The Greatest New Orleans Saints of All Time

The New Orleans Saints have a rich and storied history, filled with legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise and the city they call home. From the early days of the team's inception to the modern era, the Saints have been blessed with an array of talented individuals who have not only excelled on the field but have also become beloved figures in the community. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore the greatest New Orleans Saints of all time, delving into their remarkable careers, their impact on the team, and their enduring legacies.

Drew Brees: The Quarterback Who Transformed the Saints

When the New Orleans Saints acquired Drew Brees in 2006, it was a pivotal moment in the team's history. Brees, a talented quarterback who had overcome a career-threatening injury, quickly established himself as the heart and soul of the Saints' offense. His pinpoint accuracy, exceptional decision-making, and unwavering leadership propelled the team to new heights, culminating in a Super Bowl victory in 2010.

Brees' career with the Saints is nothing short of remarkable. He holds numerous NFL records, including the all-time passing yards and touchdown passes records, cementing his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. Beyond his on-field exploits, Brees has been a pillar of the New Orleans community, using his platform to support various charitable initiatives and disaster relief efforts.

Rickey Jackson: The Dominant Defensive Force

Drafted by the Saints in 1981, Rickey Jackson quickly emerged as one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. As a linebacker, Jackson was a ferocious tackler, a relentless pass rusher, and a true game-changer. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and make game-changing plays earned him six Pro Bowl selections and a well-deserved induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Jackson's impact on the Saints' defense was immeasurable. He was the driving force behind the team's success in the 1980s, leading a unit that was feared by opposing offenses. His tenacity, instincts, and sheer talent made him a cornerstone of the Saints' defense for over a decade, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of players who don the black and gold.

Archie Manning: The Quarterback Who Persevered

In the early days of the New Orleans Saints, Archie Manning was the face of the franchise. As the team's starting quarterback, Manning faced immense challenges, playing for a struggling team during a time when the Saints were often the laughingstock of the NFL. Despite the team's lack of success, Manning's talent, toughness, and unwavering dedication to the city of New Orleans made him a beloved figure among the fans.

While Manning's individual statistics may not have been as impressive as those of his son, Peyton, his impact on the Saints and the city of New Orleans is undeniable. He was the embodiment of the team's resilience and the community's unwavering support, and his legacy extends far beyond the playing field. Today, Archie Manning is revered as a Saints legend, a symbol of the team's perseverance, and a true icon in the city of New Orleans.

Willie Roaf: The Dominant Offensive Lineman

In the annals of New Orleans Saints history, few players have been as dominant and influential as Willie Roaf. As an offensive tackle, Roaf was a behemoth on the line, using his exceptional size, strength, and technique to pave the way for the team's running game and protect the quarterback.

Roaf's impact on the Saints' offense was undeniable. He was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times, a testament to his consistent excellence and his ability to dominate opposing defenders. His Hall of Fame induction in 2012 further cemented his status as one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history, and his contributions to the Saints' success are still felt by the team and the city today.

Marques Colston: The Reliable Receiver

When the New Orleans Saints selected Marques Colston in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft, few could have predicted the impact he would have on the team. Yet, over the course of his 10-year career, Colston emerged as one of the most reliable and consistent receivers in Saints history.

Colston's combination of size, hands, and route-running ability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He amassed over 9,500 receiving yards and 72 touchdowns, setting numerous franchise records and becoming a vital cog in the Saints' high-powered offense. Colston's ability to make clutch plays and his unwavering dedication to the team and the city of New Orleans cemented his status as a beloved figure among Saints fans.

Morten Andersen: The Kicking Legend

In the annals of New Orleans Saints history, few players have been as consistent and reliable as Morten Andersen. As the team's kicker for over a decade, Andersen was a model of precision and accuracy, converting countless game-winning field goals and extra points to propel the Saints to victory.

Andersen's impact on the Saints' special teams unit was immeasurable. He holds the franchise records for points scored, field goals made, and extra points converted, and his accuracy and longevity earned him a well-deserved induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Beyond his on-field exploits, Andersen was also a beloved figure in the New Orleans community, using his platform to support various charitable initiatives and give back to the city he called home.

Cameron Jordan: The Defensive Lineman Extraordinaire

In the modern era of the New Orleans Saints, few players have been as dominant and impactful as Cameron Jordan. As a defensive lineman, Jordan has been a force to be reckoned with, using his size, strength, and exceptional technique to disrupt opposing offenses and make game-changing plays.

Jordan's impact on the Saints' defense is undeniable. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times, and his consistent excellence has made him one of the most feared defensive players in the NFL. Beyond his on-field exploits, Jordan has also been a leader in the New Orleans community, using his platform to support various charitable initiatives and advocate for social justice causes.

Michael Thomas: The Record-Breaking Receiver

When the New Orleans Saints selected Michael Thomas in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, they knew they were getting a special talent. Over the course of his career, Thomas has emerged as one of the most dominant and productive wide receivers in the league, rewriting the record books and becoming a vital cog in the Saints' high-powered offense.

Thomas' combination of size, speed, and exceptional hands has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He has set numerous franchise and NFL records, including the single-season receptions record, and his ability to make clutch plays has been instrumental in the Saints' success in recent years. Beyond his on-field exploits, Thomas has also been a leader in the New Orleans community, using his platform to support various charitable initiatives and advocate for social justice causes.

Sam Mills: The Undersized Linebacker with a Giant Heart

In the annals of New Orleans Saints history, few players have been as inspirational and impactful as Sam Mills. As an undersized linebacker, Mills defied the odds and carved out a remarkable career, becoming a beloved figure among Saints fans and a true icon in the city of New Orleans.

Mills' impact on the Saints' defense was undeniable. He was a tenacious tackler, a savvy coverage linebacker, and a true leader on the field. His relentless work ethic and unwavering determination made him a cornerstone of the Saints' defense for over a decade, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of players who don the black and gold.

Beyond his on-field exploits, Mills was also a beloved figure in the New Orleans community. He was known for his charitable work, his mentorship of young players, and his unwavering commitment to the city he called home. Today, Mills' legacy lives on, and he is remembered as one of the greatest Saints players of all time.

Deuce McAllister: The Bruising Running Back

When the New Orleans Saints selected Deuce McAllister in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft, they knew they were getting a special talent. Over the course of his eight-year career with the team, McAllister emerged as one of the most dominant and productive running backs in Saints history, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise and the city of New Orleans.

McAllister's combination of size, power, and speed made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He was a punishing runner who could grind out tough yards between the tackles, and his ability to break big plays in the open field made him a constant threat to opposing teams. McAllister's impact on the Saints' offense was undeniable, and his legacy as a fan favorite and a true icon in the city of New Orleans is secure.

Jahri Evans: The Dominant Offensive Lineman

In the modern era of the New Orleans Saints, few players have been as dominant and influential as Jahri Evans. As an offensive guard, Evans was a behemoth on the line, using his exceptional size, strength, and technique to pave the way for the team's running game and protect the quarterback.

Evans' impact on the Saints' offense was undeniable. He was selected to the Pro Bowl six times, a testament to his consistent excellence and his ability to dominate opposing defenders. His contributions to the team's success in the 2000s and 2010s were instrumental, and his legacy as one of the greatest offensive linemen in Saints history is secure.

Other Notable Mentions

While the players mentioned above are undoubtedly the greatest New Orleans Saints of all time, there are numerous other individuals who have made significant contributions to the team's success and legacy. These include:

• Rickey Jackson: The dominant defensive force who anchored the Saints' defense in the 1980s.
• Willie Roaf: The dominant offensive lineman who paved the way for the team's running game and protected the quarterback.
• Marques Colston: The reliable receiver who became a vital cog in the Saints' high-powered offense.
• Morten Andersen: The kicking legend who was a model of precision and accuracy for over a decade.
• Cameron Jordan: The defensive lineman extraordinaire who has been a force to be reckoned with in the modern era.
• Michael Thomas: The record-breaking receiver who has emerged as one of the most dominant and productive wide receivers in the league.
• Sam Mills: The undersized linebacker with a giant heart who inspired generations of Saints players.
• Deuce McAllister: The bruising running back who left an indelible mark on the franchise and the city of New Orleans.
• Jahri Evans: The dominant offensive lineman who was a cornerstone of the Saints' offense in the 2000s and 2010s.

Conclusion

The New Orleans Saints have been blessed with an array of legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise and the city they call home. From the early days of the team's inception to the modern era, these individuals have embodied the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit that have come to define the Saints and their loyal fanbase.

As we look back on the greatest New Orleans Saints of all time, we are reminded of the power of teamwork, the importance of leadership, and the enduring legacy that these players have left behind. Their contributions to the team's success and their impact on the community have cemented their status as true icons in the annals of New Orleans sports history, and their legacies will continue to inspire generations of Saints fans for years to come.