How a jazz standard and a leap of faith birthed the New Orleans Saints
In short: Founded in 1966, the New Orleans Saints spent two decades as an NFL punchline before rising to championship glory. From wearing paper bags to winning Super Bowl XLIV, the franchise’s history is a volatile mix of deep-seated civic pride, legendary coaching gambles, and a resilience mirrored by the city itself.
The New Orleans Saints were born from a strategic alliance between local entrepreneur Dave Dixon and NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. Officially awarded as an expansion franchise on November 1, 1966, the team was named after the jazz classic 'When the Saints Go Marching In.' Dixon, seeking divine intervention for the fledgling club, even cleared the name with Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, who quipped that the team would need all the help it could get.
For the first 20 years, the Saints struggled, famously enduring two decades without a winning record. By 1980, the frustration was so profound that local broadcaster Bernard 'Buddy D' Diliberto encouraged fans to wear paper bags over their heads, mocking the team as the 'Aints.' The tide finally turned under owner Tom Benson, who acquired the team in 1985 and hired Jim Mora. In 1987, the Saints secured their first winning record and playoff appearance, though they remained unable to win a postseason game during that era.
The franchise's defining era arrived in the 21st century under coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees. After Hurricane Katrina forced the team to play their 2005 season away from the damaged Superdome, their 2006 return became a cultural touchstone, highlighted by Steve Gleason’s iconic blocked punt. This resurgence culminated in the 2009 season, where the Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. It remains the team's only Super Bowl appearance, cementing their status as a rare franchise that has won its sole championship bid.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: New Orleans Saints
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