The New Orleans Saints debuted as an NFL team in 1967 and it took quite some time before they achieved even a modest level of success. Over the years, however, this hasn’t stopped the team from having some memorable moments and great players like Archie Manning, Earl Campbell, George Rogers, Rickey Jackson, Sam Mills, Pat Swilling, Bobby Hebert, Joe Horn, Deuce McAllister. , Drew Brees and Reggie Bush. The Saints have transformed from a perennial basement-dwelling team into one of the franchises the opposition should always worry about. Here’s a look at five things you probably don’t know about the New Orleans Saints.
1. The first touchdown scored by the New Orleans Saints as a franchise came via a 94-yard kickoff return by John Gilliam in his first game in 1967.
2. Due to damage to the Louisiana Superdome from Hurricane Katrina, the Saints played all of their home games elsewhere during the 2005 season. They played four home games at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, three home games at the Tiger Stadium at Louisiana State University and a home game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
3. The Saints traded all the draft picks they had in 1999 plus a first and third round in 2000 for the draft rights to University of Texas running back Ricky Williams.
4. New Orleans Saints kicker Tom Dempsey set the record for the longest field goal in NFL history when he kicked a 63-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in November 1970. This kick was made with two seconds left on the clock and won. the game by a score of 19-17.
5. The New Orleans Saints were the first team in the NFL to wear all-black uniforms, both pants and jerseys, when they did so in a 2001 road game against the Carolina Panthers.
The history of the New Orleans Saints as the only professional football team that the city of New Orleans has known has not always been the most peaceful and pleasant. However, the team is well loved by the locals, as was more than evident after the year of absence after Hurricane Katrina when they had to play their home games elsewhere. The Saints will continue to be an important part of everything that makes New Orleans special for many years to come.
