012 Drew Brees was named the Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

Roaf voted to Pro Football Hall of Fame

February 4, 2012 T William Roaf, who played with New Orleans from 1993-2001 and was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times with the club, was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Brees set NFL record

October 7, 2012 Drew Brees sets the NFL record on a first quarter 40-yard scoring throw to WR Devery Henderson with his 48th consecutive game with a touchdown pass, breaking a mark previously held by Johnny Unitas since 1960.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Payton signed to a five-year contract extension

January 9, 2013 Coach Sean Payton is signed to a five-year contract extension.

Jackson, Manning and Roaf inducted into the club’s Ring of Honor

November 10, 2013 LB Rickey Jackson, QB Archie Manning and T William Roaf inducted into the club’s newly established Ring of Honor.

Qualified for the playoffs for fourth time in five seasons

December 29, 2013 With a 42-17 win over Tampa Bay in the regular season finale, the Saints improve to 11-5, qualifying for the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons…Brees captured NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for the fourth time of the season as he completed 24-of-31 passes for 381 yards and four touchdowns, one of which went to Graham, who

50 Seasons of Saints History

Won first road playoff game

January 4, 2014 Saints defeat Philadelphia 26-24 in NFC wild-card playoff game, as K Shayne Graham booted the 32-yard game-winning field goal as time expired to give New Orleans their first road playoff win in franchise history.

Brandin Cooks drafted

May 8, 2014 Saints trade up to the 20th overall pick in the 2014 NFC Draft to select Oregon State WR Brandin Cooks.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Peat and Anthony drafted

April 30, 2015 Using two first round draft picks for the first time since 2002, the Saints select Stanford T Andrus Peat and Clemson LB Stephone Anthony with the 13th and 31st overall selections. Peat would play in 12 games with eight starts along the offensive line, while Anthony would start all 16 games and post a rookie franchise-best 144 tackles, surpassing

Signed Jordan to a five-year contract extension

June 2, 2015 Saints sign DE Cameron Jordan to a five-year contract extension.

Brees completed NFL-record-tying seven touchdown passes

November 1, 2015 Brees completes 39-of-50 passes for 505 yards, a 131.7 passer rating and an NFL-record-tying seven touchdown passes as the Saints defeat the New York Giants 52-49.

50 Seasons of Saints History

Brees named 2015 Clutch Performer of the Year

February 6, 2016 Drew Brees is named the 2015 Clutch Performer of the Year, receiving the award during the fifth annual NFL Honors awards show at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco for his performance in the Nov. 1, 2015 win vs. the New York Giants, where he passed for 505 yards and tied an NFL record with seven touchdown passes.