Editing New Orleans Saints

{{short description|National Football League franchise in New Orleans, Louisiana}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL team
| name = New Orleans Saints
| current = 2025 New Orleans Saints season
| wordmark = New Orleans Saints wordmark.svg
| logo = New Orleans Saints logo.svg
| founded = {{Start date and age|1966|11|1}}<ref name="SaintsKeyMoments">{{cite web|title=Key Moments in Saints History|url=https://neworleanssaints.com/team/history/key-moments|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|access-date=February 10, 2024}}</ref><ref name="SaintsTeamFacts">{{cite web|title=New Orleans Saints Team Facts|url=https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/new-orleans-saints/team-facts/|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=ProFootballHOF.com|access-date=February 10, 2024}}</ref>
| first_season = [[1967 New Orleans Saints season|1967]]
| stadium = [[Caesars Superdome]],<br />[[New Orleans|New Orleans, Louisiana]]
| headquartered = [[Ochsner Health System|Ochsner]] Sports Performance Center, [[Metairie, Louisiana]]<ref>{{cite web|title=A to Z Fan Guide|url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/stadium/a-to-z-fan-guide|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|access-date=February 10, 2024}}</ref>
| uniform = File:New Orleans Saints Uniforms (2022).png
| colors = Old gold, black, white<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Staff Directory|chapter-url=https://static.www.nfl.com/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2023/NO.pdf#page=8|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|title=2023 New Orleans Saints Media Guide|url=https://static.www.nfl.com/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2023/NO.pdf|date=July 26, 2023|access-date=July 8, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|chapter=New Orleans Saints Team Capsule|chapter-url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2022/2022_NFL_Record_and_Fact_Book.pdf#page=195|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|title=2022 Official National Football League Record and Fact Book|url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2022/2022_NFL_Record_and_Fact_Book.pdf|date=July 20, 2022|access-date=July 8, 2024}}</ref><br />{{color box|#D3BC8D}} {{color box|#000000}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}}
| coach = [[Kellen Moore]]
| owner = [[Gayle Benson]]<ref>{{cite news|title=A message from Owner Gayle Benson to Saints fans|url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/a-message-from-owner-gayle-benson-to-saints-fans-20460987|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|date=March 16, 2018|access-date=September 6, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906161646/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/a-message-from-owner-gayle-benson-to-saints-fans-20460987|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Gayle Benson: I will own, operate Saints for the rest of my life|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/gayle-benson-i-will-own-operate-saints-for-the-rest-of-my-life-0ap3000000926247|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=April 12, 2018|access-date=September 6, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906161715/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000926247/article/gayle-benson-i-will-own-operate-saints-for-the-rest-of-my-life|url-status=live}}</ref>
| president = [[Dennis Lauscha]]
| general manager = [[Mickey Loomis]]
| nicknames =
* The Black and Gold
* The [[Dome Patrol]]
* The Bless You Boys
* The Who Dats
| song = [[When the Saints Go Marching In (sports anthem)|"When the Saints Go Marching In"]]
| mascot = [[Gumbo (mascot)|Gumbo]], [[Sir Saint (mascot)|Sir Saint]]
| website = {{URL|neworleanssaints.com}}
| hist_yr = 1967
| NFL_start_yr = 1967
| division_hist =
* Eastern Conference (1967–1969)
** Capitol Division (1967; 1969)
** Century Division (1968)
* '''[[National Football Conference]] (1970–present)'''
** [[NFC West]] (1970–2001)
** '''[[NFC South]] (2002–present)'''
| no_league_champs = 1
| no_sb_champs = 1
| no_conf_champs = 1
| no_div_champs = 9
| sb_champs = [[2009 New Orleans Saints season|2009]]&nbsp;([[Super Bowl XLIV|XLIV]])
| conf_champs =
* '''[[NFC Championship Game|NFC]]:''' [[2009 New Orleans Saints season|2009]]
| div_champs =
* '''[[NFC West]]:''' [[1991 New Orleans Saints season|1991]], [[2000 New Orleans Saints season|2000]]
* '''[[NFC South]]:''' [[2006 New Orleans Saints season|2006]], [[2009 New Orleans Saints season|2009]], [[2011 New Orleans Saints season|2011]], [[2017 New Orleans Saints season|2017]], [[2018 New Orleans Saints season|2018]], [[2019 New Orleans Saints season|2019]], [[2020 New Orleans Saints season|2020]]
| playoff_appearances =
* '''NFL:''' [[1987–88 NFL playoffs|1987]], [[1990–91 NFL playoffs|1990]], [[1991–92 NFL playoffs|1991]], [[1992–93 NFL playoffs|1992]], [[2000–01 NFL playoffs|2000]], [[2006–07 NFL playoffs|2006]], [[2009–10 NFL playoffs|2009]], [[2010–11 NFL playoffs|2010]], [[2011–12 NFL playoffs|2011]], [[2013–14 NFL playoffs|2013]], [[2017–18 NFL playoffs|2017]], [[2018–19 NFL playoffs|2018]], [[2019–20 NFL playoffs|2019]], [[2020–21 NFL playoffs|2020]]
| no_playoff_appearances = 14
| stadium_years =
* [[Tulane Stadium]] (1967–1974)
* '''[[Caesars Superdome]] ({{nfly|1975|2004}}, {{nfly|2006}}–present)'''
{{hiddenbegin|headerstyle=text-align:left|header=Temporary stadiums}}
'''[[2005 New Orleans Saints season|2005]] due to the [[Effect of Hurricane Katrina on the Louisiana Superdome|effects]] of [[Hurricane Katrina]]:'''
* [[Tiger Stadium (Louisiana)|Tiger Stadium]] (four games)
* [[Alamodome]] (three games)
* [[Giants Stadium]] (one game)
'''[[2021 New Orleans Saints season|2021]] due to the effect of [[Hurricane Ida]]:'''
* [[TIAA Bank Field]] (one game)
{{hiddenend}}
| team_owners =
* [[John W. Mecom Jr.]] (1966–1985)
* [[Tom Benson]] (1985–2018)
* '''[[Gayle Benson]] (2018–present)'''
}}
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) [[NFC South|South]] division. Since 1975, the team plays its home games at [[Caesars Superdome]]<ref>{{cite press release|title=New Orleans Saints and Caesars Entertainment announce partnership: Stadium rebranded as Caesars Superdome|url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-caesars-entertainment-partnership-caesars-superdome-rebrand|publisher=NFL Enterpries, LLC|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|date=July 26, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021}}</ref> after using [[Tulane Stadium]] during its first eight seasons. Founded by [[John W. Mecom Jr.]], [[David Dixon (businessman)|David Dixon]], and the city of New Orleans on November 1, 1966,<ref name="SaintsKeyMoments" /><ref name="SaintsTeamFacts" /><ref name=":0">{{cite news|title=Franchise nicknames|url=https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2005/01/news-franchise-nicknames/|publisher=[[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]|date=January 1, 2005|access-date=February 10, 2024|quote=The name Saints was the popular choice in a fan contest staged by the New Orleans States-Item. However, with or without the contest, the New Orleans team would most likely have been called the Saints. The franchise was awarded on All Saints Day, November 1, 1966. New Orleans was famous worldwide as the city of jazz and the famous marching song, 'When the Saints Go Marching In.'}}</ref><ref name="sdcwbglp">{{Cite news |date=November 1, 1966 |title=New Orleans wins berth in grid loop |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=F7szAAAAIBAJ&pg=4901%2C255485 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |page=17 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref><ref name="milwsntlf">{{Cite news |date=November 2, 1966 |title=New Orleans lands franchise in NFL |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YesVAAAAIBAJ&pg=4976%2C297048 |work=Milwaukee Sentinel |page=1, part 2 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref> the Saints joined the NFL as an [[expansion team]] in 1967.

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 New Orleans Saints season|1987]], while their first playoff win would not occur until [[2000 New Orleans Saints season|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 New Orleans Saints season|2009 season]], when they won [[Super Bowl XLIV]] over the favored [[Indianapolis Colts]], the team's first and only [[Super Bowl]] appearance so far.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl Winners and Results – Super Bowl History – National Football League – ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/superbowl/history/winners |access-date=August 21, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The Saints, along with the [[New York Jets]], are one of two NFL franchises to win their sole Super Bowl appearance.

==History==
{{main|History of the New Orleans Saints}}

===Early history===
Local sports entrepreneur [[David Dixon (businessman)|Dave Dixon]] and a local civic group had been seeking an NFL franchise for over five years and had hosted record crowds for NFL exhibition games. To seal the NFL–AFL merger, NFL Commissioner [[Pete Rozelle]] arrived in New Orleans within a week, and announced on November 1, 1966, that the NFL officially had awarded the city of [[New Orleans]] an expansion franchise.<ref name=sdcwbglp/><ref name=milwsntlf/> The team was named for "[[When the Saints Go Marching In]]", the classic [[jazz]] standard associated with New Orleans.<ref name="q473">{{cite web | last=Kozlowski | first=Joe | title=Why are the New Orleans Saints called the Saints? | website=Newsweek | date=2023-10-19 | url=https://www.newsweek.com/why-are-new-orleans-saints-called-saints-1836151 | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> When the deal was reached a week earlier, Dixon strongly suggested to Rozelle that the announcement be delayed until November 1, to coincide with [[All Saints' Day]]. Dixon cleared the name with New Orleans' Archbishop [[Philip Hannan|Philip M. Hannan]], who "thought it would be a good idea," according to Dixon. "He had an idea the team was going to need all the help it could get."<ref>{{cite web |last=Mule |first=Marty |url=http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2010/08/dave_dixon_driving_force_behin.html |title=Dave Dixon, driving force behind Superdome, dies |work=[[Times-Picayune]] |date=February 8, 2010 |access-date=September 22, 2010 |archive-date=August 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825143213/https://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2010/08/dave_dixon_driving_force_behin.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== John Mecom Jr. era (1967–1984) ===
U.S. [[House Majority Whip]] from Louisiana [[Hale Boggs]] attached the merger to a bill approving an exemption from antitrust sanctions allowing for the merger and the team. [[John W. Mecom Jr.]], a young oilman from Houston, became the team's first majority stockholder. The team's colors, black and gold, symbolized both Mecom's and New Orleans' strong ties to the [[oil]] industry. Trumpeter [[Al Hirt]] was part owner of the team.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/04/28/arts/al-hirt-76-trumpeter-and-symbol-of-new-orleans-dies.html|title=Al Hirt, 76, Trumpeter and Symbol of New Orleans, Dies|last=Ravo|first=Nick|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 28, 1999|accessdate=June 3, 2024}}</ref>
[[File:1986 Jeno's Pizza - 25 - Archie Manning (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|[[Archie Manning]], pictured attempting a pass in 1980, was one of the first players to be inducted into the Saints' Ring of Honor.]]

Tom Fears was named as the team's first head coach.<ref name="i66a">{{cite web | last=Trahan | first=Ken | title=New Orleans Saints Coaching History—Tom Fears (1967-70) | website=Crescent City Sports | date=2020-04-08 | url=https://crescentcitysports.com/new-orleans-saints-coaching-history-tom-fears-1967-70/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> The inaugural game on September 17, [[1967 New Orleans Saints season|1967]], started with Saints receiver [[John Gilliam]] returning the opening kickoff 94-yards for a touchdown, in a losing effort, 27–13, to the [[1967 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]] at Tulane Stadium, with over 80,000 in attendance.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ctcpAAAAIBAJ&pg=6825%2C3573816 |work=Milwaukee Sentinel |agency=Associated Press |title=Rams get scare but top Saints |date=September 18, 1967 |page=2, part 2}}</ref> It was one of the few highlights of a 3–11 season, which set an NFL record for most wins by an expansion team.

For most of their first 20 years, the Saints finished third or fourth in their division until [[1979 New Orleans Saints season|1979]]. Until 1987, the 1979 and [[1983 New Orleans Saints season|1983]] teams were the only ones to finish at .500.

One of the franchise's early bright moments came on November 8, 1970, when [[Tom Dempsey]] kicked an NFL record-breaking 63-yard field goal at Tulane Stadium to defeat the [[1970 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]] 19–17 in the final seconds of the game; the previous record was seven yards less, set in <!--September 27,-->{{nfly|1953}}.<ref name="dfgwgmms">{{Cite news |date=November 9, 1970 |title=Dempsey's 63 yard FG jolts Lions |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IJtRAAAAIBAJ&pg=3930%2C1540387 |work=Milwaukee Sentinel |page=1, part 2 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref><ref name="cjbrs">{{Cite news |date=September 28, 1953 |title=Colts jolt Bears, 13–9, get record 56-yard field goal |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=E5ExAAAAIBAJ&pg=2279%2C3321799 |work=Milwaukee Sentinel |page=2, part 2 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref> Dempsey's record was not broken until {{nfly|2013}} by [[Matt Prater]] of the [[2013 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]], who kicked one yard farther.

In [[1980 New Orleans Saints season|1980]], the Saints lost their first 14 games, prompting local sportscaster Bernard "Buddy D" Diliberto to advise Saints supporters to wear paper bags over their heads at the team's home games; many bags rendered the club's name as the "'[[Ain't|Aint]]s" rather than the "Saints."<ref name=Aints>{{cite news|last1=Bishop|first1=Greg|title=Beneath Brown Bags, Saints Had Loyal Fans|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/05/sports/football/05bag.html?_r=0|access-date=May 25, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=February 4, 2010|archive-date=August 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831062146/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/05/sports/football/05bag.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Benson era (1985–present) ===

==== Jim E. Mora years (1986–1996) ====
[[Tom Benson]], a successful automobile dealership owner and banker, acquired the franchise in 1985, and hired [[Jim Finks]] as general manager and [[Jim E. Mora|Jim Mora]] as head coach. That combination provided the Saints with their first-ever winning record and playoff appearance, going [[1987 New Orleans Saints season|12–3]] in [[1987 NFL season|1987]], which had one fewer game than normal due to a [[1987 NFL strike|players' strike]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1987 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/1987.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Another playoff berth would follow during the [[1990 NFL season|1990 season]], and the club's first division title came in [[1991 NFL season|1991]]. During Mora's tenure, the Saints made the playoffs four times, with teams marked by strong defenses led by the "[[Dome Patrol]]" linebacking corps, but they were never able to win a playoff game. Mora coached the Saints until the middle of the [[1996 NFL season|1996 season]], when he stepped down halfway through the [[1996 New Orleans Saints season|3–13 season]]. His 93 wins were three more than the Saints won in their entire history prior to his arrival, and would remain the most for any Saints coach until 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jim Mora Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/MoraJi0.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

==== Mike Ditka years (1997–1999) ====
After the end of the 1996 season, ironically as Diliberto had suggested before Mora's resignation, former [[Chicago Bears]] coach [[Mike Ditka]] was hired to replace Mora.<ref name="q079">{{cite web | last=Trahan | first=Ken | title=New Orleans Saints Coaching History—Mike Ditka (1997-99) | website=Crescent City Sports | date=2020-04-19 | url=https://crescentcitysports.com/new-orleans-saints-coaching-history-mike-ditka-1997-99/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> Although this initially generated a lot of excitement among Saints fans, Ditka's tenure ended up being a failure. The Saints went 6–10 in their first two seasons under Ditka ([[1997 NFL season|1997]] and [[1998 NFL season|1998]]). During the [[1999 NFL draft]], Ditka traded all of his picks for that season, as well as the first-round and third-round picks for the following season, to the [[Washington Redskins]] in order to draft [[Texas Longhorns football|University of Texas]] [[Heisman Trophy]] running back [[Ricky Williams]] in the first round. Ditka and Williams had a mock wedding picture taken to commemorate the occasion. However, Ditka, most of his coaching staff, and general manager [[Bill Kuharich]] were fired at the end of the [[1999 NFL season|1999 season]] due to the club's [[1999 New Orleans Saints season|3–13 record]].<ref name="u968">{{cite web | title=Ditka, Kuharich fired by Saints | website=ESPN.com | date=1997-01-28 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/2000/0103/266669.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

==== Jim Haslett years (2000–2005) ====
[[Jim Haslett]] held the post from 2000 to 2005. In his first year, he took the team to the 2000 [[1999–2000 NFL playoffs|playoffs]] with a 10–6 mark and defeated the defending Super Bowl champion [[2000 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]] for the team's first-ever playoff win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2000.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - St. Louis Rams at New Orleans Saints - December 30th, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200012300nor.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The team lost the following week to the [[2000 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings - January 6th, 2001 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200101060min.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> After winning the 2000 NFL Executive of the Year Award, General Manager [[Randy Mueller]] was fired between the 2001 and 2002 seasons without explanation by Benson. The Saints failed to make the playoffs in 2001 and 2002, although in the latter year they had the distinction of beating the eventual [[Super Bowl XXXVII]] champion [[2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] in both of their regular-season meetings, only the second team to do so in NFL history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2001.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2002.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

In [[2003 NFL season|2003]], the Saints again missed the [[2003–04 NFL playoffs|playoffs]] after finishing 8–8.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2003.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The [[2004 NFL season|2004 season]] started poorly for the [[2004 New Orleans Saints season|Saints]], as they went 2–4 through their first six games and 4–8 through their first twelve games. At that point Haslett's job appeared to be in jeopardy; however, he managed to win the three straight games leading up to the season finale, leaving the Saints in playoff contention in the final week of the season. In week 17, the Saints defeated division rivals [[2004 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina]]; however, the Saints needed other results to break their way and when the [[2004 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]] beat the [[2004 New York Jets season|New York Jets]] the Saints were eliminated despite having beaten the Rams, who finished with the same record. The Rams, Saints, and [[2004 Minnesota Vikings season|Vikings]] all were 8–8, with the Rams having a 7–5 conference record, Saints 6–6, and the Vikings 5–7. The Rams received the number 1 wild-card due to having the best conference record out of the three, followed by the Vikings due to the 38–31 loss handed to the Saints in Week 6. Haslett was fired after the [[2005 NFL season|2005 season]], in which the [[2005 New Orleans Saints season|Saints]] finished 3–13 and did not play any regular-season games in New Orleans due to [[Hurricane Katrina]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-01-02 |title=Haslett won't return as Saints head coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2278052 |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref><ref name="t903">{{cite web | last=Stecker | first=Shannon | title=This week in history: The New Orleans Saints return to the Superdome | website=Verite News | date=2023-09-25 | url=https://veritenews.org/2023/09/25/this-week-in-history-the-new-orleans-saints-return-to-the-superdome/#:~:text=Then%20came%20the%20devastation%20that,was%20against%20a%20planned%20move. | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

===== Effect of Hurricane Katrina =====
{{main|Effect of Hurricane Katrina on the New Orleans Saints}}
[[File:New Orleans Saints at Tiger Stadium.jpg|thumb|Tiger Stadium was one of the venues that hosted the Saints in 2005.]]
Due to the damage Hurricane Katrina caused to the Superdome and the New Orleans area, the Saints' scheduled [[2005 NFL season|2005]] home opener against the [[2005 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] was moved to [[Giants Stadium]]. The remainder of their 2005 home games were split between the [[Alamodome]] in [[San Antonio|San Antonio, Texas]], and [[LSU Tigers football|LSU]]'s [[Tiger Stadium (LSU)|Tiger Stadium]] in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]].

==== Sean Payton years (2006–2021) ====
On January 17, 2006, the Saints hired [[Sean Payton]] as their new head coach and, on March 14, signed former [[San Diego Chargers]] quarterback [[Drew Brees]] to a six-year, $60 million deal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-01-17 |title=Sources: Saints hire Cowboys' Payton as head coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2295741 |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Clayton |first1=John |title=Brees agrees to six-year deal with Saints |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2368304 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=September 18, 2018 |date=March 14, 2006 |archive-date=June 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626111008/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2368304 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 23, the Saints announced that the team's two 2006 preseason games were to be played at [[Shreveport, Louisiana]], and [[Jackson, Mississippi]]. After a $185 million renovation of the historic stadium, on April 6 the Saints released their 2006 schedule, with all home games scheduled to be played at the Superdome. On September 19, Saints owner [[Tom Benson]] announced that the team had sold out the [[Louisiana Superdome]] for the entire season with season tickets alone (68,354 seats), a first in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/23/AR2006092301102.html|title=The Saints Bring Hope to the Faithful|last=Carpenter|first=Les|date=September 24, 2006|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=February 24, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=February 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224133214/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/23/AR2006092301102.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The September 25, home opener, the first home game in [[New Orleans]] after [[Hurricane Katrina]], was won by the Saints 23–3 against the [[2006 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]], who were undefeated in the 2006 season at that time. The attendance for the game was a sellout crowd of 70,003. Meanwhile, 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 homes. It was the most-watched program for the night, broadcast or cable, and was the second-highest rated cable program of all time at the time. [[Green Day]] and [[U2]] performed "[[Wake Me Up When September Ends]]" and "[[The Saints Are Coming]]", respectively, before the game. The game received a 2007 [[ESPY]] award for "[[Best Moment ESPY Award|Best Moment in Sports]]." The game is remembered by Saints fans for [[Steve Gleason]]'s blocked punt on the opening series that resulted in a touchdown for New Orleans.<ref name="j084">{{cite web | last=Dabe | first=Christopher | title=The story behind Steve Gleason's blocked punt, as told by its key players | website=NOLA.com | date=2016-09-23 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/the-story-behind-steve-gleasons-blocked-punt-as-told-by-its-key-players/article_bccc2dfd-5aca-5504-8f5e-917783036ea1.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

On December 17, the Saints clinched their third division title and their first [[NFC South]] title in franchise history. For the first time in Saints' history, they clinched their [[NFC South]] title on their home field. Sean Payton became the second consecutive Saints coach to win a division title in his first season. After the [[2006 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] beat the [[2006 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] 23–7 on Christmas Day 2006, the Saints clinched a first-round playoff bye for the first time in franchise history, finishing the regular season with a record of 10–6.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2006.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>[[File:Sean Payton 07feb10.jpg|thumb|200px|Sean Payton was the head coach of the team from 2006 to 2021.]]

After the first-round bye, the Saints beat the [[2006 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] 27–24 in the Superdome in the 2006 Divisional Playoffs. No team had ever had such a poor record in the prior year (3–13) and then gone on to a league or conference championship game since the [[1999 St. Louis Rams season|1999 St. Louis Rams]] who advanced to win their first [[Super Bowl XXXIV|Super Bowl]] after being 4–12 the season before. Since the Saints' only previous playoff win was in the wild card round, this was the farthest the Saints had ever advanced at the time. The victory was only the second playoff win in team history. The season ended on January 21, 2007, when the Saints lost a 39–14 blowout to the [[2006 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] in the [[NFC Championship Game|NFC Championship game]].<ref name="c870">{{cite web | last=Wilner | first=Barry | title=Chicago throttles New Orleans 39-14, silences doubters | website=Statesboro Herald | date=January 21, 2007 | url=https://www.statesboroherald.com/sports/chicago-throttles-new-orleans-39-14-silences-doubters/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

The Saints announced that for the second year in a row, the Louisiana Superdome had sold out every ticket for the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://saintsdoggle.blogspot.com/2007/03/t-p-saints-sell-out-suites-for-2007.html |title=saintsdoggle: UPDATE: Saints sell out suites for 2007 season; Season ticket wait list 25,000 deep; San Antonio finally giving up? |publisher=Saintsdoggle.blogspot.com |date=March 15, 2007 |access-date=February 7, 2010 |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708062232/http://saintsdoggle.blogspot.com/2007/03/t-p-saints-sell-out-suites-for-2007.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The first game of the season was against the defending [[Super Bowl XLI]] champion [[2007 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]]. The Saints lost this game, 41–10, and lost their next three games. In one of these three games, against the [[2007 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], the Saints lost running back [[Deuce McAllister]] for the season with his second career (second time in three seasons) [[Anterior cruciate ligament|ACL]] tear. After winning their first game, against the [[2007 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], two weeks later, the team went on a four-game winning streak to bring their record to an even 4–4. After reaching 7–7, the Saints lost their final two games to finish 7–9.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2007.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

Following a disappointing 7–9 record in the 2007 season, the Saints ended the 2008 season 8–8. Failing to qualify for the post-season for the second straight year, the Saints found themselves struggling on defense. However, the Saints would match the explosive offense they had in the 2006 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2008.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Drew Brees ended the 2008 season just 16 yards short of beating [[Dan Marino]]'s single-season record of 5084 total passing yards, and receiver [[Lance Moore]] came 72 yards short of his first 1,000-yard season.<ref name="g894">{{cite web | last=Holder | first=Larry | title=Brees falls 16 yards short of Marino | website=Monterey Herald | date=2008-12-29 | url=https://www.montereyherald.com/2008/12/29/brees-falls-16-yards-short-of-marino/ | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lance Moore Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorLa00.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

===== Super Bowl XLIV champions (2009) =====
{{Main|2009 New Orleans Saints season}}
[[File:Brees london 2008.jpg|thumb|right|230px|Quarterback [[Drew Brees]] was named MVP in [[Super Bowl XLIV]].]]
The 2009 season was the team's most successful season, which culminated in the franchise's first league championship win against the [[2009 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] in [[Super Bowl XLIV]]. After achieving a record of 13–0 with their win over the [[2009 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]], it marked the Saints' best start to a season in its franchise history. The result clinched an NFC [[2009–10 NFL playoffs|playoff]] berth and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. By winning their first 13 games, the Saints also set the record for the longest undefeated season opening (13–0) by an NFC team since the [[AFL–NFL merger]], surpassing the previous record (12–0) held by the [[1985 Chicago Bears season|1985 Chicago Bears]]. However, they would fall victim to the [[Dallas Cowboys]] in week 14, going on to end the season with a three-game losing streak. The Saints became the first team to win a Super Bowl after losing its last three regular-season games.

Although its opponents would include winners of 9 of the last 15 NFL MVP awards, the team advanced to the 2009 NFC Championship game where they defeated the Minnesota Vikings, led by [[Brett Favre]], 31–28 in overtime, advancing to their first [[Super Bowl]] appearance in franchise history.<ref name="j357">{{cite web | last=Plaschke | first=Bill | title=Brett Favre lets Saints march on to Super Bowl | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2010-01-25 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jan-25-la-sp-plaschke25-2010jan25-story.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> Television ratings for Super Bowl XLIV (44) were the second highest for any TV program, sports or otherwise, in history,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/newswire/2011/super-bowl-xlv-most-viewed-telecast-in-broadcast-history.html |title=Most Viewed Telecast |publisher=Nielson |date=February 7, 2011 |access-date=August 8, 2013 |archive-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929130615/http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/newswire/2011/super-bowl-xlv-most-viewed-telecast-in-broadcast-history.html |url-status=live }}</ref> as their successful bid to win the Super Bowl was seen by many to represent the city's resurgence after the devastating Hurricane Katrina.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How New Orleans got its groove back - CNN.com|url=https://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/24/new.orleans.rising/index.html|access-date=October 25, 2021|website=www.cnn.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Fanta|first=John|date=August 29, 2015|title=Saints came marching in: How football helped Katrina revival|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/28/saints-came-marching-in-how-football-helped-katrina-revival.html|access-date=October 25, 2021|website=CNBC|language=en}}</ref>

The Saints' 2010 season began in the Superdome as the defending Super Bowl champions defeated the [[Minnesota Vikings]] 14–9, in a rematch of the 2009 NFC Championship Game. It was played on Thursday, September 9, 2010, and televised on NBC, making it the first time the Saints have opened the NFL's season at home. On Sunday, August 8, 2010, NBC announced the televised opening festivities of the evening would begin with [[Taylor Swift]] and [[Dave Matthews Band]]. On December 27, 2010, with a 17–14 win against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta, the Saints clinched a playoff appearance (wild card). 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. The Saints would face the Seattle Seahawks for the wild-card opener at Qwest Field. The Seahawks were the first NFL team to capture their division with a sub-.500 regular-season record (7–9). Drew Brees completed a postseason-record 39 passes for 404 yards and two touchdowns. Despite throwing 60 passes and hindered by a lack of depth at running back, last year's Super Bowl MVP was not intercepted and rallied the Saints within 34–30 in the fourth quarter. In the end, his efforts were negated by a defense that could not get enough stops and a late touchdown run by [[Marshawn Lynch]] breaking over a half-dozen tackles with 3:22 left which helped the Seahawks defeat the Saints 41–36.<ref name="k563">{{cite web | last=Booth | first=Tim | title=Saints dethroned as Seahawks become first team with losing record to win playoff game | website=Florida Times-Union | date=2011-01-09 | url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2011/01/09/saints-dethroned-seahawks-become-first-team-losing-record-win/15918972007/ | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref>

The Saints began their season with a loss against the [[Green Bay Packers]], but the team rebounded for the next four weeks to bring their record to 4–1. A loss to the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] brought the record to 4–2, but the team bounced back with a 62–7 blowout win against the struggling [[Indianapolis Colts]].<ref name="b215">{{cite web | last=Martel | first=Brett | title=Saints set points record, beat Colts 62-7 | website=Houma Today | date=2011-10-24 | url=https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/2011/10/24/saints-set-points-record-beat-colts-62-7/26993704007/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> A surprise loss to the [[St. Louis Rams]] resulted in the record dropping to 5–3. In the next seven weeks the Saints beat talented teams such as the eventual [[Super Bowl XLVI]] champion [[New York Giants]], [[Detroit Lions]], and [[Atlanta Falcons]], bringing their season record to 12–3. To cap off the season, quarterback [[Drew Brees]] broke the single-season passing record held for over 25 years, on the way to a Saints division-winning game. The Saints won the [[NFC South]] title on December 26 and ended the 2011 season as the third seed in the NFC. They finished with a 13–3 record, beating Carolina 45–17 and also giving running back Darren Sproles the record for most all-purpose yards in a single season. The team broke numerous records that year including most yards in a season, completion percentage, yards passing, completions and more. The New Orleans Saints beat the Detroit Lions in the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game 45–28.<ref name="s352">{{cite web | last=Martel | first=Brett | title=Saints open playoffs with 45-28 win over Lions | website=Florida Times-Union | date=2012-01-08 | url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/01/08/saints-open-playoffs-45-28-win-over-lions/15879273007/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> New Orleans also tied the NFL's postseason mark for team first downs in a game (34), and broke the record for total yards with 626, eclipsing the yardage record set 49 years ago. The Saints lost in the Divisional round in the playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers in [[Candlestick Park]] that featured the Saints losing two leads in the last four minutes of regulation.<ref name="d699">{{cite web | last=Chadiha | first=Jeffri | title=49ers' toughness shines through | website=ESPN.com | date=2012-01-14 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/2011/story/_/id/7462866/san-francisco-49ers-tough-come-nfl-playoffs | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

After an off-season dominated by the [[New Orleans Saints bounty scandal|bounty scandal]] and the year-long suspension of head coach [[Sean Payton]], the Saints sought to refocus on football and produce yet another winning year.<ref name="m086">{{cite web | last=Zinser | first=Lynn | title=Bountygate: A Circular, Confusing History | website=The Fifth Down | date=2012-10-10 | url=https://archive.nytimes.com/fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/10/bountygate-a-circular-confusing-history/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref><ref name="d821">{{cite web | last=Fendrich | first=Howard | title=Saints coach Sean Payton suspended for season over bounties | website=Florida Times-Union | date=2012-03-22 | url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/03/22/saints-coach-sean-payton-suspended-season-over-bounties/15872159007/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> Instead, the team, led by offensive line coach [[Aaron Kromer]] for its first six games, started the season with four straight losses and a last-place spot in the NFC South.<ref name="z122">{{cite web | title=Saints: Aaron Kromer will coach first 6 games | website=CBS News | date=2012-08-23 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/saints-aaron-kromer-will-coach-first-6-games/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> The team finally broke through with a win in Week 5, against the San Diego Chargers, a game that also saw quarterback Drew Brees break Johnny Unitas's longstanding record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass. After their bye week, the Saints went on to win 4 of their next 5 games, to bring their record to an even 5–5. [[Joe Vitt]] returned after his six-game suspension to serve as interim head coach for the rest of the season.<ref name="u610">{{cite web | title=Joe Vitt returns to head-coaching post for New Orleans Saints | website=NFL.com | date=2012-10-22 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/joe-vitt-returns-to-head-coaching-post-for-new-orleans-saints-0ap1000000083995 | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> The team failed to hold its momentum however, and lost the next three games, including a loss at Atlanta that also marked the end of Brees' record touchdown streak after 54 games, and a 52–27 blowout loss to the Giants that dropped the Saints to 5–8. Despite winning 2 of their last 3 games, and Brees again leading the league with 5,177 passing yards (his third time to surpass 5,000 yards, as he remained the only quarterback to break that barrier more than once), the team finished third in the NFC South, at 7–9. The Saints defense allowed 7,042 yards, setting an NFL record.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nfl.si.com/2012/12/30/saints-defense-sets-record-for-most-yards-allowed-in-a-season/ |title=Saints' defense sets record for most yards allowed in a season &#124; Audibles - SI.com |access-date=March 14, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314033706/http://nfl.si.com/2012/12/30/saints-defense-sets-record-for-most-yards-allowed-in-a-season/ |archive-date=March 14, 2014}}</ref>

The Saints finished their 2013 preseason 3–1, and won their first five regular-season games against the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, [[Arizona Cardinals]], Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears. The Saints under Sean Peyton had been winless in Chicago's Soldier Field and had not won in the Windy City since 2000. The Saints fared well against Chicago, Arizona and Miami, winning 26–18, 31–7 and 38–17 respectively, but needed a 4th down shutdown and a last-minute field goal to escape Atlanta and Tampa Bay. The Saints went on a 5–0 win streak, but were stopped short by the New England Patriots in Week 6, losing 30–27, with a touchdown pass by Tom Brady in the last 5 seconds of the game. New Orleans would go undefeated at home for the second straight season with Sean Payton as the head coach, but finish just 3–5 on the road. Key losses included a 7–34 blowout against the [[Seattle Seahawks]] on [[Monday Night Football]] in Seattle which cost them homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, a 16–27 upset against the St. Louis Rams in St. Louis which led to the Saints needing to win their next game against Carolina to control their own playoff destiny, and a heartbreaking 13–17 defeat to their division rival the [[Carolina Panthers]] in Charlotte who went on to win the NFC South. The Saints finished the season with an 11–5 record and earned a wild card berth as the sixth seed in the NFC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2013.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> On January 4, 2014, the Saints recorded their first road playoff win in franchise history over the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] 26–24.<ref name="z445">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press | title=Saints edge Eagles 26-24 in NFC wild-card game | website=Whittier Daily News | date=2014-01-05 | url=https://www.whittierdailynews.com/2014/01/05/saints-edge-eagles-26-24-in-nfc-wild-card-game/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> On January 11, the Saints lost to the first seed, the Seattle Seahawks, once again in Seattle 15–23.<ref name="m214">{{cite web | last=Condotta | first=Bob | title=Seahawks hold on, beat Saints 23-15 | website=The Seattle Times | date=2014-01-11 | url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-hold-on-beat-saints-23-15/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> The weather conditions were very poor, which gave the offense much difficulty. Despite the conditions, the defense of the Saints played well, holding Seattle to just 23 over the 34 points allowed against Seattle during the regular season.

The Saints finished the season 7–9, second in their division behind the 7–8–1 Carolina Panthers. They missed out on the playoffs after being defeated 14–30 by their divisional rival, the Atlanta Falcons, in the second-to-last week of the season. This season was notorious in Saints history for having the 31st worst-ranked defense in the league, which is one of the main reasons for the Saints' poor 2014 campaign. The only two great performances by the defense out of the entire season came from a 44–23 home win against the Green Bay Packers and a 31–15 victory against the [[Chicago Bears]] in Chicago.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2014.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

The Saints finished with a 7–9 record for the second consecutive season. They were third in the NFC South after the 15–1 NFC champions [[2015 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]] and the 8–8 [[2015 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/index.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Their defense was historically bad. They allowed the most passing touchdowns in a season in [[National Football League|NFL]] history as they allowed 45, effectively making them the worst passing defense in NFL history. They also set the NFL record in opposing passer rating (116.2), while finishing last in points allowed (29.8) and yards allowed per play (6.6).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://theadvocate.com/sports/latestsports/14630245-37/saints-defense-held-itself-back-in-2015-by-obliterating-team-record-for-first-downs-allowed-by-penal | title=Saints defense held itself back in 2015 | publisher=theadvocate.com | date=January 20, 2016 | access-date=February 11, 2016 | archive-date=May 14, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514003335/http://theadvocate.com/sports/latestsports/14630245-37/saints-defense-held-itself-back-in-2015-by-obliterating-team-record-for-first-downs-allowed-by-penal | url-status=live }}</ref> Atrocious play by defensive captain Brandon Browner, who set the NFL record for most penalties with 23, did not help the struggling Saints defense. Defensive coordinator [[Rob Ryan]] was fired near the half-way point in the season and was replaced by senior defensive assistant [[Dennis Allen (American football)|Dennis Allen]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/12/new_orleans_saints_cornerback_63.html | title=Saints Brandon Browner sets NFL penalty record | publisher=Nola.com | date=December 21, 2015 | access-date=February 10, 2016 | archive-date=February 11, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211035506/http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/12/new_orleans_saints_cornerback_63.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The Saints had strong play from their [[2015 NFL draft|2015 draft class]]. The Saints' first pick [[Andrus Peat]] started at right tackle and left guard at certain points in the season, and other first-round pick [[Stephone Anthony]] finished his rookie season with 112 tackles, one sack, one interception, and two forced fumbles. He had two scores, both coming against the Carolina Panthers and led all rookies in tackles. Second-round pick [[Hau'oli Kikaha]] had 4 sacks. Canadian football star [[Delvin Breaux]], who was signed in the off-season, led the Saints struggling secondary with 3 interceptions and 19 pass deflections. Drew Brees also tied the NFL record for touchdown passes in a game with 7, coming against the New York Giants.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Orr|first1=Connor|title=Drew Brees ties single-game record with 7 TD passes|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/drew-brees-ties-single-game-record-with-7-td-passes-0ap3000000570255|website=[[NFL.com]]|access-date=February 11, 2016|date=November 1, 2015|archive-date=February 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160226012316/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000570255/article/drew-brees-ties-singlegame-record-with-7-td-passes|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Saints finished with a 7–9 record for the third consecutive season, their offense finished first in the NFL in yards per game (426.0), second in points per game (29.3), and third in yards per play (6.2). Brees led the NFL in passing yards with 5,208.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/passing.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> However the defense yet again struggled mightily, as they were allowed the 2nd most points per game (28.4) and 6th most yards per game (375.4) while being tied for 2nd worst in yards per play allowed (6.0).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/opp.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

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. The Saints' turnaround was largely attributable to their [[2017 NFL draft|draft]], where they drafted cornerback [[Marshon Lattimore]], offensive tackle [[Ryan Ramczyk]], safety [[Marcus Williams (safety)|Marcus Williams]], and running back [[Alvin Kamara]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 New Orleans Saints Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2017_draft.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> It is widely considered one of the best draft classes in NFL history. The defense drastically improved, as they allowed just 20.4 points per game while finishing third in the league with 20 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/opp.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The offense continued to be excellent, finishing second in yards per game (391.2) and fourth in points per game (28.0).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

In the wild card round, the Saints defeated the [[2017 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]] in the wild-card round, 31–26.<ref name="x057">{{cite web | last=Martel | first=Brett | title=Brees, defensive stand, help Saints survive Panthers, 31-26 | website=AP News | date=2018-01-08 | url=https://apnews.com/general-news-76dec3d1ab0843fda130caefaee258c0 | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> However, in the divisional round, the Saints lost 29–24 to the [[2017 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] after the Vikings completed the [[Minneapolis Miracle]]. The Minneapolis Miracle was a stunning finish in which Vikings quarterback [[Case Keenum]] completed a pass towards the sideline to [[Stefon Diggs]], then Marcus Williams missed a tackle and Diggs was able to run to the end zone for a 61-yard touchdown with no time left on the clock.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shpigel |first=Ben |date=2018-01-15 |title=Vikings Shock Saints on Stefon Diggs's Last-Second Touchdown |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/14/sports/vikings-stefon-diggs-saints.html |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

On March 15, 2018, the Saints' owner Tom Benson died from flu at the age of 90 after he was hospitalized on February 16, 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Orleans Saints, Pelicans owner Tom Benson passes away at age 90|url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-pelicans-owner-tom-benson-passes-away-at-age-90-20455178|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|date=March 15, 2018|access-date=March 15, 2018|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630222420/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-pelicans-owner-tom-benson-passes-away-at-age-90-20455178|url-status=live}}</ref> Benson's wife Gayle Benson succeeded him as the owner of the Saints and the NBA's [[New Orleans Pelicans]].

In the 2018 season, the Saints finished with a 13–3 record and won the NFC South.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2018.htm |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Saints defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 20–14 in the Divisional Round.<ref name="c894">{{cite web | last=Wilner | first=Barry | title=Saints rally past Eagles 20-14, will host NFC title game | website=AP News | date=2019-01-14 | url=https://apnews.com/general-news-967be7f75f734e8f8d1bb9d9e768cd28 | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> The Saints fell to the Los Angeles Rams 26–23 in overtime in the NFC Championship in a game that had a controversial ending to regulation.<ref name="b503">{{Cite web |last=Newberry |first=Paul |date=2019-01-21 |title=Blown call, Zuerlein's 57-yard FG send Rams to Super Bowl |url=https://apnews.com/article/1750d01c9116484c929489858bec7da4 |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=AP News}}</ref>

In the 2019 season, the Saints finished with a 13–3 record and won the NFC South.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2019.htm |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Saints lost 26–20 in overtime to the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round.<ref name="z372">{{cite web | last=Guilbeau | first=Glenn | title=Saints Season Over: Vikings upset Saints, 26-20, in overtime | website=The Daily Advertiser | date=2020-01-05 | url=https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2020/01/05/saints-season-over-vikings-upset-saints-26-20-overtime/2812724001/ | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

In the 2020 season, the Saints won the NFC South with a 12–4 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2020.htm |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In the Wild Card Round, they defeated the Chicago Bears 21–9.<ref name="e403">{{cite web | last=Williams | first=Charean | title=Saints beat Bears 21-9 to advance to divisional round, third meeting with Bucs | website=NBC Sports | date=2021-01-10 | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/saints-beat-bears-21-9-to-advance-to-divisional-round-third-meeting-with-bucs | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> In the Divisional Round, they fell to their NFC South rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 30–20.<ref name="d974">{{cite web | last=Ella | first=JR | title=Turnovers Doom Saints in 30-20 Loss to the Bucs in the NFC Divisional Playoffs | website=Canal Street Chronicles | date=2021-01-17 | url=https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2021/1/17/22236297/new-orleans-saints-tampa-bay-buccaneers-nfc-divisional-playoffs-final-score-loss-30-20-nfl-2021 | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> The loss was Drew Brees's final game.<ref name="h809">{{cite web | last=Gordon | first=Grant | title=Saints QB Drew Brees announces retirement after 20-year career | website=NFL.com | date=2021-03-14 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-qb-drew-brees-announces-retirement-after-20-year-career | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

Following Drew Brees's retirement, the Saints had a revolving door at quarterback in the 2021 season with Trevor Siemian, Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill, and Ian Book starting over the course of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2021.htm |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In the 2021 season, the Saints finished 9–8 and missed the postseason.<ref name="q567">{{cite web | last=Martel | first=Brett | title=Saints weathered adversity in 2021, competitive to the end | website=AP News | date=2022-01-11 | url=https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-new-orleans-new-orleans-saints-malcolm-jenkins-b0835f797c7a4970dea62ed12e3323b8 | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

On January 25, 2022, Sean Payton announced to the team that he was stepping away as head coach after 15 seasons with the team.<ref name="t857">{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=2022-01-25 |title=Sean Payton stepping down as head coach of Saints after 15 seasons |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/sean-payton-stepping-down-as-head-coach-of-saints-after-15-seasons |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> During his tenure as head coach, the Saints went 152–89 in the regular season and 9–8 in the postseason.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sean Payton Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/PaytSe0.htm |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

==== Dennis Allen years (2022–2024) ====
The team promoted defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen to head coach on February 8, 2022.<ref name="l272">{{cite web | last=Triplett | first=Mike | title=New Orleans Saints hire defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as head coach | website=ESPN.com | date=2022-02-07 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33239287/sources-new-orleans-saints-hire-defensive-coordinator-dennis-allen-head-coach | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

On November 14, 2022, after a 3–7 start, disappointed Saints fans started a petition on change.org, asking to relieve [[Dennis Allen (American football)|Dennis Allen]] of his duties.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2022 |title=Saints fans launch petition asking team to fire Dennis Allen |url=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/11/14/saints-fire-dennis-allen-petition-fans-twitter-reactions/ |access-date=December 22, 2022 |website=Saints Wire |language=en-US}}</ref> The Saints finished the 2022 season with a 7–10 mark and missed the postseason.<ref name="m641">{{cite web | last=Churchill | first=Justin | title=Saints' Pro Bowler sends shots at division rival | website=AToZSports.com | date=2023-02-05 | url=https://atozsports.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints-news/saints-pro-bowler-sends-shots-at-division-rival/ | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> Allen would maintain his head coaching position into the start of the 2023 season.

During the 2023 season, The Saints brought in a new quarterback in Derek Carr hoping that he would solidify the position.<ref name="z273">{{cite web | last=Patra | first=Kevin | title=Saints, QB Derek Carr agree to four-year, $150 million contract | website=NFL.com | date=2023-03-06 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-closing-in-on-deal-with-free-agent-qb-derek-carr#:~:text=The%20first%20QB%20domino%20of,sources%20informed%20of%20the%20situation. | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>  Dennis Allen and the Saints had one of the easiest schedules in the league, but finished with a 9–8 record missing the playoffs after a 3rd straight season.<ref name="n101">{{cite web | last=Gray | first=Darrion | title=Which losses should the Saints regret most from the 2023 season? | website=Saints Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2024-01-14 | url=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2024/01/14/saints-2023-season-playoffs-wild-card-seeds-packers-vikings-buccaneers/ | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

Dennis Allen was fired on November 4, 2024, following a 23–22 loss to division rivals Carolina Panthers and a 2–7 start.<ref name="i021">{{cite web | last=Patra | first=Kevin | title=Saints fire head coach Dennis Allen after loss to Panthers, 2-7 start to season | website=NFL.com | date=2024-11-04 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-fire-head-coach-dennis-allen-after-loss-to-panthers-2-7-start-to-season | access-date=2024-11-05}}</ref>

==Logos and uniforms==
[[File:New Orleans Saints alternate (c. 2000).png|thumb|right|165px|The fleur-de-lis is the symbol of the Saints.]]
[[File:New Orleans Saints alternate (1967 - 1984).png|thumb|upright|Logo from 1967 to 1984]]
Black, along with [[old gold]] and white, has always been one of the team colors, but it was not the first choice of original majority owner John W. Mecom Jr. His preference was for Mecom blue, a medium shade which was used by all of his other investments. The NFL office, however, informed him that his proposed combination too closely resembled that worn by the [[San Diego Chargers]]. Although the Chargers were members of the AFL, the older league did not want to offend its soon-to-be partner so soon after the merger. Mecom settled on black as the primary color as a nod to his financial involvement in the [[petroleum industry]]. "Black gold" is a term [[synonym]]ous with [[petroleum|oil]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Langenhennig|first1=Susan|title=Power colors: Black and gold are tops on the red carpet – and this season – on synthetic turf|url=http://www.nola.com/fashion/index.ssf/2009/11/power_colors_black_and_gold_sa.html|website=[[The Times-Picayune]]|access-date=February 11, 2016|date=November 30, 2009|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222005/http://www.nola.com/fashion/index.ssf/2009/11/power_colors_black_and_gold_sa.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Although the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]—who played a few home games in New Orleans during their early years to avoid conflict with the [[Pittsburgh Panthers football]] team—have long used black and gold as their colors, their shade of gold more closely resembles yellow, making the Saints black and gold compatible with the rest of the NFL.

Except for minor modifications, the Saints' logo and uniforms have basically remained the same since the club debuted in 1967. The team's logo is a [[fleur-de-lis]] (a symbol of the City of New Orleans and of France's [[List of French monarchs|Royal Family]], which included the [[House of Bourbon]]), while its uniform design consists of gold helmets, gold pants, and either black or white jerseys. Minor changes to the uniform stripes and trim have been made throughout the years. The team wore black helmets during the 1969 preseason, but NFL commissioner [[Pete Rozelle]] barred the Saints from using the helmets during the regular season, since Mecom did not notify the league office of the change. Black helmets were not introduced until 2022, after the NFL repealed its "one-helmet rule" previously enforced in 2013.

The Saints predominantly wore white at home when the club played 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. When the surface at Tulane Stadium switched from natural grass to [[Poly-Turf|PolyTurf]] in 1971, field temperatures became hotter still. In [[Archie Manning]]'s first game, in the 1971 season opener against the [[1971 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]], temperatures on the field reached as high as {{convert|130|F|C}}. The heavily favored Rams wilted in the stifling heat, and the Saints claimed their first-ever victory over their NFC West rivals, 24–20, on Manning's one-yard quarterback sneak on the last play of the game.

The Saints switched to white pants in 1975, coinciding with the team's move from Tulane Stadium to the Superdome, and have worn white at home numerous times since then. One year later, they started to wear black pants with their white jerseys, a move influenced by coach Hank Stram, who introduced red pants to the [[Kansas City Chiefs]]' uniforms in 1968. In an October 3, 1976, home game against the [[1976 Houston Oilers season|Houston Oilers]], Hank Stram used the Saints' road uniforms, the white jerseys and black pants. The Saints lost that game 31–26. During the 1981–82 seasons ([[Bum Phillips]]' first two seasons as coach), the team wore white jerseys with black pants at home, but reverted to the black jerseys and white pants for 1983. They reverted to wearing gold pants with both their black and white jerseys in 1986 under new coach [[Jim E. Mora]]. From 1986 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]] (with the location of New Orleans marked with a star in the state outline). The logo replaced the striping pattern that had been on the uniforms since the team's inception; save for color variations, the striping pattern was similar to that used by the [[Washington Redskins]] (until 1979), [[Green Bay Packers]] (until 1997), and [[Cleveland Browns]] (until 2014), which is likely why the change was made. That logo was removed in 1996 and replaced with a fleur-de-lis on both the sleeves and sides of the pants.

From 1996 through 1998, the Saints returned to gold numbers on both the white and black jerseys, but complaints about the numbers on the white jerseys being too difficult to read forced the numbers on the white jerseys to be changed to black in 1999. The Saints wore black pants with a wide gold stripe with their white jerseys in 1999, but following a 3–13 season and the dismissal of coach [[Mike Ditka]], the black pants were mothballed by new coach [[Jim Haslett]].

===2000s===
In [[2000 NFL season|2000]], the Saints won their first playoff game as they hosted the [[2000 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]], and after having a better road record than home record, they wore their white jerseys, and won 31–28 over the defending champion Rams. The defining play of the game came with the Saints clinging to a three-point lead with minutes to play. The Saints punted to the Rams' [[Az-Zahir Hakim]] (who would play one season for the Saints in 2005), who fumbled the punt deep in Rams' territory. [[Brian Milne]] recovered for the Saints, who then ran out the clock to preserve the victory.

In [[2001 NFL season|2001]], they wore their white jerseys in the first six home games. During that same year, they primarily wore black pants with both their white and black jerseys. They became the first NFL team to wear all-black uniforms in a Week 5 road game against the [[2001 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]], and again in weeks 16 and 17 in home games against the [[2001 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] and [[2001 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]]; the Saints were outscored 78–10 in the final two contests to end a 7–9 campaign.

In [[2002 NFL season|2002]], the Saints wore black pants with their white jerseys (except for the final road game, a 20–13 loss in [[Paul Brown Stadium|Cincinnati]] when they went back to the gold pants), and gold pants with their black jerseys, a gold alternate jersey, and a 1967-style throwback uniform, complete with an accurate 1967-era helmet which featured a larger fleur-de-lis, a darker shade of gold and grey facemasks. But one season later, they stopped using the alternates and again reverted to wearing gold pants with both their black and white jerseys.

The team introduced a gold alternate jersey (worn with the black pants) during a December 15, 2002, game versus the [[2002 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]], a 32–31 loss, but have never worn them since then. Because of the metallic gold's bright color, the gold jerseys were considered the "light" jersey in the game, so the Vikings wore their purple home jerseys as the "dark" colored team. One team must wear "dark" and one team must wear "light", this was done because of black & white t.v. broadcasts so viewers could tell the teams apart. The only exception being if both teams are wearing throwback uniforms, such as Thanksgiving Classic games. From 2003 through 2007, the [[New England Patriots]] had a "light" jersey (their alternate, a bright metallic silver) that is not white in which the other team would wear their colored, or "dark" jerseys against them since the [[third jersey]] rule was implemented in the NFL in 2002.

The Saints also introduced a 1967-style [[throwback uniform]] in a 23–20 win on December 1, 2002, against the [[2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]. This uniform was not worn again until a 40–33 win against the [[2011 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]] on September 25, 2011, and also on November 6, 2011, against the [[2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] in a 27–16 Saints win. However, the 2011 throwbacks use the current helmet, meaning the shades of gold on the helmet and jersey do not match. This uniform was brought back on December 4, 2016, a 28–13 loss to the [[2016 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]], in commemoration of the franchise's 50th season. It was then shelved for five seasons before returning on November 21, 2022, against the [[2022 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]].

In [[2006 NFL season|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, similar to the logo from the 1980s.

The Saints originally planned to wear white jerseys at home for the 2006 season, but during the season, the players voted to wear the black jerseys at home after the second game. Since the team had informed the NFL office that they planned to wear white jerseys at home, each of the Saints' remaining home opponents would have to agree to New Orleans' request. The [[2006 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]], [[2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] and [[2006 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]] did not agree to the switch, forcing the Saints to wear white jerseys for those games.

Starting 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), and in a Week 16 game in [[Giants Stadium|The Meadowlands]] against the [[2006 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] (a 30–7 Saints win), the Saints wore the black pants with their road white jerseys. The Saints later stuck with the black pants in their 2006 playoff run.

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

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 [[2009 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]]. In 2012 and 2014, the Saints wore black pants 12 times and wore gold pants 4 times. In 2013, gold pants were used only 7 times (including playoffs). After 2015, a season in which the gold pants were donned 10 times, the Saints only wore them sporadically in the regular season, though they were still used regularly in the preseason.

Prior to the 2016 season, the NFL introduced the [[NFL Color Rush|Color Rush]] program, and the Saints' version is a mixture of different uniform designs from earlier eras. White jersey tops featured old gold numbers with black trim along with gold and black sleeve stripes (a nod to the team's late 1960s uniforms). Complementing the uniforms were white pants (inspired from the 1975–85 look) and all-white socks. The Saints first wore the uniform during Week 11 of that season against the [[2016 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]] on the road, and was worn on the road two more times thereafter. Its first home appearance came in Week 11 of the 2018 season against the [[2018 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]]; the Saints were forced to wear the white uniforms at home after head coach Sean Payton lost a bet with Eagles coach [[Doug Pederson]] during a charity golf event in the offseason.<ref name="y591">{{cite web | last=Joseph | first=Andrew | title=The Saints will wear white uniforms against the Eagles because Sean Payton lost a bet | website=For The Win|publisher=USA Today | date=2018-11-15 | url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/11/sean-payton-saints-white-home-color-rush-uniforms-bet-doug-pederson-eagles-golf-nfl | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref>

In 2019, a variation of the all-white Color Rush look was unveiled during the Week 6 game against the [[2019 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]]. The Saints wore their current white uniforms, but paired them with white pants minus any striping (an inverse of their black pants). During the regular season, New Orleans went undefeated (8–0) while wearing either all-white uniform. As a result, they opted to wear the new all-white look at home during the [[2019–20 NFL playoffs#NFC: Minnesota Vikings 26, New Orleans Saints 20 (OT)|Wild Card Round]] against the [[2019 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]]. However, the Saints' luck finally ran out, losing in overtime 26–20. On December 24, 2022, the Saints wore another variation of the all-white uniform, this time wearing black socks at the [[2022 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]]. The plain white pants were then paired with the black uniform on January 8, 2023, against the [[2022 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]], a look last seen in the [[1985 New Orleans Saints season|1985 season]].

In 2022, the Saints unveiled an alternate black helmet, featuring a gold fleur-de-lis on each side and a triangle pattern of tiny gold fleur-de-lis logos.<ref name="x068">{{cite magazine | last=Williams | first=Madison | title=New Orleans Saints Unveil New Helmet for 2022 Season | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2022-06-16 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/06/16/new-orleans-saints-unveil-black-alternate-helmet-2022-season | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref> The helmets are worn with the Color Rush uniforms. The black helmets made its official regular season debut in an [[NFL International Series|NFL London Game]] at [[Tottenham Hotspur Stadium]] against the [[2022 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] on October 2, 2022.<ref name="y351">{{cite web | title=New Orleans Saints to wear new black helmets in London vs. Vikings | website=NewOrleansSaints.com | date=2022-08-09 | url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-black-helmets-london-2022-nfl-week-4-minnesota-vikings | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref>

==Stadium==
[[File:Superdome from Garage.jpg|thumb|right|215px|The Superdome has been the home of the Saints since 1975.]]
[[Caesars Superdome]] is the Saints' home stadium.<ref name="j588">{{cite web | last=Magee | first=Patrick | title=How old is the Caesars Superdome, home of the New Orleans Saints? | website=NOLA.com | date=2024-01-06 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/how-old-is-the-superdome-home-of-the-new-orleans-saints/article_ab6e2228-abdc-11ee-a86c-f3cf23983bd1.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> It has a listed [[seating capacity]] of 76,468 (expanded) or 73,208 (not expanded). The Saints own a perfect record there against the [[Houston Texans]] (2–0), but a winless one against the [[Baltimore Ravens]] (0–2).

==Rivalries==
===Divisional===
====Atlanta Falcons====
{{main|Falcons–Saints rivalry}}
The Saints' oldest rival are the [[Atlanta Falcons]], both teams were the original two NFL franchises along the southern coast of the United States in the late 1960s. Originally both teams were created as part of the NFC West until the league's realignment in 2002. The frequent divisional matchups and constant tensions between the two teams has fueled a long-standing rivalry between both cities.<ref name="v593">{{cite web | last=Sapp | first=Erin Grayson | title=With Saints-Falcons showdown looming, here's a look back at the rivalry that predates the teams | website=NOLA.com | date=2024-01-04 | url=https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/as-saints-falcons-showdown-looms-a-look-back-at-rivalry/article_a79416a2-a92b-11ee-ad3c-138c2c36d8ea.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> As of the 2024 season, both teams are tied at 56–56, but the Saints lead the regular season record, 56–55.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=nor&tm2=atl&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The two clubs joined the NFL within a year of each other as expansion teams and have played each other twice a season since the Saints joined the league in 1967.

====Tampa Bay Buccaneers====
{{main|Buccaneers–Saints rivalry}}
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, and the Saints lead the overall series, 40–25.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=nor&tm2=tam&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

The teams actually played each other quite often as non-division rivals. Between 1977 and 2001, there were only five years in which the teams did not play. This includes 12 years in a row from 1981 to 1992 – all as a result of the scheduling formulas in place prior to 2002 (this remains a record for most consecutive years in which two teams not from the same division met each other).

The Saints won 13 of 20 games as non-division opponents. Since becoming division rivals, the Saints have the edge in the series, winning 16 games to the Bucs' 10.

One notable pre-division game is a 1977 matchup that resulted in Tampa Bay's first win in franchise history coming against New Orleans after previously starting out 0–26 overall.<ref name="u242">{{cite web | title=When the Bucs finally won: Something pure about that first win | website=Tampa Bay Times | date=2017-12-09 | url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/When-the-Bucs-finally-won-Something-pure-about-that-first-win_163447494/ | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref>

On January 17, 2021, the two teams faced off in the playoffs for the first time in their rivalry history with Tampa Bay winning 30–20, despite New Orleans beating Tampa Bay in both regular season meetings.<ref name="q779">{{cite web | title=Tom Brady, Drew Brees Share One Final Moment On Field After Buccaneers Beat Saints | website=CBS Boston | date=2021-01-18 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/tom-brady-drew-brees-final-on-field-moment-buccaneers-saints-nfl/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

====Carolina Panthers====
{{Main|Panthers–Saints rivalry}}
The Saints and the [[Carolina Panthers]] have been division rivals since Carolina joined the league as an expansion franchise in 1995, first in the NFC West and then in the NFC South since 2002.

Carolina defeated New Orleans on the road every year from 2002 to 2008, a streak of seven seasons. Notable games include Carolina's 19–7 home victory in 1996 that sparked Saints head coach [[Jim E. Mora|Jim Mora]]'s infamous "Diddley Poo" rant and resignation from the team, Carolina's 10–6 win in the 2002 season finale at the [[Mercedes-Benz Superdome|Superdome]] to knock the Saints out of the playoffs, and the emotional 2005 season opener at Carolina where the Saints won 23–20 in the face of [[Hurricane Katrina]] and an eventual 3–13 season.

In their last game in the [[2014 NFL season]], a fight between players broke out in the end zone and spilled out into the tunnel entrance after a Cam Newton touchdown, with Panther's tight end [[Brandon Williams (tight end)|Brandon Williams]] getting ejected and both teams receiving offsetting penalties. The Panthers won the contest 41–10, with early turnovers by the Saints being a factor in the blowout.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hanzus|first1=Dan|title=Panthers, Saints involved in wild fracas at Superdome|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/panthers-saints-involved-in-wild-fracas-at-superdome-0ap3000000439678|website=[[NFL.com]]|access-date=February 11, 2016|date=December 8, 2014|archive-date=February 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205033444/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000439678/article/panthers-saints-involved-in-wild-fracas-at-superdome|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 7, 2018, the two teams met in the NFL playoffs for the first time in the wild-card round. It was the first playoff game between NFC South teams since the division's formation in 2002. The Saints beat the Panthers 31–26, thus eliminating Carolina.<ref name="r64f">{{cite web | title=Panthers fall to the Saints, 31-26 | website=ABC11 Raleigh-Durham | date=2018-01-07 | url=https://abc11.com/sports/panthers-fall-to-the-saints-31-26/2878832/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> As of the 2023 season, the Saints lead the all-time series 31–28.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=nor&tm2=car&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Conference===
====Minnesota Vikings====
{{main|Saints–Vikings rivalry}}
The Saints have developed a strong postseason rivalry with the Minnesota Vikings as they have met in many consequential regular-season and playoff games, including the historic [[Minneapolis Miracle]].<ref name="k263">{{cite web | last=Peters | first=Craig | title=Big Performances & Dramatic Endings Define Vikings-Saints Postseason Games | website=Vikings.com | date=2020-01-02 | url=https://www.vikings.com/news/big-performances-dramatic-endings-define-vikings-saints-postseason-games | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> As of the 2024 season, the Vikings lead the overall series 25–13 with a 4–1 record in the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=nor&tm2=min&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

====Los Angeles Rams====
{{Main|Rams–Saints rivalry}}
The Saints and the [[Los Angeles Rams]] once shared a fierce divisional rivalry as the Saints played in the NFC West until the league's realignment in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hirstius |first=Barry |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/news/smash-mouth-once-upon-a-time-saints-rams-rivalry-was-legalized-violence|title=SMASH-MOUTH: Once Upon a Time, Saints-Rams Rivalry Was Legalized Violence |date=November 3, 2018 |website=[[FanNation]]}}</ref> Animosity resurged between the two teams during the 2010s after the Rams had lured Saints' controversial defensive coordinator [[Gregg Williams]] in 2012, shortly before Williams and Saints' head coach [[Sean Payton]] would be implicated in the infamous [[New Orleans Saints bounty scandal|Bountygate Scandal]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Van Bibber |first=Ryan |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2016/11/27/13758580/sean-payton-running-up-the-score-gregg-williams-saints-vs-rams|title=Sean Payton delighted in trouncing former Saints DC Gregg Williams in a 49–21 win over the Rams |date=November 27, 2016 |website=SBNation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2016 |title=Payton Revels in Mauling of Rams |url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/nov/28/payton-revels-in-mauling-of-rams-201611/ |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=Arkansas Democrat-Gazette |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Erik |date=November 28, 2016 |title=Saints Players Admit Sean Payton Ran Up Score On Rams |url=https://nflmocks.com/2016/11/28/saints-players-admit-sean-payton-ran-score-rams/ |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=Fansided}}</ref> Both teams had thrown insults towards one another in the media, most notably during the controversial [[2018 NFC Championship Game]], in which a critical pass to Saints' receiver [[Tommylee Lewis]] was illegally broken up by Rams' cornerback [[Nickell Robey-Coleman]], though no flag was thrown, enraging the Saints for the blown call. Saints' receiver [[Michael Thomas (wide receiver, born 1993)|Michael Thomas]] expressed his anger towards the Rams and in regards to the no-call to the media following the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R_fq3FzuD0|title=Michael Thomas on refs: 'You gotta do your job. ... I don't think they really care.' |author=New Orleans Saints on NOLA.com |website=YouTube|date=January 20, 2019 }}</ref> As of the 2024 season, the teams are tied 1–1 in the postseason, but the Rams lead the all-time series 45–35.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, New Orleans Saints vs. Cleveland/St. Louis/LA Rams |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=nor&tm2=ram&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Statistics==
===Season-by-season records===
{{Main|List of New Orleans Saints seasons}}

===Record vs. opponents===
{{Start NFL RVO}} <!-- Stats from http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/teams.nsf/histories/saints as well as http://pro-football-reference.com/teams/norindex.htm -->
|-
| [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] || 5 || 3 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|5|3}} || L 24–31 || October 19, 2023 || New Orleans, Louisiana ||
|-
| [[Seattle Seahawks]] || 10 || 8 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|10|8}} || '''W''' 39–32 || October 9, 2022 || [[Lumen Field|Seattle, Washington]] || 0–2 postseason
|-
| [[Buffalo Bills]] || 7 || 5 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|7|5}} || L 31–6 || November 25, 2021 || New Orleans, Louisiana ||
|-
| [[Baltimore Colts|Baltimore]] / [[Indianapolis Colts]] || 10 || 5 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|10|5}} || '''W''' 38–27 || October 29, 2023 || [[Lucas Oil Stadium|Indianapolis, Indiana]] || 1–0 postseason
|-
| [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] || 40 || 27 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|40|27}} || L 19–27 || January 5, 2025 || [[Raymond James Stadium|Tampa, Florida]] || 0–1 postseason
|-
| [[Houston Texans]] || 3 || 3 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|3|3}} || L 13–20 || October 15, 2023 || [[NRG Stadium|Houston, Texas]] ||
|-
| [[Chicago Bears]] || 19 || 15 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|19|15}} || '''W''' 24–17 || November 5, 2023 || New Orleans, Louisiana || 1–2 postseason
|-
| [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] || 9 || 8 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|9|8}} || L 10–20 || November 13, 2022 || [[Acrisure Stadium|Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]] ||
|-
| [[Detroit Lions]] || 14 || 13 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|14|13|1}} || L 28–33 || December 3, 2023 || New Orleans, Lousisiana || 1–0 postseason
|-
| [[New York Jets]] || 8 || 6 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|8|6}} || '''W''' 30–9 || December 12, 2021 || [[MetLife Stadium|East Rutherford, New Jersey]] ||
|-
| [[Carolina Panthers]] || 32 || 29 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|32|29}} || L 22–23 || November 3, 2024 || [[Bank of America Stadium|Charlotte, North Carolina]] || 1–0 postseason
|-
| [[St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)|St. Louis]] / [[Arizona Cardinals|Phoenix / Arizona Cardinals]] || 16 || 16 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|16|16}} || L 34–42 || October 20, 2022 || [[State Farm Stadium|Glendale, Arizona]] || 1–0 postseason
|-
| [[Atlanta Falcons]] || 56 || 56 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|56|56}} || '''W''' 20–17 || November 10, 2024 || New Orleans, Louisiana || 0–1 postseason
|-
| [[Oakland Raiders|Oakland]] / [[Los Angeles Raiders|Los Angeles]] / [[Las Vegas Raiders]] || 7 || 8 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|7|8|1}} || L 10–25 || December 29, 2024 || New Orleans, Louisiana ||
|-
| [[Cincinnati Bengals]] || 7 || 8 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|7|8}} || L 26–30 || October 16, 2022 || New Orleans, Louisiana ||
|-
| [[Miami Dolphins]] || 6 || 7 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|6|7}} || L 3–20 || December 27, 2021 || New Orleans, Louisiana ||
|-
| [[San Diego Chargers|San Diego]] / [[Los Angeles Chargers]] || 6 || 8 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|6|8}} || L 8–26 || October 28, 2024 || [[SoFi Stadium|Los Angeles, California]] ||
|-
| [[New York Giants]] || 16 || 17 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|16|17}} || '''W''' 14–11 || December 8, 2024 || [[MetLife Stadium|East Rutherford, New Jersey]] ||
|-
| [[St. Louis Rams|St. Louis]] / [[Los Angeles Rams]] || 35 || 45 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|35|45}} || L 14–21 || December 1, 2024 || New Orleans, Louisiana || 1–1 postseason
|-
| [[Houston Oilers]] / [[Tennessee Titans]] || 9 || 7 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|9|7|1}} || '''W''' 16–15 || September 10, 2023 || New Orleans, Louisiana ||
|-
| [[Dallas Cowboys]] || 14 || 18 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|14|18}} || '''W''' 44–19 || September 15, 2024 || [[AT&T Stadium|Arlington, Texas]] ||
|-
| [[Kansas City Chiefs]] || 5 || 8 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|5|8}} || L 13–26 || October 7, 2024 || [[Arrowhead Stadium|Kansas City, Missouri]] ||
|-
| [[Philadelphia Eagles]] || 16 || 20 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|16|19}} || L 12–15 || September 22, 2024 || New Orleans, Louisiana || 3–1 postseason
|-
| [[Washington Redskins / Commanders]] || 11 || 18 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|11|18}} || L 19–20 || December 15, 2024 || New Orleans, Louisiana ||
|-
| [[Green Bay Packers]] || 10 || 19 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|10|19}} || L 0–34 || December 23, 2024 || [[Lambeau Field|Green Bay, Wisconsin]] ||
|-
| [[San Francisco 49ers]] || 27 || 50 || 2 || {{Winning percentage|27|50|2}} || L 0–13 || November 27, 2022 || [[Levi's Stadium|Santa Clara, California]] || 0–1 postseason
|-
| [[Minnesota Vikings]] || 12 || 25 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|12|25}} || L 19–27 || November 12, 2023 || [[US Bank Stadium|Minneapolis, Minnesota]] || 1–4 postseason
|-
| [[New England Patriots]] || 6 || 10 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|6|10}} || '''W''' 34–0 || October 8, 2023 || [[Gillette Stadium|Foxborough, Massachusetts]] ||
|-
| [[Cleveland Browns]] || 7 || 13 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|7|13}} || '''W''' 35–14 || November 17, 2024 || New Orleans, Louisiana ||
|-
| [[Baltimore Ravens]] || 2 || 6 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|2|6}} || L 27–13 || November 7, 2022 || New Orleans, Louisiana ||
|-
| [[Denver Broncos]] || 3 || 10 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|3|10}} || L 10–33 || October 17, 2024 || New Orleans, Louisiana ||
|-
! [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/head-to-head.htm Total] !! 417 !! 480 !! 5 !! {{Winning percentage|417|480|5}} !! colspan="4"|
|-
! Total including playoffs !! 427 !! 493 !! 5 !! {{Winning percentage|427|493|5}} !! colspan="4"|
{{s-end}}

===Single-game records===
* '''Passing yards:''' 510 [[Drew Brees]] (November 19, 2006, vs [[Cincinnati Bengals]])<ref name="d577">{{cite web | last=Angelloz | first=Thad | title=Turnovers continue to bedevil Saints | website=Houma Today | date=2006-11-20 | url=https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/2006/11/20/turnovers-continue-to-bedevil-saints/26716885007/ | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref>
* '''Passing yards per attempt:''' 16.1 [[Drew Brees]] (November 30, 2009, vs [[New England Patriots]])<ref name="d585">{{cite web | title=NFL Yards per Pass Attempt Single Game Leaders | website=Pro-Football-Reference.com | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_per_att_single_game.htm | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Passing touchdowns:''' 7 [[Drew Brees]] (November 1, 2015, vs [[New York Giants]]) '''T – NFL record'''<ref name="k699">{{cite web | title=Drew Brees ties single-game record with 7 TD passes | website=NFL.com | date=2015-11-01 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/drew-brees-ties-single-game-record-with-7-td-passes-0ap3000000570255 | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Passer rating:''' [[List of NFL quarterbacks who have posted a perfect passer rating|158.3]] [[Drew Brees]] (November 30, 2009, vs [[New England Patriots]]) '''T – NFL record'''
* '''Consecutive pass completions:''' 23 [[Drew Brees]] (December 16/22, 2019, vs. [[Indianapolis Colts]] and [[Tennessee Titans]])
* '''Rushing yards:''' 206 [[George Rogers (American football)|George Rogers]] (September 4, 1983, vs St. Louis Cardinals)<ref name="v141">{{cite web | last=Whittaker | first=Rachel | title=This date in New Orleans Saints history: George Rogers sets a rushing record; Jim Finks inducted onto Superdome Wall of Fame | website=NOLA.com | date=2014-09-04 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/this-date-in-new-orleans-saints-history-george-rogers-sets-a-rushing-record-jim-finks/article_85839810-9af5-560e-a671-48b0559b5dec.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Rushing touchdowns:''' 6 [[Alvin Kamara]] (December 25, 2020, vs [[Minnesota Vikings]]) '''T – NFL record'''<ref name="u159">{{cite web | last=Nowak | first=Jeff | title=Alvin Kamara's big Christmas: Saints star RB breaks or ties 6 records in 6-TD day vs Vikings | website=NOLA.com | date=2020-12-25 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/alvin-kamaras-big-christmas-saints-star-rb-breaks-or-ties-6-records-in-6-td/article_b28822e2-46ff-11eb-9f3c-af0b2796d870.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Receptions:''' 16 [[Michael Thomas (wide receiver, born 1993)|Michael Thomas]] (September 9, 2018, vs [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]])<ref name="y531">{{cite web | last=Johnson | first=Luke | title=The Michael Thomas era is over in New Orleans. Long live the Michael Thomas era. | website=NOLA.com | date=2024-03-13 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/appreciating-michael-thomas-historic-start-with-the-saints/article_5a005bae-db39-11ee-89c4-5f7ab58320b5.html#:~:text=Thomas%20holds%20five%20Saints%20receiving,first%20downs%20receiving%20(91). | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Receptions, postseason game:''' 15 [[Darren Sproles]] (January 14, 2012, at [[San Francisco 49ers]])
* '''Receiving yards:''' 211 [[Michael Thomas (wide receiver, born 1993)|Michael Thomas]] (November 4, 2018, vs [[Los Angeles Rams]])<ref name="r923">{{cite web | last=Harrish | first=Kevin | title=Michael Thomas Sets Saints Record With 211 Receiving Yards in Win Over Rams | website=Eleven Warriors | date=2018-11-04 | url=https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2018/11/98500/michael-thomas-sets-saints-record-with-211-receiving-yards-in-win-over-rams | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Receiving touchdowns:''' 4 [[Joe Horn]] (December 14, 2003, vs [[New York Giants]])<ref name="p632">{{cite web | title=Most receiving touchdowns in one game by one player, New Orleans Saints | website=StatMuse | date=2003-12-14 | url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask?q=most+receiving+touchdowns+in+a+single+game+by+a+wide+receiver%2C+new+orleans+saints | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Punt return yards:''' 176 [[Reggie Bush]] (October 6, 2008, vs [[Minnesota Vikings]])<ref name="d653">{{cite web | title=Bush ties NFL record with two touchdowns on punt returns | website=NFL.com | date=2008-10-06 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bush-ties-nfl-record-with-two-touchdowns-on-punt-returns-09000d5d80b6fa2b | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Kickoff return yards''': 304 [[Tyrone Hughes]] (October 23, 1994, vs [[Los Angeles Rams]]) '''NFL record'''<ref name="t892">{{cite web | last=Mickles | first=Sheldon | title=Countdown to kickoff: Saints' No. 33, Tyrone Hughes, was lightning in a bottle as return man | website=NOLA.com | date=2023-08-08 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/return-man-tyrone-hughes-dazzled-saints-fans-with-speed/article_4a2bba88-3072-11ee-90d7-6f3f39223971.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Kickoff return & punt return yards''': 347 [[Tyrone Hughes]] (October 23, 1994, vs [[Los Angeles Rams]]) '''NFL record'''<ref name="w869">{{cite web | last=Reilley | first=Mike | title=RAM NOTEBOOK : Hughes Has Day of Record Returns | website=Los Angeles Times | date=1994-10-24 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-10-24-sp-54139-story.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Passes intercepted:''' 3 [[Sammy Knight]] (September 9, 2001, at [[Buffalo Bills]])<ref name="v052">{{cite web | title=NFL Interceptions Single Game Leaders (since 1940) | website=Pro-Football-Reference.com | date=2010-10-24 | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/def_int_single_game.htm | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Longest interception return:''' 99 yards [[Darren Sharper]] (October 4, 2009, vs [[New York Jets]])<ref name="c326">{{cite web | title=NFL Longest interception return Single Game Leaders | website=Pro-Football-Reference.com  | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/def_int_long_single_game.htm | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Yards from scrimmage:''' 237 [[Deuce McAllister]] (November 16, 2003, vs [[Atlanta Falcons]])
* '''All-purpose yards:''' 356 [[Michael Lewis (wide receiver)|Michael Lewis]] (October 13, 2002, vs [[Washington Redskins]])<ref name="j312">{{cite web | last=Sigler | first=John | title=Rashid Shaheed nearly broke his own all-purpose yards mark vs. Colts | website=Saints Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2023-10-29 | url=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2023/10/29/colts-saints-rashid-shaheed-all-purpose-yards-record/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Longest field goal:''' 63 yards [[Tom Dempsey]] (November 8, 1970, vs [[Detroit Lions]])<ref name="b219">{{cite web | last=Sigler | first=John | title=Tom Dempsey's record-setting 63-yard field goal is the Saints Play of the Day | website=Yahoo! Sports | date=2024-07-07 | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-dempsey-record-setting-63-221503820.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Field goals:''' 6 [[Tom Dempsey]] (November 16, 1969, at [[New York Giants]])<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Field Goals Made Single Game Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/fgm_single_game.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Total touchdowns:''' 6 [[Alvin Kamara]] (December 25, 2020, vs [[Minnesota Vikings]]) '''T – NFL record'''
* '''Points scored:''' 36 [[Alvin Kamara]] (December 25, 2020, vs [[Minnesota Vikings]])<ref name="e128">{{cite web | title=NFL Points Scored Single Game Leaders | website=Pro-Football-Reference.com | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/scoring_single_game.htm | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Points scored, team:''' 62 (October 23, 2011, vs [[Indianapolis Colts]])<ref name="t603">{{cite web | last=Varney | first=James | title=New Orleans Saints get record-setting 62-7 win over Colts | website=NOLA.com | date=2011-10-24 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/new-orleans-saints-get-record-setting-62-7-win-over-colts/article_dab20387-9bd1-59fe-ae29-509f8330fe91.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Sacks:''' 4.0 many times, most recently [[Cameron Jordan]], (November 28, 2019, vs [[Atlanta Falcons]])<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Sacks Single Game Leaders (since 1982) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/sacks_single_game.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Margin of victory:''' 62–7 (October 23, 2011, vs [[Indianapolis Colts]])
* '''First downs:''' 40 (November 10, 2013, vs [[Dallas Cowboys]]) '''NFL record'''<ref name="c829">{{cite web | title=Saints set NFL first down record in win over Cowboys | website=NOLA.com | date=2013-11-10 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/saints-set-nfl-first-down-record-in-win-over-cowboys/article_2ce5fa0c-91d8-5a2c-b9a0-25dd6bef21a2.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

===Super Bowl appearance(s)===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%;text-align:center"
|-
!style="background:#000"| <span style="color:#fff">Season</span>
!style="background:#000"| <span style="color:#fff">Super Bowl</span>
!style="background:#000"| <span style="color:#fff">Head Coach</span>
!style="background:#000"| <span style="color:#fff">Location</span>
!style="background:#000"| <span style="color:#fff">Stadium</span>
!style="background:#000"| <span style="color:#fff">Opponent</span>
!style="background:#000"| <span style="color:#fff">Result</span>
!style="background:#000"| <span style="color:#fff">Record</span>
|- style="background:#cfc"
| [[2009 NFL season|2009]] || [[Super Bowl XLIV|XLIV]] || [[Sean Payton]] || [[Miami Gardens, Florida]] || [[Sun Life Stadium]] || [[2009 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] || '''W''' [[Super Bowl XLIV|31–17]] || 13–3
|- style="background:#D3BC8D"
|colspan="6"| <span style="color:#000">'''Total Super Bowls won:'''</span>
|colspan="2"| <span style="color:#000">'''1'''</span>
|}

===Single-season records===
* '''Passing attempts''': 673 [[Drew Brees]] (2016)<ref name="sslpassing">{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Single-Season Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/single-season-passing.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Passing completions''': 471 [[Drew Brees]] (2016)<ref name="sslpassing" />
* '''Passing completion percentage''': 74.4 [[Drew Brees]] (2018) – '''NFL record'''<ref name="sslpassing" />
* '''Passing yards''': 5,476 [[Drew Brees]] (2011)<ref name="sslpassing" />
* '''Passing touchdowns''': 46 [[Drew Brees]] (2011)<ref name="sslpassing" />
* '''Passing interceptions''': 22 [[Aaron Brooks (American football)|Aaron Brooks]] (2001), [[Drew Brees]] (2010)<ref name="sslpassing" />
* '''Passer rating''': 116.3 [[Drew Brees]] (2019)<ref name="sslpassing" />
* '''Rushing attempts''': 378 [[George Rogers (American football)|George Rogers]] (1981)<ref name="sslrushing">{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Single-Season Rushing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/single-season-rushing.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Rushing yards''': 1,674 [[George Rogers (American football)|George Rogers]] (1981)<ref name="sslrushing" />
* '''Rushing touchdowns''': 16 [[Alvin Kamara]] (2020)<ref name="sslrushing" />
* '''Receptions''': 149 [[Michael Thomas (wide receiver, born 1993)|Michael Thomas]] (2019) – '''NFL record'''<ref name="sslreceiving">{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Single-Season Receiving Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/single-season-receiving.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Receiving yards''': 1,725 [[Michael Thomas (wide receiver, born 1993)|Michael Thomas]] (2019)<ref name="sslreceiving" />
* '''Receiving touchdowns''': 16 [[Jimmy Graham]] (2013)<ref name="sslreceiving" />
* '''Quarterback sacks''': 17 [[Pat Swilling]] (1991) and [[La'Roi Glover]] (2000)<ref name="l974">{{cite web | last=Duncan | first=Jeff | title=New Orleans Saints top 50 players: No. 10, linebacker Pat Swilling | website=NOLA.com | date=2016-10-17 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/new-orleans-saints-top-50-players-no-10-linebacker-pat-swilling/article_62d26b34-9af6-5484-b836-de032ed58fdb.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Passes intercepted''': 10 [[Dave Whitsell]] (1967)<ref name="r438">{{cite web | title=Players with the most interceptions in a single season, New Orleans Saints| website=StatMuse | date=2024-01-07 | url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-interceptions-player-new-orleans-saints-in-a-season | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Pass interception return yards''': 376 [[Darren Sharper]] (2009) – '''NFL record'''
* '''Pass interceptions returned for touchdowns''': 3 [[Darren Sharper]] (2009)
* '''Field goals attempts''': 41 [[Tom Dempsey]] (1969)<ref name="sslkicking">{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Single-Season Kicking Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/single-season-kicking.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Field goals made''': 32 [[Wil Lutz]] (2019)<ref name="sslkicking" />
* '''Points''': 147 [[John Kasay]] (2011)<ref name="sslscoring" />
* '''Total touchdowns''': 21 [[Alvin Kamara]] (2020) <ref name="l242">{{cite web | last=DeShazier | first=John | title=Alvin Kamara relentless consistency keeps New Orleans Saints franchise records within grasp | website=NewOrleansSaints.com | date=2023-12-06 | url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/alvin-kamara-relentless-consistency-keeps-new-orleans-saints-franchise-records-w#:~:text=In%20four%20of%20seven%20seasons,going%20anywhere%2C%22%20Kamara%20said. | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref>
* '''Punt return yards''': 625 [[Michael Lewis (wide receiver)|Michael Lewis]] (2002)<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Single-Season Kick & Punt Returns Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/single-season-returns.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''All-purpose yards''': 2,696 [[Darren Sproles]] (2011) – '''NFL record'''<ref name="y502">{{cite web | title=Darren Sproles still not satisfied with his game | website=NFL.com | date=2012-06-03 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/darren-sproles-still-not-satisfied-with-his-game-09000d5d82989aef | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* '''Yards from scrimmage''': 2,157 [[Deuce McAllister]] (2003)<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Yards From Scrimmage Single-Season Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/yds_from_scrimmage_single_season.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Points scored (team)''': 547 (2011)<ref name="sslscoring">{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Single-Season Scoring Summary Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/single-season-scoring.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Career records===
* '''Passing attempts''': 8,742 [[Drew Brees]] (2006–2020)<ref name="passing">{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Career Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/career-passing.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Passing completions''': 6,017 [[Drew Brees]] (2006–2020)<ref name="passing" />
* '''Passing yards''': 68,010 [[Drew Brees]] (2006–2020)<ref name="passing" />
* '''Passing touchdowns''': 491 [[Drew Brees]] (2006–2020)<ref name="passing" />
* '''Passer rating''': 101.5 [[Drew Brees]] (2006–2020)<ref name="passing" />
* '''Passing interceptions''': 190 [[Drew Brees]] (2006–2020)<ref name="passing" />
* '''Rushing attempts''': 1,543 [[Alvin Kamara]] (2017–2024)<ref name="rushing">{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Career Rushing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/career-rushing.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Rushing yards''': 6,779 [[Alvin Kamara]] (2017–2024)<ref name="rushing" />
* '''Rushing touchdowns''': 60 [[Alvin Kamara]] (2017–2024)<ref name="rushing" />
* '''Receptions''': 711 [[Marques Colston]] (2006–2015)<ref name="receiving">{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Career Receiving Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/career-receiving.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Receiving yards''': 9,759 [[Marques Colston]] (2006–2015)<ref name="receiving" />
* '''Receiving touchdowns''': 72 [[Marques Colston]] (2006–2015) <ref name="receiving" />
* '''Quarterback sacks''': 123 [[Rickey Jackson]] (1981–1993)<ref name="defense">{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Career Defense Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/career-defense.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Passes intercepted''': 37 [[Dave Waymer]] (1980–1989)<ref name="defense" />
* '''Field goal attempts''': 389 [[Morten Andersen]] (1982–1994)<ref name="kicking">{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Career Kicking Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/career-kicking.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Field goals made''': 302 [[Morten Andersen]] (1982–1994)<ref name="kicking" />
* '''Extra points made''': 412 [[Morten Andersen]] (1982–1994)<ref name="kicking" />
* '''Points''': 1,318 [[Morten Andersen]] (1982–1994)<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Career Scoring Summary Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/career-scoring.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Total touchdowns''': 86 [[Alvin Kamara]] (2017–2024)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hightower |first=Kyle |date=October 8, 2023 |title=Kamara becomes Saints' career TD leader, Carr throws 2 TDs in 34–0 rout over Patriots |url=https://apnews.com/article/saints-patriots-alvin-kamara-mac-jones-nfl-4c9be51dd74e046edc78c4a5f621b426 |access-date=October 11, 2023 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Pass interception return yards''': 621 Tom Myers (1972–1981)<ref name="returns">{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Career Kick & Punt Returns Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/career-returns.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Pass interceptions returned for touchdowns''': 4 [[Sammy Knight]] (1997–2002)<ref name="defense" />
* '''Punt return yards''': 1,482 [[Michael Lewis (wide receiver)|Michael Lewis]] (2001–2006)<ref name="punt">{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Career Punting Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/career-punting.htm |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Punt return touchdowns''': 4 [[Reggie Bush]] (2006–2010)<ref name="returns" />
* '''Kickoff return yards''': 5,903 [[Michael Lewis (wide receiver)|Michael Lewis]] (2001–2006)<ref name="returns" />
* '''Longest punt''': 81 [[Tom McNeill]] (1967–1969)<ref name="punt" />
* '''Games''': 228 [[Drew Brees]] (2006–2020)<ref name="b046">{{cite web | last=Just | first=Amie | title=Just how many records does Drew Brees hold? Quite a few... | website=NOLA.com | date=2021-03-15 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/just-how-many-records-does-drew-brees-hold-quite-a-few/article_c2baf380-4857-11ea-997a-878577ab7428.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

==Notable players==
{{see also|List of New Orleans Saints players}}

===Pro Football Hall of Famers===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
| colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints|border=2}};"|'''New Orleans Saints in the Pro Football Hall of Fame'''
|-
| colspan="5" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"|'''Players'''
|-
! No.
! Player
! Position
! Tenure
! Inducted
|-
| 31 || [[Jim Taylor (fullback)|Jim Taylor]] || [[Fullback (gridiron football)|FB]] || 1967 || 1976 
|-
| 81 || [[Doug Atkins]] || [[Defensive end|DE]] || 1967–1969 || 1982 
|-
| 35 || [[Earl Campbell]] || [[Running back|RB]] || 1984–1985 || 1991
|-
| 57 || '''[[Rickey Jackson]]''' || [[Linebacker|LB]] || 1981–1993 || 2010
|-
| 77 || '''[[Willie Roaf]]''' || [[Offensive tackle|OT]] || 1993–2001 || 2012
|-
| 16 || [[Ken Stabler]] || [[Quarterback|QB]] || 1982–1984 || 2016
|-
| 7 || '''[[Morten Andersen]]''' || [[Placekicker|K]] || 1982–1994 || 2017
|-
| 51 || '''[[Sam Mills]]''' || [[Linebacker|LB]] || 1986–1994 || 2022
|-
| 21 || [[Eric Allen]] || [[Cornerback|CB]] || 1995–1997 || 2025
|-
| colspan="5" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"| '''Coaches and executives'''
|-
! colspan="2"|Name
! Positions
! Tenure
! Inducted
|- align=center
| colspan="2"|'''[[Jim Finks]]''' || General Manager || 1986–1993 || 1995
|- align=center
| colspan="2"|[[Hank Stram]] || Coach || 1976–1977 || 2003
|}

Until the selection of Rickey Jackson in 2010, there had been no players in the Hall of Fame who earned their credentials primarily as Saints; the others were chosen for their work with previous teams. Jim Finks’ tenure as Saints general manager was a significant factor in his selection.
When offensive tackle Willie Roaf was selected in 2012, he became the second Saint to earn his Hall of Fame credentials mostly while in New Orleans. Roaf was a member of the NFL's All-Decade team of the '90s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.aspx?PlayerId=300 |title=Hall of Famers » WILLIE ROAF |publisher=Profootballhof.com |access-date=January 25, 2013 |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013131643/http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.aspx?PlayerId=300 |url-status=live }}</ref> Morten Andersen was selected in 2017, becoming the third former player inducted primarily for their accomplishments in New Orleans.<ref name="j705">{{cite web | title=Morten Andersen elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2017 | website=fox8live.com | date=2017-02-05 | url=https://www.fox8live.com/story/34427920/morten-andersen-elected-to-pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2017/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> Andersen was only the second full-time placekicker inducted into the Hall of Fame (the other was [[Jan Stenerud]] in 1991).<ref>Duncan, Jeff (August 6, 2017), [https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/08/morten_andersen_early_hall_of.html "A great night for the Great Dane: Morten Andersen becomes Saints' third Hall of Famer"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914022538/https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/08/morten_andersen_early_hall_of.html |date=September 14, 2018 }}, Nola.com.</ref> Sam Mills in 2022 became the 4th former player inducted primarily for his accomplishments in New Orleans.<ref name="t342">{{cite web | title=Sam Mills - Saints Legends | website=NewOrleansSaints.com | date=2023-03-07 | url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/team/history/legends/sam-mills | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

===Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame===
{{Main|Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame}}

===Pro Bowl players===
The following Saints players have been named to at least one [[Pro Bowl]]:<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints All-Pros and Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/all-pros.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''QB''' [[Drew Brees]], [[Archie Manning]]
* '''FB''' [[Tony Baker (running back, born 1945)|Tony Baker]]
* '''RB''' [[Deuce McAllister]], [[Dalton Hilliard]], [[Rueben Mayes]], [[George Rogers (American football)|George Rogers]], [[Chuck Muncie]], [[Andy Livingston]], [[Mark Ingram II]], [[Alvin Kamara]]
* '''LT''' [[Jammal Brown]], [[William Roaf]], [[Jermon Bushrod]], [[Terron Armstead]]
* '''LG''' [[Brad Edelman]], [[Jake Kupp]], [[Carl Nicks (American football)|Carl Nicks]], [[Ben Grubbs]], [[Andrus Peat]]
* '''C''' [[LeCharles Bentley]], [[Joel Hilgenberg]], [[Jonathan Goodwin (American football)|Jonathan Goodwin]], [[Max Unger]], [[Erik McCoy]]
* '''RG''' [[Jahri Evans]], [[Larry Warford]]
* '''RT''' [[Jon Stinchcomb]]
* '''TE''' [[Hoby Brenner]], [[Henry Childs]], [[Jimmy Graham]], [[Jared Cook]]
* '''WR''' [[Joe Horn]], [[Eric Martin (wide receiver)|Eric Martin]], [[Wes Chandler]], [[Michael Thomas (wide receiver, born 1993)|Michael Thomas]]
* '''DE''' [[Will Smith (defensive end)|Will Smith]], [[Joe Johnson (defensive end)|Joe Johnson]], [[Wayne Martin (American football)|Wayne Martin]], [[Renaldo Turnbull]], [[Bruce Clark (American football)|Bruce Clark]], [[Cameron Jordan]]
* '''DT''' [[Dave Rowe (American football)|Dave Rowe]], [[La'Roi Glover]]
* '''LB''' [[Jonathan Vilma]], [[Mark Fields (linebacker)|Mark Fields]], [[Keith Mitchell (American football)|Keith Mitchell]], [[Sam Mills]], [[Vaughan Johnson]], [[Pat Swilling]], [[Rickey Jackson]], [[Renaldo Turnbull]], [[Demario Davis]]
* '''CB''' [[Tyrone Hughes]], [[Eric Allen]], [[Bennie Thompson (American football)|Bennie Thompson]], [[Dave Waymer]], [[Dave Whitsell]], [[Marshon Lattimore]]
* '''SS''' [[Roman Harper]], [[Sammy Knight]], [[Tom Myers (safety)|Tom Myers]], [[J. T. Gray]]
* '''FS''' [[Darren Sharper]]
* '''K''' [[Morten Andersen]], [[Tom Dempsey]], [[Wil Lutz]]
* '''P''' [[Mitch Berger]], [[Brian Hansen (American football)|Brian Hansen]], [[Thomas Morstead]]
* '''RS''' [[Michael Lewis (wide receiver)|Michael Lewis]], [[Deonte Harty]], [[Rashid Shaheed]]
* '''ST''' [[Fred McAfee]]

Two Saints head coaches have participated in the Pro Bowl, [[Tom Fears]] in 1970 (1969 season) and [[Sean Payton]] in 2007 (2006 season) and 2018 (2017 season).<ref name="b506">{{cite web | title=Mike Tomlin, Sean Payton will coach in 2018 Pro Bowl | website=NFL.com | date=2018-01-15 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/mike-tomlin-sean-payton-will-coach-in-2018-pro-bowl-0ap3000000907117 | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

===Super Bowl MVPs===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints|border=2}};"|'''Super Bowl MVP winners'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"|Super Bowl
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"|Player
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"|Position
|-
|[[Super Bowl XLIV|XLIV]]||[[Drew Brees]]||[[Quarterback|QB]]
|}

===Ring of Honor===
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.<ref name=RoHFormation>{{cite web|title=New Orleans Saints announce formation of Ring of Honor|url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-announce-formation-of-ring-of-honor-11466616|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|date=October 9, 2013|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=May 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503215637/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-announce-formation-of-ring-of-honor-11466616|url-status=live}}</ref> Their names are displayed along the Caesars Superdome's Terrace Level fascia.<ref name=RoHFormation/> The first three honorees were [[Archie Manning]], [[Rickey Jackson]] and [[Willie Roaf]] and were officially inducted during halftime of the Saints' game against the [[2013 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] on November 10, 2013.<ref name="RoH1st">{{Cite news |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=November 10, 2013 |title=Saints unveil Ring of Honor tonight |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/2100/saints-unveil-ring-of-honor-tonight |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111175413/http://espn.go.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/2100/saints-unveil-ring-of-honor-tonight |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |access-date=November 11, 2013 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable"
|-
|style="background:#ffb"|Elected to the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints|border=2}};"|New Orleans Saints Ring of Honor
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"|No.
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"|Name
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"|Tenure
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"|Inducted
|-
| 8 ||[[Archie Manning]] || QB || 1971–1982 || 2013<ref name=RoH1st/>
|-
| 57 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Rickey Jackson]] || LB || 1981–1993 || 2013<ref name=RoH1st/>
|-
| 77 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Willie Roaf]] || OT || 1993–2001 || 2013<ref name=RoH1st/>
|-
| 7 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Morten Andersen]] || K || 1982–1994 || 2015<ref>{{Cite news |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=August 3, 2015 |title=Saints add K Morten Andersen to exclusive Ring of Honor |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/173234/saints-add-k-morten-andersen-to-exclusive-ring-of-honor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806025551/http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/173234/saints-add-k-morten-andersen-to-exclusive-ring-of-honor |archive-date=August 6, 2015 |access-date=August 4, 2015 |work=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref>
|-
| — || [[Tom Benson]] || Team Owner || 1985–2018 || 2019
|-
| 91 || [[Will Smith (defensive end)|Will Smith]] || DE || 2004–2013 || 2019
|-
| 51 || style="background:#ffb"| [[Sam Mills]] || LB || 1986–1994 || 2021
|-
|73
|[[Jahri Evans]]
|G
|2006-2015, 2016
|2024<ref name="s786">{{cite web  | title=Jahri Evans to be inducted into New Orleans Saints Ring of Honor | website=NewOrleansSaints.com | date=2024-08-01 | url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/jahri-evans-2024-new-orleans-saints-ring-of-honor-induction-saints-browns-halftime-november-17 | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
|}

===45th Anniversary Team===
To commemorate the club's 45th anniversary, the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame selected its All-45th Anniversary Team.<ref name="p018">{{cite web | title=Saints 45th Anniversary Team | website=NewOrleansSaints.com | url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/team/history/45th-anniversary-team | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> The Hall of Fame updates its all-time team every five years, and this latest squad of head coach and players features four standouts from the club's roster at the time of selection: QB Drew Brees, G Jahri Evans, and DE Will Smith as well as head coach Sean Payton. '''Bold''' indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The players are chosen in a vote by the Hall of Fame media selection committee, which includes local and regional media members who cover the Saints now or did so in the past. The All-45th Anniversary Team is as follows, with an asterisk (*) designating those players who have already been inducted into the Hall of Fame:

Offense
* WR – [[Eric Martin (wide receiver)|Eric Martin]]* (1985–1993)
* WR – [[Joe Horn]]* (2000–2006)
* C – [[John Hill (American football)|John Hill]]* (1975–1984)
* G – [[Jim Dombrowski]]* (1986–1996)
* G – [[Jahri Evans]]* (2006–2016)
* OT – '''[[Willie Roaf]]'''* (1993–2001)
* OT – [[Stan Brock (American football)|Stan Brock]]* (1980–1992)
* TE – [[Hoby Brenner]]* (1981–1993)
* QB – [[Drew Brees]]* (2006–2020)
* RB – [[Dalton Hilliard]]* (1986–1993)
* RB – [[Deuce McAllister]] (2001–2009)

Specialists
* K – '''[[Morten Andersen]]'''* (1982–1994)
* P – [[Tommy Barnhardt]] (1987, 1989–1994, 1999)
* ST – [[Fred McAfee]]* (1991–1993, 2000–2006)
* KR/PR – [[Michael Lewis (wide receiver)|Michael Lewis]]* (2001–2006)

Defense
* DE – [[Wayne Martin (American football)|Wayne Martin]] (1989–1999)
* DE – [[Jim Wilks]] (1981–1993)
* DE – [[Joe Johnson (defensive end)|Joe Johnson]]* (1994–1998, 2000–2001)
* DE – [[Will Smith (defensive end)|Will Smith]] (2004–2012)
* LB – '''[[Sam Mills]]'''* (1986–1994)
* LB – [[Vaughan Johnson]]* (1986–1993)
* LB – '''[[Rickey Jackson]]'''* (1981–1993)
* LB – [[Pat Swilling]]* (1986–1992)
* CB – [[Dave Waymer]]* (1980–1989)
* CB – [[Mike McKenzie (cornerback)|Mike McKenzie]] (2004–2009)
* S – [[Tom Myers (safety)|Tommy Myers]] (1972–1981)
* S – [[Sammy Knight]] (1997–2002)

Coach
* [[Sean Payton]] (2006–2021)

{{small|*}} Unanimous selection

===New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame===
{|class="wikitable"
|-
|style="background:#ffb"|Elected to the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
| colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints|border=2}};"|'''New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame'''
|-
! width="90" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"|Inducted
! width="40" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"|No.
! width="140" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"|Name
! width="100" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"|Position
! width="100" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints}};"|Tenure
|-
| rowspan=2|1988 || 8 || [[Archie Manning]] || [[Quarterback|QB]] || 1971–1982
|-
| 46 || [[Danny Abramowicz]] || [[Wide receiver|WR]] || 1967–1973
|-
| rowspan=2|1989 || 37 || [[Tom Myers (safety)|Tommy Myers]] || [[Safety (gridiron football position)|S]] || 1972–1981
|-
| 19 || [[Tom Dempsey]] || [[Placekicker|K]] || 1969–1970
|-
| 1990 || 17 || [[Billy Kilmer]] || QB || 1967–1970
|-
| rowspan=2|1991 || 74 || [[Derland Moore]] || [[Nose tackle|NT]] || 1973–1985
|-
| 34 || [[Tony Galbreath]] || [[Running back|RB]] || 1976–1980
|-
| rowspan=3|1992 || 38 || [[George Rogers (American football)|George Rogers]] || RB || 1981–1984
|-
| 50 || [[Jake Kupp]] || [[Guard (American football)|G]] || 1967–1975
|-
| 62 || [[John Hill (American football)|John Hill]] || [[Center (American football)|C]] || 1975–1984
|-
| 1993 || 58 || [[Joe Federspiel]] || [[Linebacker|LB]] || 1972–1980
|-
| rowspan=2|1994 || — || style="background:#ffb"|[[Jim Finks]] || [[General Manager|GM]] || 1986–1993
|-
| 85 || [[Henry Childs]] || [[Tight end|TE]] || 1974–1980
|-
| rowspan=2|1995 || 82 || [[Bob Pollard]] || [[Defensive end|DE]] || 1971–1977
|-
| 81 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Doug Atkins]] || DE || 1967–1969
|-
| rowspan=2|1996 || 23 || [[Dave Whitsell]] || [[Cornerback|CB]] || 1967–1969
|-
| 44 || [[Dave Waymer]] || [[Safety (gridiron football position)|S]]|| 1980–1989
|-
| rowspan=2|1997 || 57 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Rickey Jackson]] || OLB || 1981–1993
|-
| 67 || [[Stan Brock (American football)|Stan Brock]] || [[Offensive tackle|OT]] || 1980–1992
|-
| rowspan=2|1998 || 21 || [[Dalton Hilliard]] || RB || 1986–1993
|-
| 51 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Sam Mills]] || LB || 1986–1994
|-
| rowspan=2|1999 || 3 || [[Bobby Hebert]] || QB || 1985–1992
|-
| 84 || [[Eric Martin (wide receiver)|Eric Martin]] || WR || 1985–1993
|-
| rowspan=2|2000 || 53 || [[Vaughan Johnson]] || LB || 1986–1993
|-
| 56 || [[Pat Swilling]] ||ILB || 1986–1992
|-
| rowspan=2|2001 || 85 || [[Hoby Brenner]] || TE || 1981–1993
|-
| 94 || [[Jim Wilks]] || DE || 1981–1993
|-
| rowspan=2|2002 || — || [[Jim E. Mora|Jim Mora]] || Coach || 1986–1996
|-
| 73 || [[Frank Warren (American football)|Frank Warren]] || DE || 1981–1994
|-
| rowspan=2|2003 || 93 || [[Wayne Martin (American football)|Wayne Martin]] || DE || 1989–1999
|-
| 72 || [[Jim Dombrowski]] || G || 1986–1996
|-
| rowspan=2|2004 || 36 || [[Rueben Mayes]] || RB || 1986–1991
|-
| — || [[Steve Sidwell (American football)|Steve Sidwell]] || Assistant coach || 1986–1994
|-
| 2005–2006 <sup>1</sup> || 61 || [[Joel Hilgenberg]] || C || 1984–1993
|-
| 2007 || 94 || [[Joe Johnson (defensive end)|Joe Johnson]] || DE || 1994–2001
|-
| 2008 || 77 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Willie Roaf]] || [[Offensive tackle|OT]] || 1993–2001
|-
| 2009 || 7 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Morten Andersen]]<ref name="TP20091106">Brian Allee-Walsh, [http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2009/11/ex-saints_coach_jim_mora_says.html "Ex-Saints coach Jim Mora says Morten Andersen a shoo-in for Canton, Ohio"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810042507/https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2009/11/ex-saints_coach_jim_mora_says.html |date=August 10, 2018 }}, ''[[Times-Picayune]]'', November 6, 2009.</ref> || K || 1982–1994
|-
| 2010 || 87 || [[Joe Horn]] || WR || 2000–2006
|-
| 2011 || 29 || [[Sammy Knight]] || [[Safety (gridiron football position)|S]]|| 1997–2002
|-
| rowspan=2|2012 || 26 || [[Deuce McAllister]] || RB || 2001–2008
|-
| — || [[Tom Benson]] || Team owner || 1985–2018
|-
| 2013 || 97 || [[La'Roi Glover]] || [[Defensive tackle|DT]] || 1997–2001
|-
| rowspan=2|2014 || 2 || [[Aaron Brooks (American football)|Aaron Brooks]] || QB || 2000–2005
|-
| 3 || [[John Carney (American football)|John Carney]] || K || 2001–2006<br />2009–2010
|-
| rowspan=2|2015 || 84 || [[Michael Lewis (wide receiver)|Michael Lewis]] || WR || 2001–2006
|-
| 33 || [[Tyrone Hughes]] || CB || 1993–1996
|-
| 2016 || 91 || [[Will Smith (defensive end)|Will Smith]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Holder|first1=Larry|title=Will Smith unanimously named to Saints Hall of Fame in March|url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2016/04/will_smith_unanimously_named_t.html|website=nola.com|publisher=The Times-Picayune|access-date=April 10, 2016|date=April 10, 2016|archive-date=December 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235052/https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2016/04/will_smith_unanimously_named_t.html|url-status=live}}</ref> || DE || 2004–2013
|-
| rowspan=2|2017 || 51 || [[Jonathan Vilma]]<ref name="2017HOF">{{cite news |last=Erickson |first=Joel A. |url=http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_e2dc4fa0-3fd7-11e7-b70d-875b4e3afe5f.html |title=Jonathan Vilma and Carl Nicks bring Super Bowl legacies to Saints Hall of Fame |work=[[New Orleans Advocate]] |date=May 23, 2017 |access-date=May 24, 2017 |archive-date=May 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525202629/http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_e2dc4fa0-3fd7-11e7-b70d-875b4e3afe5f.html |url-status=live }}</ref> || LB || 2008–2013
|-
| 77 || [[Carl Nicks (American football)|Carl Nicks]]<ref name="2017HOF"/> || G || 2008–2011
|-
| rowspan=2|2018 || 16 || [[Lance Moore]]<ref name="HOF2018"/> || WR || 2005–2013
|-
| 23 || [[Pierre Thomas (American football)|Pierre Thomas]]<ref name="HOF2018"/> || RB || 2007–2014
|-
| rowspan=2|2019 || 25 || [[Reggie Bush]] || RB || 2006–2010
|-
| 12 || [[Marques Colston]] || WR || 2006–2015
|-
| rowspan=2|2020 || 73 || [[Jahri Evans]] || G || 2006–2015
|-
| 41 || [[Roman Harper]] || SS || 2006–2013
|-
| rowspan=2|2022 || 19 || [[Devery Henderson]] || WR || 2004–2012
|-
| 25 || [[Fred McAfee]] || ST || 1991–1993 
2000–2006
|-
|2023
|32, 33
|[[Jabari Greer]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Greer, Paretti and Parkinson set to be honored by Saints Hall of Fame |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-hall-of-fame-2023-class-inductees-announced-jabari-greer |access-date=June 3, 2023 |website=www.neworleanssaints.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
|CB
|2009–2013
|-
|2024
|9
|[[Drew Brees]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees and Doug Moreau set to be honored by Saints Hall of Fame |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-hall-of-fame-2024-class-announcement-doug-moreau |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=www.neworleanssaints.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
|QB
|2006–2020
|}
<sup>1</sup> 2005 induction ceremonies postponed to October 27, 2006, due to Hurricane Katrina

==Staff==
===Coaches===
{{see also|List of New Orleans Saints head coaches}}

===Current staff===
{{New Orleans Saints staff}}

==Joe Gemelli Fleur-De-Lis Award==
The ''Joe Gemelli Fleur-De-Lis Award'' is given yearly to a person who has contributed to the betterment of the New Orleans Saints organization.<ref name=HoF>{{cite web|title=Complete list of Saints Hall of Fame members|url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/complete-list-of-saints-hall-of-fame-members-15303675|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|date=May 20, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630222418/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/complete-list-of-saints-hall-of-fame-members-15303675|url-status=live}}</ref> The award is named for Joe Gemelli, a New Orleans clothing store owner and an active supporter of sports in the city, who was known as the team's biggest fan.<ref>[http://www.allstatesugarbowl.org/site603.php Joe Gemelli] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906055239/http://www.allstatesugarbowl.org/site603.php |date=September 6, 2015 }}, Allstate Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame. Retrieved May 20, 2015.</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* 1989: [[Al Hirt]]
* 1990: Joe Gemelli
* 1991: [[David Dixon (businessman)|Dave Dixon]]
* 1992: Charlie Kertz
* 1993: [[Wayne Mack]]
* 1994: Erby Aucoin
* 1995: [[Aaron Broussard]]
* 1996: Marie Knutson
* 1997: [[Angela Hill (journalist)|Angela Hill]]
* 1998: Joe Impastato
* 1999: Frank Wilson
* 2000: Bob Remy
* 2001: Peter "Champ" Clark
* 2002: Dean Kleinschmidt
* 2003: Jim Fast
* 2004: Bob Roesler
* 2005–06: [[Bernard "Buddy" Diliberto]] (2005 induction ceremonies postponed to October 27, 2006, due to Hurricane Katrina)
* 2007: New Orleans Saints fans<ref name="HoF" />
* 2008: Barra Birrcher<ref name="HoF" />
* 2009: Jerry Romig<ref name="TP20091106" />
* 2010: Dan "Chief" Simmons and Glennon "Silky" Powell<ref>James Varney, [http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2010/05/new_orleans_saints_longtime_eq.html "New Orleans Saints longtime equipment managers receive Gemelli Award"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234135/http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2010/05/new_orleans_saints_longtime_eq.html |date=March 3, 2016 }}, ''[[Times-Picayune]]'', May 25, 2010.</ref>
* 2011: Bruce Miller
* 2012: [[Jim Henderson (sportscaster)|Jim Henderson]]<ref name="HOF2012">[http://www.wwltv.com/sports/black-and-gold/McAllister-Benson-Henderson-to-be-honored-by-Saints-Hall-of-Fame-152053695.html "McAllister, Benson, Henderson to be honored by Saints Hall of Fame"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523195339/http://www.wwltv.com/sports/black-and-gold/McAllister-Benson-Henderson-to-be-honored-by-Saints-Hall-of-Fame-152053695.html |date=May 23, 2012 }}, [[WWL-TV]], May 18, 2012.</ref>
* 2013: Peter Finney<ref name="d295">{{cite web | last=Gegenheimer | first=Mike | title=Peter Finney, La'Roi Glover honored by New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame | website=NOLA.com | date=2013-11-16 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/peter-finney-laroi-glover-honored-by-new-orleans-saints-hall-of-fame/article_fc9c6674-96e9-55c2-88aa-73ca60cb42ce.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* 2014: Al Nastasi and Tony Piazza<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20150521023732/http://sportsnola.com/nastasi-piazza-to-share-saints-hall-of-fames-joe-gemelli-fleur-de-lis-award/ "Nastasi, Piazza to Share Saints Hall of Fame's Joe Gemelli Fleur de Lis Award"]}}, SportsNola.com, May 20, 2014.</ref>
* 2015: Doug Thornton<ref>{{cite news|title=Tyrone Hughes, Michael Lewis elected to the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame|url=http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-1/Tyrone-Hughes-Michael-Lewis-elected-to-the-New-Orleans-Saints-Hall-of-Fame/2d59f958-9829-485a-8362-960cf40120bd|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|date=May 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521013350/http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-1/Tyrone-Hughes-Michael-Lewis-elected-to-the-New-Orleans-Saints-Hall-of-Fame/2d59f958-9829-485a-8362-960cf40120bd|archive-date=May 21, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2019|url-status=dead|quote=SMG executive VP Doug Thornton will receive the Joe Gemelli Fleur de Lis award for his contributions to the Saints and the entire region.}}</ref>
* 2016: [[Hokie Gajan]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Hokie Gajan to be honored with Joe Gemelli Fleur de Lis award|url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/hokie-gajan-to-be-honored-with-joe-gemelli-fleur-de-lis-award-17016300|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|date=April 12, 2016|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630222416/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/hokie-gajan-to-be-honored-with-joe-gemelli-fleur-de-lis-award-17016300|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2017: Jay Romig<ref>{{cite news |last=Erickson |first=Joel A. |url=http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_a0de0222-4001-11e7-9fe9-2b8632521adc.html |title=Jay Romig carries on family tradition by earning Joe Gemelli "Fleur-de-Lis" Award |work=[[New Orleans Advocate]] |date=May 23, 2017 |access-date=May 24, 2017 |archive-date=May 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525202623/http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_a0de0222-4001-11e7-9fe9-2b8632521adc.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* 2018: Michael C. Hebert<ref name="HOF2018">{{cite news|title=Moore, Thomas and Hebert set to be honored by Saints Hall of Fame in September|url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/moore-thomas-and-hebert-set-to-be-honored-by-saints-hall-of-fame-in-september|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|date=June 14, 2018|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425025606/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/moore-thomas-and-hebert-set-to-be-honored-by-saints-hall-of-fame-in-september|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2019: Gov. [[Kathleen Blanco]]<ref name="l617">{{cite web | last=Brown | first=Nathan | title=Kathleen Blanco honored by Saints with Hall of Fame class award: 'Highlight of my life' | website=The Advocate | date=2019-06-05 | url=https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/politics/kathleen-blanco-honored-by-saints-with-hall-of-fame-class-award-highlight-of-my-life/article_0162d720-87f5-11e9-96cc-6f6b91aa59eb.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
* 2020: Marco Garcia<ref name="HOF2020">{{cite news|title=Jahri Evans, Roman Harper and Marco Garcia set to be honored by Saints Hall of Fame|url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/jahri-evans-roman-harper-marco-garcia-saints-hall-of-fame-2020|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|date=June 23, 2020|access-date=June 24, 2020|archive-date=June 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625150122/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/jahri-evans-roman-harper-marco-garcia-saints-hall-of-fame-2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
*2023: Steve Paretti and Bob Parkinson<ref name="p574">{{cite web | last=Howell | first=Tina | title=Steve Paretti and Bob Parkinson to receive the Joe Gemelli "Fleur de Lis" award | website=Canal Street Chronicles | date=2023-06-02 | url=https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2023/6/2/23746567/steve-paretti-and-bob-parkinson-to-receive-the-joe-gemelli-fleur-de-lis-award | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
*
{{div col end}}

==Current roster==
{{New Orleans Saints roster}}

==Cheerleaders==
{{main|Saints Cheer Krewe}}
[[File:Saintsations cheerleaders.jpg|thumb|Saintsations performing at halftime]]
The [[Saints Cheer Krewe]] (formerly Saintsations) are the [[NFL Cheerleading|cheerleading]] squad for the Saints.<ref name="b181">{{cite web | last=Wells | first=Carlie Kollath | title=Say goodbye to the Saintsations. Here's the new name for Saints dancers and cheerleaders. | website=NOLA.com | date=2021-12-06 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/say-goodbye-to-the-saintsations-heres-the-new-name-for-saints-dancers-and-cheerleaders/article_7befe040-56bb-11ec-afc7-83eb8fb0fe3f.html | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref> A cheerleading squad has existed since the franchise's founding. The squad was formerly known as the Saintsations from 1987 to 2021. The current name was adopted in 2021.

==Radio and television==
{{See also|New Orleans Saints Radio Network}}
[[File:New Orleans Saints radio affiliates.png|thumb|right|Map of radio affiliates.]]
The Saints' [[flagship]] station is [[WWL (AM)|WWL]] (870 AM/[[WWL-FM|105.3 FM]]), one of the oldest radio stations in the city of New Orleans and one of the nation's most powerful as a [[clear-channel station]] with 50,000 watts of power.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Orleans Saints Radio Network Affiliates|url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/broadcasting|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=May 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509113512/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/broadcasting|url-status=live}}</ref> Longtime [[WWL-TV]] reporter and anchor Mike Hoss is the play-by-play announcer, with former Saints running back [[Deuce McAllister]] as color commentator.<ref name="i928">{{cite web | title=Mike Hoss named play-by-play announcer for New Orleans Saints game day broadcasts on WWL | website=NewOrleansSaints.com | date=2021-06-23 | url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/saints-wwl-radio-play-by-play-announcer-mike-hoss-deuce-mccallister-gameday#:~:text=Audacy%20Broadcasting%20announced%20Mike%20Hoss,Deuce%20McAllister%20in%20the%20booth. | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref><ref name="c738">{{cite web | last=Walker | first=Rod | title=Passed over once, Mike Hoss seizes opportunity as voice of the Saints: 'It's such a blast' | website=The Advocate | date=2021-09-16 | url=https://www.theadvocate.com/passed-over-once-mike-hoss-seizes-opportunity-as-voice-of-the-saints-its-such-a/article_8262f31e-172c-11ec-845e-cb4a0a7fb88e.html | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref> Hoss succeeded former Saints guard [[Zach Strief]] when Strief was named to the Saints' coaching staff in the spring of 2021.<ref name="z026">{{cite web | last=Sigler | first=John | title=Zach Strief leaves WWL Radio to join Saints coaching staff | website=Saints Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2021-02-19 | url=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2021/02/19/nfl-saints-zach-strief-radio-news/#:~:text=There%20will%20be%20a%20familiar,Radio%20coverage%20of%20Saints%20games. | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref>

Strief succeeded longtime play-by-play announcer [[Jim Henderson (Sportscaster)|Jim Henderson]] in 2018, and McAllister succeeded another former Saints running back, [[Hokie Gajan]], in the role after Gajan's death on April 11, 2016, from [[liposarcoma]].<ref name="s356">{{cite web | title=Former Saints player Zach Strief officially becomes 'Voice of the Saints' | website=WDSU | date=2021-02-26 | url=https://www.wdsu.com/article/former-saints-player-zach-strief-officially-becomes-voice-of-the-saints/22553302 | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Triplett|first1=Mike|title=Hokie Gajan, ex-Saints fullback, radio voice, dies at 56 of cancer|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/15188089/new-orleans-saints-lose-another-ex-fb-radio-voice-hokie-gajan|website=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN|access-date=April 12, 2016|date=April 12, 2016|archive-date=April 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415004740/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15188089/new-orleans-saints-lose-another-ex-fb-radio-voice-hokie-gajan|url-status=live}}</ref> Henderson was the play-by-play announcer for Saints radio broadcasts continuously from 1993 to 2017, and previously held the position from 1986 to 1989 after serving as a color commentator from 1981 to 1985, and again in 1992, when Dave Garrett was play-by-play announcer. Previous color commentators include former Saints players [[Jim Taylor (fullback)|Jim Taylor]] (RB, 1967), [[Steve Stonebreaker]] (LB, 1967–68), [[Danny Abramowicz]] (WR, 1967–73), [[Archie Manning]] (QB, 1971–82) and [[Stan Brock (American football)|Stan Brock]] (OT, 1980–91).

Most preseason games are televised by [[WVUE-DT|WVUE]] (Channel 8), a station which until its outright 2017 sale to [[Raycom Media]] (and subsequent sale in 2019 to [[Gray Television]]) was owned by a [[consortium]] led by Saints owner Tom Benson since mid-2008 (that consortium, now led by Gayle Benson, continues to hold a minority stake in the station).<ref name="l657">{{cite web | last=LaRose | first=Greg | title=WVUE Fox 8 part of $3.6 billion Gray purchase of Raycom | website=NOLA.com | date=2018-06-26 | url=https://www.nola.com/news/business/wvue-fox-8-part-of-3-6-billion-gray-purchase-of-raycom/article_8188769d-8118-5b0a-aba0-185daa8fed62.html | access-date=2024-08-07}}</ref> As the Fox affiliate for New Orleans, it carries the majority of Saints games; WVUE also carries a heavy complement of coach and player shows. [[Tim Brando]] and [[Jon Stinchcomb]] call the preseason games for the Saints.<ref name="y945">{{cite web | last=Terrell | first=Katherine | title=New Orleans Saints veterans haze rookies on eve of preseason game: notebook | website=NOLA.com | date=2013-08-08 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/new-orleans-saints-veterans-haze-rookies-on-eve-of-preseason-game-notebook/article_d7946adb-8b97-53dc-be8e-b26b640de256.html | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

Saints preseason games were previously produced by [[Cox Sports Television]]. Beginning in the 2015 season, owing to Raycom's management of the station on behalf of Tom Benson's ownership group, production of preseason telecasts were taken over by [[Raycom Sports]] under a new multi-year deal, and syndicated to Raycom stations and others around the team's footprint.<ref name=saints-raycomsports>{{cite news|title=New Orleans Saints, Raycom Media announce partnership|url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-raycom-media-announce-partnership-15078080|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|date=December 24, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630222417/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-raycom-media-announce-partnership-15078080|url-status=live}}</ref> Regular season games are also aired on WWL-TV, the local CBS station whenever they host an AFC opponent (and games vs. NFC opponents cross-flexed from Fox to CBS) and NBC affiliate [[WDSU-TV|WDSU]] via ''Sunday Night Football'', with the latter also syndicating ''[[Monday Night Football]]'' games for local airing from sister operation [[ESPN]].

==See also==
* [[Religious symbolism in U.S. sports team names and mascots]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.nfl.com/teams/new-orleans-saints/ New Orleans Saints] at the [[National Football League]] official website
* [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/ Franchise Encyclopedia] at [[Pro Football Reference]]

{{New Orleans Saints}}
{{Navboxes|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New Orleans Saints|border=2}}|list=
{{s-start}}
{{s-bef|before = [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]}}
{{s-ttl|title = [[Super Bowl]] champions|years = [[Super Bowl XLIV|2009 (XLIV)]]}}
{{s-aft|after = [[Green Bay Packers]]}}
{{s-end}}
{{New Orleans Saints roster navbox}}
{{NFL}}
{{Louisiana Sports}}
}}
{{Portal bar|American football|Louisiana}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:New Orleans Saints| ]]
[[Category:NFL teams]]
[[Category:American football teams established in 1967]]
[[Category:1967 establishments in Louisiana]]