Full History Of New Orleans Saints In Timeline From 1967

1967: Throwback Uniform Style

In 2002, the Saints introduced a 1967-style throwback uniform, complete with an accurate 1967-era helmet.

1967: Jim Taylor commentator in 1967

Jim Taylor was a color commentator in 1967.

1967: Saints joined the NFL

Since the Saints joined the league in 1967, the Saints and Atlanta Falcons have played each other twice a season.

1967: Saints Logo and Uniforms Remain Largely Unchanged Since 1967

Since the club debuted in 1967, the Saints' logo and uniforms have remained basically the same, featuring a fleur-de-lis logo and gold helmets, gold pants, and black or white jerseys.

1967: Inspiration for Throwback Uniform

The Saints introduced a 1967-style throwback uniform.

1967: Saints predominantly wore white at home at Tulane Stadium from 1967

The Saints predominantly wore white at home at Tulane Stadium from 1967 through 1974 (except in 1969 and 1970), forcing opponents to suffer in their darker jerseys in the subtropical climate of New Orleans.

1968: Inspiration from Chiefs' Uniforms

In 1968, Hank Stram introduced red pants to the Kansas City Chiefs' uniforms, which later influenced his decision to have the Saints wear black pants with their white jerseys.

1969: Black Helmets Banned During Regular Season

In 1969, the Saints wore black helmets during the preseason, but NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle banned their use during the regular season because the league office was not notified of the change.

1969: Saints predominantly wore white at home until 1974, except for 1969 and 1970

The Saints predominantly wore white at home at Tulane Stadium from 1967 through 1974 (except in 1969 and 1970), forcing opponents to suffer in their darker jerseys in the subtropical climate of New Orleans.

1969: Tom Fears' 1969 Season

Tom Fears participated in the 1970 Pro Bowl due to his performance in the 1969 season.

1970: Tom Fears participates in the Pro Bowl in 1970

In 1970, Tom Fears participated in the Pro Bowl.

1970: Saints predominantly wore white at home until 1974, except for 1969 and 1970

The Saints predominantly wore white at home at Tulane Stadium from 1967 through 1974 (except in 1969 and 1970), forcing opponents to suffer in their darker jerseys in the subtropical climate of New Orleans.

1971: Archie Manning commentator from 1971 to 1982

Archie Manning was a color commentator from 1971 to 1982.

1971: Field Temperatures Reach 130 °F in Manning's First Game

In Archie Manning's first game, during the 1971 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, field temperatures at Tulane Stadium reached as high as 130 °F (54 °C). The Saints won 24-20.

1974: Saints predominantly wore white at home until 1974

The Saints predominantly wore white at home at Tulane Stadium from 1967 through 1974 (except in 1969 and 1970), forcing opponents to suffer in their darker jerseys in the subtropical climate of New Orleans.

1975: Switch to white pants

In 1975, the Saints switched to wearing white pants, coinciding with the move from Tulane Stadium to the Superdome.

1975: Inspiration for Color Rush Pants

In 2016, when the Saints introduced the Color Rush uniform, the white pants were inspired by the 1975–85 look.

October 3, 1976: Game against the Houston Oilers

On October 3, 1976, in a home game against the Houston Oilers, coach Hank Stram used the Saints' road uniforms, the white jerseys and black pants, and the Saints lost the game 31–26.

1977: Non-Division Rivalry with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Between 1977 and 2001, the Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers played each other quite often as non-division rivals.

1977: Tampa Bay's First Victory

In 1977, Tampa Bay's first win in franchise history came against New Orleans.

1979: Washington Redskins Uniforms Change

Until 1979, the Saints' striping pattern on their uniforms was similar to that used by the Washington Redskins.

1980: Stan Brock commentator from 1980 to 1991

Stan Brock was a color commentator from 1980 to 1991.

1981: Non-Division Rivalry with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Between 1981 and 1992, the Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers played each other as non-division rivals.

1981: White jerseys with black pants at home

During the 1981 season, the team wore white jerseys with black pants at home under coach Bum Phillips.

1981: Jim Henderson commentator from 1981 to 1985

Jim Henderson served as a color commentator from 1981 to 1985.

1983: Reversion to black jerseys and white pants

In 1983, the Saints reverted to wearing black jerseys and white pants.

1985: Last Seen Look

In 2023, the plain white pants were paired with the black uniform against the Carolina Panthers, a look last seen in the 1985 season.

1985: Jim Henderson commentator from 1981 to 1985

Jim Henderson served as a color commentator from 1981 to 1985.

1986: Return to Gold Pants and Introduction of New Logo

In 1986, under new coach Jim E. Mora, the Saints reverted to wearing gold pants with both their black and white jerseys and introduced a new logo featuring a fleur-de-lis inside an outline of Louisiana.

1986: Jim Henderson announcer from 1986 to 1989

Jim Henderson was the play-by-play announcer for Saints radio broadcasts from 1986 to 1989.

1987: Saintsations name from 1987

From 1987 to 2021, the Saints cheerleading squad was known as the Saintsations.

1989: Jim Henderson announcer from 1986 to 1989

Jim Henderson was the play-by-play announcer for Saints radio broadcasts from 1986 to 1989.

1991: Jan Stenerud inducted in 1991

In 1991, Jan Stenerud was inducted into the Hall of Fame and was the first full-time placekicker.

1992: Non-Division Rivalry with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Between 1981 and 1992, the Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers played each other as non-division rivals.

1992: Dave Garrett announcer in 1992

Dave Garrett was the play-by-play announcer in 1992.

1993: Jim Henderson announcer from 1993 to 2017

Jim Henderson was the play-by-play announcer for Saints radio broadcasts continuously from 1993 to 2017.

1995: Carolina Panthers Join the League

In 1995, the Saints and the Carolina Panthers have been division rivals since Carolina joined the league as an expansion franchise, first in the NFC West.

1995: Fleur-de-lis Logo on Sleeves and Pants

Through 1995, the sleeves of the jerseys and sides of the pants featured a logo with a fleur-de-lis inside an outline of the state of Louisiana.

1996: Return to Gold Numbers on Jerseys

From 1996, the Saints returned to using gold numbers on both their white and black jerseys.

1996: Mora's Diddley Poo Rant

In 1996, Carolina's 19–7 home victory sparked Saints head coach Jim Mora's infamous "Diddley Poo" rant and resignation.

1996: Removal of Louisiana Logo

In 1996, the Saints removed the Louisiana state outline logo and replaced it with a fleur-de-lis on both the sleeves and sides of the pants.

1997: Green Bay Packers Uniforms Change

Until 1997, the Saints' striping pattern on their uniforms was similar to that used by the Green Bay Packers.

1998: Return to Gold Numbers on Jerseys

Until 1998, the Saints used gold numbers on both their white and black jerseys.

1999: Change to Black Numbers on White Jerseys

In 1999, complaints about the gold numbers being difficult to read on the white jerseys led to a change to black numbers. The Saints also wore black pants with a wide gold stripe with their white jerseys.

2000: First Playoff Win

In 2000, the Saints won their first playoff game, defeating the St. Louis Rams 31-28 while wearing their white jerseys. Az-Zahir Hakim of the Rams fumbled a punt late in the game, which Brian Milne recovered to secure the victory.

2000: Saints Had Not Won in Chicago Since 2000

Prior to a 2013 game, the Saints under Sean Peyton had been winless in Chicago's Soldier Field and had not won in the Windy City since 2000.

2000: Year 2000

This entry refers to the years 2000-2006.

2001: Non-Division Rivalry with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Between 1977 and 2001, the Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers played each other quite often as non-division rivals.

2001: Uniform Variations and All-Black Debut

In 2001, the Saints wore white jerseys in their first six home games and primarily used black pants with both white and black jerseys. They became the first NFL team to wear all-black uniforms in a Week 5 road game against the Carolina Panthers.

December 1, 2002: Throwback Uniform Debut

On December 1, 2002, the Saints introduced a 1967-style throwback uniform in a 23–20 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

December 15, 2002: Introduction of Gold Alternate Jersey

On December 15, 2002, the Saints introduced a gold alternate jersey (worn with black pants) in a game against the Minnesota Vikings, which they lost 32–31. The Vikings wore their purple home jerseys as the "dark" colored team.

2002: Rivalry with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ever since the early 2000s, the Saints have had a developing rivalry with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have been part of the NFC South with the Saints since 2002.

2002: Realignment

In 2002, the Atlanta Falcons and the Saints were rivals of the NFC West until the league's realignment.

2002: Saints realignment in 2002

In 2002, the New Orleans Saints played in the NFC West Division until the league's realignment.

2002: Carolina Panthers in NFC South

In 2002, the Saints and the Carolina Panthers have been division rivals since Carolina joined the league as an expansion franchise then in the NFC South.

2002: Uniform Combinations and Throwback Introduction

In 2002, the Saints wore black pants with white jerseys and gold pants with black jerseys. They also introduced a gold alternate jersey and a 1967-style throwback uniform with a darker shade of gold and grey facemasks.

2002: Loss to Carolina

In the 2002 season finale, Carolina's 10–6 win at the Superdome knocked the Saints out of the playoffs.

2002: Scheduling Formulas

The scheduling formulas in place prior to 2002, the Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers played each other as non-division rivals.

2003: Start of Patriots' Light Jersey Era

From 2003, the New England Patriots had a bright metallic silver alternate jersey that they used as a "light" jersey, which forced their opponents to wear their colored "dark" jerseys.

2005: Az-Zahir Hakim's Season with the Saints

In 2005, Az-Zahir Hakim, who fumbled the punt in the 2000 playoff game against the Saints, played one season for the Saints.

2005: Hurricane Katrina in 2005

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina led to the postponement of the induction ceremonies, which were rescheduled to October 27, 2006.

2005: Emotional Win against Carolina

In 2005, in the face of Hurricane Katrina, the Saints won an emotional season opener against Carolina 23–20.

October 27, 2006: Induction ceremonies postponed to October 27, 2006

Due to Hurricane Katrina, the 2005 induction ceremonies were postponed to October 27, 2006.

2006: Return of Black Pants

Beginning in Week 13 of the 2006 season, the Saints wore black pants with the black jerseys against the San Francisco 49ers, restoring them after a four-season absence. In a Week 16 game against the New York Giants, they wore black pants with their road white jerseys and continued using them in the playoffs.

2006: Jersey Color Vote and Opponent Agreements

In 2006, the Saints originally planned to wear white jerseys at home, but players voted to switch to black after the second game. Some opponents (Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Cincinnati Bengals) did not agree to the switch, forcing the Saints to wear white for those games.

2006: Louisiana Patch

In 2006, to honor their return to Louisiana, the Saints wore a patch on their uniforms with an outline of the State of Louisiana with a fleur-de-lis superimposed.

2006: Sean Payton's 2006 Season

Sean Payton participated in the 2007 Pro Bowl due to his performance in the 2006 season.

2006: Year 2006

This entry refers to the years 2000-2006.

2007: Sean Payton participates in the Pro Bowl in 2007

In 2007, Sean Payton participated in the Pro Bowl.

2007: End of Patriots' Light Jersey Era

Through 2007, the New England Patriots had a bright metallic silver alternate jersey that they used as a "light" jersey, which forced their opponents to wear their colored "dark" jerseys.

2008: Losing Streak

Carolina defeated New Orleans on the road every year from 2002 to 2008, a streak of seven seasons.

2008: Tom Benson led consortium in 2008

In mid-2008, a consortium led by Saints owner Tom Benson owned WVUE.

2008: White Jerseys at Home for Preseason and Early Regular Season Games

Since 2008, the Saints have worn white jerseys at home for preseason and early regular-season home games.

2009: Super Bowl XLIV victory

In 2009, the Saints wore the black pants only once, beating St. Louis 28–23. They wore the white jerseys/gold pants combination during the Super Bowl XLIV victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

August 8, 2010: NBC Announces Opening Festivities with Taylor Swift and Dave Matthews Band

On Sunday, August 8, 2010, NBC announced that Taylor Swift and Dave Matthews Band would perform at the televised opening festivities of the evening.

September 9, 2010: Saints defeat Vikings in Super Bowl Rematch

On Thursday, September 9, 2010, the Saints, as defending Super Bowl champions, defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14–9 in the Superdome, in a rematch of the 2009 NFC Championship Game. The game was televised on NBC, marking the first time the Saints opened the NFL season at home.

December 27, 2010: Saints Clinch Playoff Appearance

On December 27, 2010, the Saints clinched a playoff appearance (wild card) with a 17–14 win against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta. This marked the first time a team in the NFC South had made back-to-back playoff appearances since the division was formed in 2002.

2010: Rickey Jackson selected in 2010

In 2010, Rickey Jackson was selected to the Hall of Fame, being the first player who earned his credentials primarily as a New Orleans Saint.

September 25, 2011: Throwback Uniform Return

On September 25, 2011, the Saints wore the 1967-style throwback uniform again in a 40–33 win against the Houston Texans.

November 6, 2011: Throwback Uniform Appearance

On November 6, 2011, the Saints wore the 1967-style throwback uniform against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning 27–16.

2011: Saints win NFC South Title since 2011

Despite an 0-2 start to the season, the Saints proceeded to win their next 8 games en route to an 11–5 finish, winning their first NFC South title since 2011.

2011: Saints Win NFC South Title and Set Numerous Records

In 2011, the Saints won the NFC South title on December 26 and finished the season as the third seed in the NFC with a 13–3 record. The team broke numerous records that year, including most yards in a season, completion percentage, yards passing, and completions. Darren Sproles also set the record for most all-purpose yards in a single season.

2012: Gregg Williams joins Rams in 2012

In 2012, Gregg Williams, the Saints' controversial defensive coordinator, joined the Los Angeles Rams shortly before the Bountygate Scandal implication.

2012: Willie Roaf selected in 2012

In 2012, Willie Roaf became the second Saint to earn his Hall of Fame credentials mostly while playing in New Orleans.

2012: Use of Black Pants in 2012

In 2012, the Saints wore black pants 12 times.

October 9, 2013: Saints announce Ring of Honor creation on October 9, 2013

On October 9, 2013, the Saints announced the creation of a Ring of Honor to commemorate former players, administrators, and individuals with significant contributions to the franchise.

November 10, 2013: Inaugural Ring of Honor induction on November 10, 2013

On November 10, 2013, Archie Manning, Rickey Jackson, and Willie Roaf were officially inducted into the Saints' Ring of Honor during halftime of the game against the Dallas Cowboys.

2013: Use of Gold Pants in 2013

In 2013, gold pants were used only 7 times, including the playoffs.

2013: NFL Enforces One-Helmet Rule

In 2013, the NFL enforced its "one-helmet rule".

2013: Saints Finish 2013 Season with 11-5 Record and Wild Card Berth

In the 2013 season, the Saints finished with an 11–5 record, earning a wild card berth as the sixth seed in the NFC. They went undefeated at home for the second straight season under Sean Payton but struggled on the road.

January 4, 2014: Saints Record First Road Playoff Win in Franchise History

On January 4, 2014, the Saints secured their first road playoff victory in franchise history, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 26–24.

2014: Use of Black Pants in 2014

In 2014, the Saints wore black pants 12 times and wore gold pants 4 times.

2014: Fight and Blowout Loss

In their last game of the 2014 NFL season, a fight broke out between players after a Cam Newton touchdown, with the Panthers winning 41–10 due to early turnovers by the Saints.

2014: Saints Finish 2014 Season 7-9, Miss Playoffs

The Saints concluded the 2014 season with a 7–9 record, finishing second in their division. They failed to reach the playoffs, and the season was marked by the league's 31st worst-ranked defense.

2014: Cleveland Browns Uniforms Change

Until 2014, the Saints' striping pattern on their uniforms was similar to that used by the Cleveland Browns.

2015: Use of Gold Pants in 2015

After 2015, the Saints only wore gold pants sporadically in the regular season.

2015: Raycom Sports takes over preseason telecasts production in 2015

Beginning in the 2015 season, Raycom Sports took over the production of preseason telecasts under a new multi-year deal.

2015: Saints Finish 2015 Season with 7-9 Record, Historically Bad Defense

In the 2015 season, the Saints finished with a 7–9 record for the second consecutive year. Their defense struggled significantly, allowing the most passing touchdowns in a season in NFL history with 45.

April 11, 2016: Hokie Gajan's death on April 11, 2016

Hokie Gajan, former Saints running back and color commentator, died from liposarcoma on April 11, 2016.

December 4, 2016: 50th Season Throwback Game

On December 4, 2016, the Saints wore the 1967-style throwback uniform in a 28–13 loss to the Detroit Lions, commemorating the franchise's 50th season.

2016: Introduction of Color Rush Uniforms

Prior to the 2016 season, the NFL introduced the Color Rush program, and the Saints' version featured white jersey tops with old gold numbers, black trim, gold and black sleeve stripes, white pants inspired by the 1975–85 look, and all-white socks.

2017: Morten Andersen selected in 2017

In 2017, Morten Andersen was selected to the Hall of Fame, becoming the third former player inducted primarily for his accomplishments in New Orleans.

2017: Raycom Media sale in 2017

In 2017, WVUE was sold to Raycom Media.

2017: Jim Henderson announcer from 1993 to 2017

Jim Henderson was the play-by-play announcer for Saints radio broadcasts continuously from 1993 to 2017.

2017: Sean Payton's 2017 Season

Sean Payton participated in the 2018 Pro Bowl due to his performance in the 2017 season.

January 7, 2018: First Playoff Game

On January 7, 2018, the Saints and Panthers met in the NFL playoffs for the first time, with the Saints winning 31–26.

February 16, 2018: Tom Benson Hospitalized

On February 16, 2018, Tom Benson was hospitalized before passing away on March 15, 2018.

March 15, 2018: Tom Benson Dies, Gayle Benson Becomes Owner

On March 15, 2018, the Saints' owner Tom Benson passed away from the flu at the age of 90. His wife, Gayle Benson, succeeded him as the owner of the Saints and the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans.

2018: Controversial no-call in 2018 NFC Championship Game

During the 2018 NFC Championship Game, a critical pass to Saints' receiver Tommylee Lewis was illegally broken up by Rams' cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman with no penalty flag thrown, leading to controversy.

2018: Sean Payton participates in the Pro Bowl in 2018

In 2018, Sean Payton participated in the Pro Bowl.

2018: Zach Strief succeeded Jim Henderson in 2018

In 2018, Zach Strief replaced Jim Henderson as the play-by-play announcer.

2018: Color Rush Home Appearance

In 2018, the Saints were forced to wear the white Color Rush uniforms at home against the Philadelphia Eagles after coach Sean Payton lost a bet.

2018: Saints Finish 2018 Season 13-3, Lose NFC Championship Game

In the 2018 season, the Saints concluded with a 13–3 record, securing the NFC South title. They lost to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime during the NFC Championship game, which featured a controversial ending.

2019: Gray Television sale in 2019

In 2019, Raycom Media sold WVUE to Gray Television.

2019: All-White Uniform Success and Playoff Loss

In 2019, the Saints unveiled an all-white uniform variation and went undefeated (8–0) wearing either all-white uniform during the regular season. They wore the new look in a Wild Card Round game against the Minnesota Vikings, losing in overtime 26–20.

2019: Saints Finish 2019 Season 13-3, Lose in Wild Card Round

In the 2019 season, the Saints finished with a 13–3 record and won the NFC South. They lost to the Minnesota Vikings in overtime during the Wild Card Round.

2020: Saints Win NFC South, Brees's Final Game

In the 2020 season, the Saints won the NFC South with a 12–4 record. They lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round, marking Drew Brees's final game.

January 17, 2021: Playoff Loss to Tampa Bay

On January 17, 2021, the Saints faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the playoffs for the first time, losing 30–20 despite winning both regular season meetings.

2021: Cheer Krewe name adopted in 2021

In 2021, the Saints cheerleading squad changed its name to the Saints Cheer Krewe, formerly known as the Saintsations.

2021: Saints Miss Postseason in 2021

In the 2021 season, following Drew Brees's retirement and a season with multiple starting quarterbacks, the Saints finished 9–8 and did not make the postseason.

2021: Mike Hoss named play-by-play announcer in 2021

In the spring of 2021, Mike Hoss became the play-by-play announcer for the Saints' flagship station WWL, succeeding Zach Strief, who joined the Saints' coaching staff.

January 25, 2022: Sean Payton Steps Away as Head Coach

On January 25, 2022, Sean Payton announced his departure as head coach after 15 seasons with the team, during which the Saints achieved a 152–89 regular-season record.

February 8, 2022: Dennis Allen Promoted to Head Coach

On February 8, 2022, the Saints promoted their defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, to the position of head coach.

October 2, 2022: Debut of Alternate Black Helmet

On October 2, 2022, the Saints' alternate black helmet, featuring a gold fleur-de-lis on each side, made its debut in an NFL London Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

November 14, 2022: Petition Started to Relieve Dennis Allen of Duties

On November 14, 2022, after a 3–7 start, disappointed Saints fans started a petition on Change.org requesting that Dennis Allen be relieved of his duties as head coach.

November 21, 2022: Return of Throwback Uniform

On November 21, 2022, the Saints brought back the 1967-style throwback uniform against the Los Angeles Rams.

December 24, 2022: All-White Uniform Variation

On December 24, 2022, the Saints wore another variation of the all-white uniform with black socks at the Cleveland Browns.

2022: Black Helmets Introduced After NFL Repeals One-Helmet Rule

Black helmets were finally introduced for the Saints in 2022, after the NFL repealed its "one-helmet rule" previously enforced in 2013.

2022: Sam Mills inducted in 2022

In 2022, Sam Mills became the 4th former player inducted primarily for his accomplishments in New Orleans.

January 8, 2023: Black Uniform with Plain White Pants

On January 8, 2023, the plain white pants were paired with the black uniform against the Carolina Panthers, a look last seen in the 1985 season.

2023: All-Time Series Lead

As of the 2023 season, the Saints lead the all-time series against the Panthers 31–28.

2023: Saints Miss Playoffs After 9-8 Season in 2023

During the 2023 season, the Saints brought in Derek Carr as quarterback but ultimately finished with a 9–8 record, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

November 4, 2024: Dennis Allen Fired as Head Coach

Dennis Allen was fired on November 4, 2024, after a 23–22 loss to the Carolina Panthers, leaving the Saints with a 2–7 start to the season.

2024: Vikings lead series 25-13 as of 2024

As of the 2024 season, the Minnesota Vikings lead the overall series against the New Orleans Saints 25–13, including a 4–1 record in the playoffs.

2024: Tie Record with Atlanta Falcons

As of the 2024 season, the Saints and Atlanta Falcons are tied at 56–56.

2024: Rams lead all-time series 45-35 as of 2024

As of the 2024 season, the Saints and Rams are tied 1-1 in the postseason, but the Los Angeles Rams lead the all-time series 45-35 against the New Orleans Saints.