The New Orleans Saints, founded in 1966, are an NFL team based in New Orleans. Playing their home games at Caesars Superdome since 1975, they compete in the NFC South Division. The team was established by John W. Mecom Jr., David Dixon, and the city of New Orleans.
1953: Previous NFL Field Goal Record Set
In 1953, an NFL record for the longest field goal was established, only to be broken in 1970 by Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints.
November 1, 1966: Birth of the New Orleans Saints
On November 1, 1966, the New Orleans Saints were officially founded by John W. Mecom Jr., David Dixon, and the city of New Orleans.
September 17, 1967: The Saints' Inaugural Game
On September 17, 1967, the New Orleans Saints played their inaugural game against the Los Angeles Rams at Tulane Stadium. Despite losing 27-13, the game was marked by Saints receiver John Gilliam's memorable 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in front of over 80,000 fans.
1967: Jim Taylor Joins as Color Commentator
Former Saints running back, Jim Taylor, joined the Saints radio broadcast team as a color commentator in 1967.
1967: Saints' Strategic Use of White Jerseys at Tulane Stadium
From 1967 to 1974, the Saints primarily wore white jerseys at home, aiming to gain an advantage in the New Orleans heat by forcing opponents to wear darker colors.
1967: Debut of the New Orleans Saints' Logo and Uniforms
In 1967, the New Orleans Saints debuted with their iconic fleur-de-lis logo and uniforms, featuring gold helmets and pants with black or white jerseys.
1967: The New Orleans Saints Join the NFL
In 1967, the New Orleans Saints were founded as an expansion team and began competing in the National Football League (NFL).
1967: The New Orleans Saints Join the NFL
In 1967, the New Orleans Saints, founded a year prior, officially joined the NFL as an expansion team.
1967: Saints and Falcons Begin Rivalry
The rivalry between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons began in 1967 when the Saints joined the NFL, as both teams were the original two NFL franchises on the southern coast of the United States in the late 1960s. The two clubs, established as expansion teams within a year of each other, have played each other twice a season since then.
1969: Saints Experiment with Black Helmets
The Saints briefly sported black helmets during the 1969 preseason, but NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle disallowed them for the regular season.
1969: Tom Fears's Season as Saints Head Coach
The 1969 season marked Tom Fears's tenure as the head coach for the New Orleans Saints.
November 8, 1970: Tom Dempsey Kicks Record-Breaking Field Goal
On November 8, 1970, Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints etched his name in NFL history by kicking a record-breaking 63-yard field goal at Tulane Stadium, securing a 19-17 victory against the Detroit Lions. Dempsey's remarkable kick broke the previous record of 56 yards set in 1953 and stood for over four decades until Matt Prater of the Denver Broncos surpassed it by one yard in 2013.
1970: Tom Fears Coaches in Pro Bowl
Tom Fears, head coach of the Saints, participated in the 1970 Pro Bowl, representing the 1969 season.
1971: Archie Manning Joins Broadcasting Team
Archie Manning, former Saints quarterback, joined the Saints radio broadcast team as a color commentator in 1971.
1971: Saints' First Victory over the Rams
In the 1971 season opener, the Saints, led by rookie Archie Manning, secured their first-ever victory against the Los Angeles Rams, capitalizing on the scorching field temperatures at Tulane Stadium.
1975: Uniform Change and Move to the Superdome
Coinciding with their move to the Superdome in 1975, the Saints adopted white pants as part of their uniform, a departure from their previous all-gold lower body attire.
1975: The Saints Move into their New Home
In 1975, the Saints moved into their new home stadium, the Caesars Superdome, after playing their first eight seasons at Tulane Stadium.
1975: Inspiration for Saints' Color Rush Uniforms
The New Orlean Saints' Color Rush uniform pants, introduced in 2016, were inspired by the team's uniform look from 1975–85.
October 3, 1976: Saints' Experiment with Road Uniforms at Home
In a home game against the Houston Oilers on October 3, 1976, coach Hank Stram opted for the Saints' road uniforms—white jerseys and black pants—in a game they unfortunately lost.
1977: Buccaneers' First Franchise Win
In 1977, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured their first franchise win against the New Orleans Saints after starting their inaugural season 0–26.
1977: Saints and Buccaneers Frequent Non-Divisional Games
Between 1977 and 2001, the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers frequently played each other as non-division rivals, with only five years during that period where they didn't meet.
1979: Saints Achieve .500 Record
In 1979, the Saints achieved a .500 record, a significant accomplishment during their early years.
1980: The "Aints"
In 1980, after a winless streak of 14 games, New Orlean Saints fans, at the suggestion of sportscaster Buddy D, began wearing paper bags over their heads during games as a symbol of frustration. Many bags humorously displayed "'Aints" instead of "Saints," reflecting the team's struggles.
1980: Stan Brock Begins as Color Commentator
Stan Brock, a former Saints offensive tackle, joined the Saints radio broadcast team as a color commentator in 1980.
1981: Saints and Buccaneers' Consecutive Games Streak
From 1981 to 1992, the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers played each other for 12 consecutive years, a record for non-divisional teams, due to scheduling formulas in place before 2002.
1981: Jim Henderson Begins as Color Commentator
Jim Henderson started his broadcasting career with the Saints as a color commentator in 1981.
1983: Saints Achieve .500 Record
The New Orlean Saints achieved a .500 record in 1983, a rare feat during their early years.
1985: Tom Benson Buys the Saints
Tom Benson, a successful businessman, purchased the New Orleans Saints franchise in 1985, marking the beginning of a new era for the team.
1985: Inspiration for Saints' 2023 Uniform
The New Orleans Saints' uniform combination of black jerseys with plain white pants, worn on January 8, 2023, harked back to a look last seen in the 1985 season.
1985: Chicago Bears Set Undefeated Season Opening Record
The 1985 Chicago Bears set a high bar for undefeated season starts with a 12-0 record, a feat that the Saints would later surpass on their road to Super Bowl victory.
1985: Jim Henderson's First Stint as Color Commentator Ends
Jim Henderson's first stint as a color commentator for the Saints concluded in 1985.
1986: Jim Henderson Becomes Play-by-Play Announcer
Jim Henderson first took on the role of play-by-play announcer for Saints radio broadcasts in 1986.
1986: Return to Gold Pants and Introduction of Louisiana Logo
Under coach Jim E. Mora in 1986, the Saints reinstated gold pants and added a logo featuring a fleur-de-lis within a Louisiana outline on their jerseys and pants.
1987: The Saints Achieve Their First Winning Season
The 1987 season marked a turning point for the Saints as they achieved their first-ever winning record and secured their first playoff berth.
1987: The Saints Achieve Their First Winning Season
The Saints' first winning season came in 1987, marking a turning point for the franchise.
1987: Saintsations Cheerleading Squad Formed
The Saintsations, the cheerleading squad for the New Orleans Saints, were officially formed in 1987.
1987: The Saints' First Winning Season and Playoff Appearance
Under the new ownership of Tom Benson, and with the leadership of general manager Jim Finks and head coach Jim Mora, the Saints achieved their first-ever winning record and secured their first playoff appearance in 1987, a season shortened by a players' strike.
1989: Jim Henderson Steps Down as Play-by-Play Announcer
Jim Henderson stepped down from his role as play-by-play announcer for Saints radio broadcasts in 1989.
1990: Saints Return to Playoffs
The New Orleans Saints returned to the playoffs in 1990, showcasing their growth and potential as a competitive team.
1991: Saints Secure Their First Division Title
The New Orleans Saints celebrated a historic moment in 1991 by clinching their first-ever division title, solidifying their place as a force in their division.
1991: Jan Stenerud's Hall of Fame Induction
Jan Stenerud became the first full-time placekicker to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
1992: Saints and Buccaneers' Consecutive Games Streak
From 1981 to 1992, the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers played each other for 12 consecutive years, a record for non-divisional teams, due to scheduling formulas in place before 2002.
1992: Jim Henderson Returns as Color Commentator
Jim Henderson returned to the Saints radio booth as a color commentator in 1992, working alongside play-by-play announcer Dave Garrett.
1993: Jim Henderson's Tenure as Play-by-Play Announcer Begins
Jim Henderson's long tenure as the play-by-play announcer for Saints radio broadcasts began in 1993.
1995: Removal of Louisiana Logo
In 1995, the Saints removed the Louisiana outline logo from their uniforms after nearly a decade, opting for a more streamlined look.
1995: Saints and Panthers Begin Rivalry
The New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers became division rivals in 1995 when Carolina joined the league as an expansion franchise, initially competing in the NFC West and later in the NFC South from 2002.
1996: Mike Ditka Becomes Head Coach
Following the resignation of Jim Mora, former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka was hired as the New Orleans Saints' head coach in 1996, generating significant excitement among fans, despite ultimately being an unsuccessful tenure.
1996: Mora's "Diddley Poo" Rant
In 1996, the Carolina Panthers' 19–7 home victory against the New Orleans Saints sparked Saints head coach Jim Mora's infamous "Diddley Poo" rant, leading to his resignation from the team.
1996: Return to Gold Numbers
The Saints brought back gold numbers on their jerseys from 1996 to 1998. However, readability issues on the white jerseys led to a change back to black numbers in 1999.
1996: Return of the Fleur-de-Lis
The year 1996 saw the return of the fleur-de-lis to the Saints' uniforms, this time adorning the sleeves and pants, emphasizing their New Orleans heritage.
1996: Jim Mora Steps Down
Jim Mora, the most successful coach in New Orleans Saints history up to that point, stepped down from his position in the middle of the 1996 season, leaving behind a legacy of 93 wins, including the team's first winning seasons and playoff appearances.
1997: Saints Finish 6-10 Under Ditka
The New Orleans Saints concluded the 1997 season with a 6-10 record under head coach Mike Ditka.
1998: Saints Finish 6-10 Under Ditka
In 1998, the New Orleans Saints repeated their 6-10 record from the previous season under head coach Mike Ditka.
1999: Ditka Trades Draft Picks for Ricky Williams
In a bold and controversial move during the 1999 NFL Draft, head coach Mike Ditka traded all of the New Orleans Saints' draft picks for that year, as well as future picks, to the Washington Redskins in exchange for the opportunity to draft running back Ricky Williams, the Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Texas.
1999: St. Louis Rams' Super Bowl Victory After a Losing Season
The 1999 St. Louis Rams set a precedent for teams rebounding from losing seasons by winning the Super Bowl after a 4-12 record the previous year, demonstrating that significant turnarounds are possible in the NFL.
1999: Experimentation with Black Pants and Uniform Overhaul
The Saints briefly experimented with black pants with a gold stripe in 1999, but after a disappointing season, new coach Jim Haslett reverted to the traditional gold pants.
2000: Start of a New Millennium
The year 2000 marked the beginning of a new millennium.
2000: Saints' Historic Playoff Victory
Wearing their white jerseys, the Saints achieved their first-ever playoff win in 2000, defeating the defending Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams in a thrilling match.
2000: Jim Haslett's Arrival and First Playoff Win
Jim Haslett was hired as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints in 2000. In his first year, he led the team to the playoffs, culminating in a historic victory against the defending Super Bowl champions, the St. Louis Rams, marking the Saints' first-ever playoff win.
2000: The Saints' First Playoff Victory
In 2000, the New Orleans Saints achieved a significant milestone by winning their first-ever playoff game.
2001: Saints and Buccaneers Frequent Non-Divisional Games
Between 1977 and 2001, the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers frequently played each other as non-division rivals, with only five years during that period where they didn't meet.
2001: Saints Embrace the All-Black Uniform
In 2001, the Saints made history as the first NFL team to don an all-black uniform during a Week 5 road game against the Carolina Panthers, a trend they continued in later home games that season.
2001: Randy Mueller Fired
In a surprising move, general manager Randy Mueller, who had won the NFL Executive of the Year Award in 2000, was dismissed from his position with the New Orleans Saints between the 2001 and 2002 seasons without a clear explanation from owner Tom Benson.
December 1, 2002: Debut of the 1967 Throwback Uniform
The Saints paid homage to their roots on December 1, 2002, by wearing a meticulously crafted 1967 throwback uniform for the first time, marking a special occasion for the franchise.
December 15, 2002: Debut of the Gold Alternate Jersey
The Saints unveiled their gold alternate jersey on December 15, 2002, against the Minnesota Vikings, a game that saw them designated as the "light" team due to the jersey's bright color.
2002: End of Consecutive Games Streak
The scheduling formulas that resulted in the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing each other for 12 consecutive years (1981-1992) ended in 2002.
2002: Formation of the NFC South Division
The formation of the NFC South division in 2002 brought about new rivalries and a restructured landscape within the NFL.
2002: Introduction of Alternate and Throwback Uniforms
The Saints expanded their uniform repertoire in 2002 with a gold alternate jersey and a 1967-inspired throwback uniform, showcasing the team's historical aesthetic.
2002: Saints and Panthers Become NFC South Rivals
The New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers, initially rivals in the NFC West, continued their rivalry in the NFC South starting in 2002. As of 2023, the Saints hold a slight advantage in the head-to-head matchup at 31–28, including a Wild Card Round victory in 2017.
2002: Saints and Buccaneers Become NFC South Rivals
The New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been NFC South division rivals since 2002. As of 2023, the Saints lead the overall series 40–25.
2002: Saints and Falcons Become Division Rivals
The New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons, originally part of the NFC West, became division rivals in 2002 following the league's realignment.
2002: Formation of the NFC South
The NFC South division was formed in 2002.
2002: Saints Move to NFC South
In 2002, the NFL realigned its divisions, and the New Orleans Saints moved from the NFC West to the newly formed NFC South.
2002: Saints Beat Super Bowl Champions Twice
Despite missing the playoffs, the New Orleans Saints achieved a notable feat in 2002 by defeating the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in both of their regular-season meetings, a rare accomplishment in NFL history.
2002: Panthers' Seven-Season Winning Streak
Between 2002 and 2008, the Carolina Panthers defeated the New Orleans Saints in every road game, marking a streak of seven consecutive seasons.
2003: Saints Miss the Playoffs
The New Orleans Saints experienced a setback in 2003, finishing the season with an 8-8 record and missing out on the playoffs.
2004: Saints' Late-Season Surge Not Enough
The New Orleans Saints faced a difficult 2004 season, starting with a 2-4 record in their first six games and 4-8 after twelve games, putting head coach Jim Haslett's job security in question. However, the team rallied with three consecutive wins leading into the final week, giving them a shot at the playoffs. Despite a victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 17, the Saints needed other results to go their way and were ultimately eliminated from playoff contention when the St. Louis Rams defeated the New York Jets. Despite finishing 8-8, the Saints lost a tiebreaker to the Rams based on conference record, ending their season.
2005: Jim Haslett's Tenure Ends
Jim Haslett's time as head coach of the New Orleans Saints came to an end after the 2005 season, a challenging year for the team due to Hurricane Katrina and a disappointing 3-13 record.
2005: Saints' Emotional Victory After Hurricane Katrina
In a significant game in 2005, the New Orleans Saints, facing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, secured an emotional 23–20 victory against the Carolina Panthers in the season opener at Carolina, despite going on to a 3–13 season.
2005: Hurricane Katrina Disrupts the Saints' Season and Haslett is Fired
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans and the surrounding area, the New Orleans Saints faced unprecedented challenges during the 2005 season. They were unable to play any regular-season games in their home city due to the extensive damage caused by the hurricane. The Saints, under head coach Jim Haslett, finished the season with a disappointing 3-13 record, leading to Haslett's dismissal at the end of the season.
2005: Hurricane Katrina Disrupts the Saints' Season
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage to New Orleans, forcing the Saints to play their home games in other cities. The Superdome, their home stadium, was also damaged.
2005: Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina, a devastating natural disaster, occurred in 2005, causing significant damage and disruption.
2005: Saints Displaced by Hurricane Katrina
As a result of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans Saints were forced to relocate their home games for the 2005 season. The damage inflicted on the Superdome and the New Orleans area made it impossible to host games in their home city. The Saints played their scheduled home opener against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium, while the remainder of their home games were split between the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and LSU's Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
January 17, 2006: Sean Payton Hired as Head Coach
On January 17, 2006, Sean Payton was hired as the new head coach of the New Orleans Saints, marking the beginning of a transformative era for the franchise.
October 27, 2006: Postponed 2005 Induction Ceremonies
Due to the impact of Hurricane Katrina, the induction ceremonies originally planned for 2005 were postponed to October 27, 2006.
2006: Player-Initiated Jersey Change and NFL Regulations
Despite initially planning to wear white jerseys at home in 2006, the Saints players successfully petitioned to switch to black. However, NFL regulations required opponent approval, leading to the Saints wearing white in some home games.
2006: Saints Reintroduce Black Pants
In 2006, the New Orleans Saints brought back their black pants after a four-season absence, pairing them with their black jerseys starting in week 13. They also wore the black pants with their white jerseys in a Week 16 victory against the New York Giants and throughout their playoff run.
2006: Saints 2006 Preseason Games and Schedule Announcement
In 2006, the Saints announced their preseason games would be played in Shreveport and Jackson, while their regular season home games would return to the newly renovated Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.
2006: Commemorative Patch for Louisiana Return
In 2006, to mark their return to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, the Saints wore a patch featuring the state's outline with a fleur-de-lis, symbolizing their resilience and bond with the community.
2006: Saints Triumphant Return to New Orleans After Hurricane Katrina
On September 25, 2006, the Saints marked their return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina with a resounding 23-3 victory over the previously undefeated Atlanta Falcons. The game was a landmark event, becoming ESPN's highest-rated program ever and featuring memorable moments like Steve Gleason's blocked punt.
2006: Sean Payton's First Season as Saints Head Coach
The 2006 season marked Sean Payton's first as the head coach for the New Orleans Saints.
2006: Saints Secure NFC South Title and Playoff Berth
The New Orleans Saints achieved significant milestones in 2006, clinching their first NFC South title and securing a first-round playoff bye for the first time in franchise history. Coach Sean Payton made history as the second consecutive Saints coach to achieve a division title in their debut season.
2006: Saints Sell Out Superdome for the Season
The Saints achieved a franchise first in 2006 by selling out all home games at the Superdome with season tickets alone, highlighting the team's resurgence and the city's recovery after Hurricane Katrina.
2006: Saints Achieve Historic Playoff Victory
The Saints continued their remarkable turnaround in 2006, securing their second-ever playoff win by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Playoffs. This victory marked the team's furthest playoff run up to that point, highlighting their impressive progress after a dismal previous season.
2006: Saints' Explosive Offense Sets the Stage
The Saints' offensive prowess in 2006, with Drew Brees narrowly missing Dan Marino's single-season passing record and Lance Moore approaching a 1,000-yard season, laid the groundwork for their future successes.
2006: End of an Era
The year 2006 marked the end of a specific period.
January 21, 2007: Saints' Season Ends in NFC Championship Game
On January 21, 2007, the Saints' impressive playoff run came to an end with a loss against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship game, concluding a season marked by both triumph and disappointment.
2007: Saints End Season With Disappointing Record
The Saints faced setbacks in 2007, finishing with a disappointing 7-9 record and failing to qualify for the postseason.
2007: Sean Payton Coaches in Pro Bowl
Sean Payton, head coach of the Saints, participated in the 2007 Pro Bowl, representing the 2006 season.
2007: Saints' Home Opener Wins ESPY Award
The Saints' emotional 2006 home opener, their first game in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, received the 2007 ESPY Award for "Best Moment in Sports," solidifying its significance in sports history.
2008: Tom Benson-Led Consortium Acquires WVUE
A consortium led by Saints owner Tom Benson acquired WVUE, the Fox affiliate in New Orleans, in mid-2008.
2008: Panthers' Seven-Season Winning Streak
Between 2002 and 2008, the Carolina Panthers defeated the New Orleans Saints in every road game, marking a streak of seven consecutive seasons.
2008: Saints Adopt White at Home
From 2008 onward, the New Orleans Saints started wearing their white jerseys at home for preseason games and early regular-season home games.
2008: Saints Finish With Another .500 Record
The Saints' struggles continued in 2008 as they ended the season with an 8-8 record, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year despite a potent offense.
2009: Saints Achieve Historic Super Bowl Victory
The 2009 season marked the pinnacle of the Saints' history, as they achieved their first Super Bowl victory by defeating the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, a testament to the team's resilience and the city's recovery after Hurricane Katrina.
2009: Super Bowl XLIV Champions: New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints reached the pinnacle of success in 2009 by winning Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts, marking their first and only Super Bowl victory to date.
2009: Saints Overcome Challenges to Reach First Super Bowl
In 2009, the Saints overcame formidable opponents, including those led by past NFL MVPs, to reach their first Super Bowl appearance, solidifying their status as a top contender. The game was a historic moment for the franchise and a beacon of hope for New Orleans.
2009: Saints Uniform Variations
In 2009, the New Orleans Saints only wore their black pants once. They opted for the white jerseys and gold pants combination during their Super Bowl XLIV victory. In the following years, the Saints varied their pant selections, with black pants appearing more frequently than gold pants. Following 2015, the gold pants, while still used in the preseason, saw less frequent use in the regular season.
2009: Drew Brees Earns Super Bowl MVP Honors
Drew Brees' exceptional performance in Super Bowl XLIV earned him the well-deserved title of Super Bowl MVP, cementing his place in Saints history.
August 8, 2010: Taylor Swift and Dave Matthews Band Headline Saints' Season Opener
The Saints' 2010 season opener festivities featured performances by renowned artists Taylor Swift and Dave Matthews Band, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
September 9, 2010: Saints Open Season as Defending Super Bowl Champions
The Saints' 2010 season commenced with a victory against the Minnesota Vikings, marking their first home opener as Super Bowl champions and signifying the start of their title defense.
December 27, 2010: Saints Clinch Playoff Berth for Second Consecutive Year
On December 27, 2010, the Saints secured a playoff berth for the second consecutive year, a first for an NFC South team since the division's formation, highlighting their consistency.
2010: Rickey Jackson's Hall of Fame Induction
In 2010, Rickey Jackson became the first New Orleans Saints player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame primarily for his contributions to the Saints.
September 25, 2011: Revival of the 1967 Throwback Uniform
The Saints brought back the 1967 throwback uniform on September 25, 2011, against the Houston Texans, rekindling the nostalgia associated with the team's early years.
November 6, 2011: Second Outing for the 1967 Throwback Uniform
The Saints donned their 1967 throwback uniforms once again on November 6, 2011, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, showcasing their appreciation for the team's historical significance.
2011: Saints' Record-Breaking Season and Playoff Run
The Saints had a record-breaking 2011 season, securing the NFC South title, achieving a 13-3 record, and setting numerous offensive records. Their playoff run included a wild-card victory over the Detroit Lions, where they set a new NFL postseason record for total yards. However, their season ended with a heartbreaking loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional round.
2012: Gregg Williams Joins Rams, Bountygate Scandal Emerges
In 2012, Gregg Williams, the Saints' former defensive coordinator, joined the Los Angeles Rams. Shortly after, Williams and Saints' head coach Sean Payton were implicated in the Bountygate Scandal, creating further tension between the two teams.
2012: Saints Uniform Variations
In 2012, the New Orleans Saints wore black pants 12 times and gold pants 4 times.
2012: Willie Roaf Inducted into Hall of Fame
Willie Roaf, an offensive tackle who was a key part of the Saints in the 1990s, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, becoming the second Saint to receive this honor primarily for his time in New Orleans.
October 9, 2013: Saints Announce Ring of Honor
On October 9, 2013, the New Orleans Saints announced the establishment of a Ring of Honor at the Caesars Superdome to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the franchise.
November 10, 2013: First Inductees into Saints Ring of Honor
The Saints inducted their first three honorees into the Ring of Honor during halftime of their game against the Dallas Cowboys on November 10, 2013: Archie Manning, Rickey Jackson, and Willie Roaf.
2013: Saints Uniform Variations
In 2013, the New Orleans Saints wore their gold pants only 7 times, including the playoffs.
2013: Matt Prater Breaks Tom Dempsey's Record
In 2013, Matt Prater of the Denver Broncos broke Tom Dempsey's long-standing record for the longest field goal in NFL history, kicking a 64-yard field goal.
January 4, 2014: Saints Achieve First Road Playoff Win
On January 4, 2014, the New Orleans Saints secured their first-ever road playoff victory by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles with a score of 26-24.
2014: Saints Uniform Variations
In 2014, the New Orleans Saints wore black pants 12 times and gold pants 4 times.
2014: Saints and Panthers End Season with Fight
The New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers ended their 2014 NFL season with a game that escalated into a fight between players. The altercation started in the end zone after a Cam Newton touchdown and spilled into the tunnel entrance, resulting in the ejection of Panther's tight end Brandon Williams and offsetting penalties for both teams. The Panthers won the game 41–10, largely influenced by early turnovers from the Saints.
2015: Saints Uniform Variations
In 2015, the New Orleans Saints wore their gold pants 10 times.
2015: Raycom Sports Takes Over Preseason Telecasts
Starting in the 2015 season, Raycom Sports took over the production of Saints preseason game telecasts under a multi-year deal. This was a result of Raycom's management of WVUE on behalf of Tom Benson's ownership group.
April 11, 2016: Hokie Gajan Passes Away
Hokie Gajan, a former Saints running back and color commentator, passed away on April 11, 2016, due to liposarcoma.
December 4, 2016: Throwback Uniform for 50th Season Commemoration
To commemorate their 50th season, the Saints sported their 1967 throwback uniform on December 4, 2016, against the Detroit Lions, marking a significant milestone in the franchise's journey.
2016: Sean Payton Surpasses Jim Mora's Win Record
In 2016, Sean Payton, then head coach of the New Orleans Saints, surpassed Jim Mora's record for the most wins by a head coach in franchise history, solidifying his own place in Saints' history.
2016: Saints Introduce Color Rush Uniforms
In 2016, the New Orleans Saints, as part of the NFL's Color Rush program, introduced a new uniform design. This design featured white jerseys with old gold numbers trimmed in black, gold and black sleeve stripes (a nod to the team's late 1960s uniforms), white pants (inspired by the 1975–85 look), and all-white socks. The Saints first wore this uniform on the road against the Carolina Panthers in Week 11 and two more times that season.
2017: Saints Secure Wild Card Round Victory Against Panthers
In 2017, the New Orleans Saints secured a victory against the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card Round. As of 2023, the Saints hold a slight advantage in the head-to-head matchup at 31–28.
2017: Jim Henderson's Tenure as Play-by-Play Announcer Ends
Jim Henderson's tenure as the play-by-play announcer for the Saints ended in 2017.
2017: Morten Andersen's Hall of Fame Induction
Morten Andersen, a placekicker who played for the Saints for many years, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017. Andersen was only the second full-time placekicker to receive this honor.
2017: Raycom Media Acquires WVUE
Raycom Media acquired WVUE, the Fox affiliate in New Orleans, in 2017. The station had been owned by a consortium led by Saints owner Tom Benson.
2017: Sean Payton Leads Saints to the Playoffs
The 2017 NFL season saw Sean Payton leading the New Orleans Saints to the playoffs, marking a successful year for the team.
January 7, 2018: First Playoff Game Between NFC South Teams
On January 7, 2018, the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers faced each other in the playoffs for the first time, marking the first playoff game between NFC South teams since the division's formation in 2002. The Saints emerged victorious with a 31–26 win, eliminating Carolina from the playoffs.
February 16, 2018: Saints Owner Tom Benson Hospitalized
On February 16, 2018, Tom Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Saints, was hospitalized due to health concerns.
March 15, 2018: Tom Benson, Saints Owner, Passes Away
On March 15, 2018, Tom Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Saints, passed away due to complications from the flu at the age of 90. His wife, Gayle Benson, succeeded him as the owner of the Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans.
2018: Saints Debut Color Rush at Home
The New Orleans Saints' Color Rush uniforms debuted at home in Week 11 of the 2018 season against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a bet between head coach Sean Payton and Eagles coach Doug Pederson.
2018: Zach Strief Becomes Play-by-Play Announcer
Zach Strief became the play-by-play announcer for Saints radio broadcasts in 2018, succeeding Jim Henderson.
2018: Sean Payton's Second Pro Bowl Appearance
Sean Payton made his second appearance as a head coach in the Pro Bowl in 2018, representing the 2017 NFL season.
2018: Controversial NFC Championship Game
The Saints and Rams faced off in the 2018 NFC Championship Game, marked by a controversial no-call on a pass interference that sparked outrage among Saints players and fans.
2019: Saints Debut All-White Uniform Variation
During Week 6 of the 2019 season, the New Orleans Saints unveiled a variation of their all-white Color Rush uniform against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This variation featured their current white uniforms paired with white pants without any striping. This all-white ensemble proved lucky for the Saints as they went undefeated (8–0) while wearing it during the regular season. They even chose this new all-white look for their Wild Card Round game against the Minnesota Vikings. However, their luck ran out as they lost in overtime.
2019: Gray Television Acquires Raycom Media
Gray Television acquired Raycom Media in 2019, taking ownership of WVUE in the process.
January 17, 2021: Saints and Buccaneers' First Playoff Matchup
On January 17, 2021, the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced off in the playoffs for the first time in their rivalry, despite the Saints winning both regular-season matches. Tampa Bay emerged victorious with a 30–20 win.
2021: Hurricane Ida Impacts the Saints
In 2021, Hurricane Ida forced the New Orleans Saints to adjust their operations and relocate temporarily due to the storm's impact.
2021: Zach Strief Joins Saints Coaching Staff, Mike Hoss Becomes Play-by-Play Announcer
Zach Strief, former Saints guard and radio commentator, joined the Saints coaching staff in 2021. Mike Hoss took over Strief's role as the play-by-play announcer for Saints radio broadcasts.
2021: Saintsations Become Saints Cheer Krewe
In 2021, the New Orleans Saints cheerleading squad underwent a name change, transitioning from "Saintsations" to "Saints Cheer Krewe."
January 25, 2022: Sean Payton Steps Down as Saints Head Coach
After 15 seasons as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Sean Payton announced his decision to step down on January 25, 2022. During his tenure, the Saints achieved a regular season record of 152-89 and a postseason record of 9-8.
February 8, 2022: Dennis Allen Promoted to Saints Head Coach
On February 8, 2022, following the departure of Sean Payton, the New Orleans Saints promoted their defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, to the position of head coach.
October 2, 2022: Saints Debut Alternate Black Helmets
On October 2, 2022, the New Orleans Saints debuted their new alternate black helmets during an NFL London Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The helmets feature a gold fleur-de-lis on each side and a triangle pattern of tiny gold fleur-de-lis logos, complementing their Color Rush uniforms.
November 21, 2022: Return of the Throwback Uniform
The Saints brought back the beloved 1967 throwback uniform on November 21, 2022, against the Los Angeles Rams, delighting fans with a nostalgic blast from the past.
December 24, 2022: Saints' All-White Uniform Variation
On December 24, 2022, the New Orleans Saints sported a variation of their all-white Color Rush uniform against the Cleveland Browns, adding black socks to the ensemble.
2022: Return of the Black Helmets
After the NFL repealed its "one-helmet rule" in 2022, the Saints reintroduced black helmets, a nod to their brief 1969 experiment.
2022: Sam Mills's Hall of Fame Induction
Sam Mills became the fourth former player inducted primarily for his accomplishments in New Orleans in 2022.
January 8, 2023: Saints Revive 1985 Uniform Look
On January 8, 2023, the New Orleans Saints brought back a uniform combination last seen in the 1985 season, pairing their plain white pants with their black uniform, in a game against the Carolina Panthers.
2023: Saints and Falcons Rivalry Continues
As of 2023, the rivalry between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons remains tied at 55-55. The two franchises have a long-standing rivalry fueled by frequent divisional matchups and constant tensions between the two cities.
2023: Saints and Rams Tied in Postseason
As of the 2023 NFL season, the Saints and Rams are tied 1-1 in postseason matchups, while the Rams hold a lead in the overall head-to-head record.
2023: Vikings Lead Series Against Saints
As of the 2023 season, the Minnesota Vikings lead the overall series against the New Orleans Saints 25–13, with a 4–1 record in playoff matchups.
2023: Saints Lead Series Against Panthers
As of the 2023 season, the New Orleans Saints lead the all-time series against the Carolina Panthers at 31–28.
August 14, 2024: Saints Roster Update
The New Orleans Saints updated their roster on August 14, 2024.