New Orleans Saints
The Saints are one of two NFL franchises to win their sole Super Bowl appearance.
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans. The Saints compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) South division. Since 1975, the team plays its home games at Caesars Superdome after using Tulane Stadium during its first eight seasons. Founded by John W. Mecom Jr., David Dixon, and the city of New Orleans on November 1, 1966, the Saints joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1967.
- character
- Divisional Rivalry
- Status
- Active
- First_meeting_in_source_context
- September 25, 2006 (Superdome Reopening)
Lore & Background
The Saints were among the NFL's least successful franchises in their first several decades, where they went 20 consecutive seasons without a winning record or qualifying for the playoffs. They earned their first winning record and postseason berth in 1987, while their first playoff win would not occur until 2000, the team's 34th season. The team's fortunes improved in the 21st century, especially during the late 2000s and 2010s, which saw them become more consistent postseason contenders. Their greatest success to date came in the 2009 season, when they won Super Bowl XLIV in their only Super Bowl appearance. The Saints are one of two NFL franchises, along with the New York Jets, to win their sole Super Bowl appearance.
In Their Own Story
The game began on the first series when Saints safety Steve Gleason blocked Michael Koenen's punt. Cornerback Curtis Deloatch recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown, setting the tone immediately. The final score was 23–3 in favor of New Orleans. The victory was celebrated as the "Rebirth" game and "Domecoming." Before kickoff, Green Day and U2 performed a cover of "The Saints Are Coming," and former President George H. W. Bush conducted the coin toss alongside 150 Katrina first responders who were the first to enter the stadium for the event. The win revitalized morale in a city still reeling from disaster, with fans traveling in droves and ticket prices reaching $2,000.
Reader's Guide
The Saints' home opener on September 25, 2006, was the first home game in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The Saints won 23–3 against the Atlanta Falcons, who were undefeated in the 2006 season at that time. The attendance was a sellout crowd of 70,003. The broadcast of the game was ESPN's highest-ever rated program to date, with an 11.8 rating, and viewership by 10.85 million households.
Did You Know?
- The Saints' inaugural game on September 17, 1967, started with Saints receiver John Gilliam returning the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown.
- Tom Dempsey kicked an NFL record-breaking 63-yard field goal on November 8, 1970, to defeat the Detroit Lions 19–17.
- The Saints' first playoff win came in 2000, when they defeated the defending Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams.
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