During a winter day in 1966 the NFL awarded it's 16th franchise to New Orleans under the gaze of NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle who made the announcement from a New Orleans hotel named the Pontchartrain Hotel. The team's unique name of "Saints" is an ode to November 1st being 'All Saints Day' in the Catholic faith and appealed to New Orleans' large Catholic population. The name is also a reference to the spiritual hymn; "When the Saints Go Marching In."
This team has not enjoyed the success of other NFL teams. Largely even a blip on any other team's radar for their first 20 years, the Saints have been described during that time as 'barely competitive.' However in 1987 they finished with an astonishing 12-3 record, making the playoffs for the very first time in their history, 21 years after their original inception.
In 2005 Hurricane Katrina leveled the city of New Orleans and their old home, The Superdome, was used a a temporary shelter for families that were affected by the tidal surges and massive devastation. When the season began, the Saints played their first home game many miles away from home--at the New York Giants Stadium in New Jersey.
The 2009 Season however was one to remember as they team won a franchise record of 13 games, making to the Super Bowl where they defeated the Indianapolis Colts. It is the only time they've been to the big game.
- Team started in 1967
- One Time Super Bowl Winner which was their only appearance
- 10 NFL Playoffs Appearances
- Home is the Mercedes Benz Superdome
- Old stadium was used as a refuge for homeless victims during Hurricane Katrina
- 7 Pro-Football Hall of Famers - 2 Coaches
- Center of bounty scandal involving multiple players and coaches who were suspended after a hearing
- "Number One" was a movie about an upcoming super championship and was release in 1969
- Saints are the only NFL team to both win and lose a game with the score 62-7
- Stadium capacity is 76,468 (expanded) or 73,208 (not expanded)
To check out how you can get a cool stadium locker for your Ultimate Saint's Fan check out our Super Bowl Super Fan Super Locker Deal and CLICK HERE. And for an entire list of fast facts from all of the 2014 NFL Playoff teams, CLICK HERE.
