The "April Fools" Trade (1981):

The 1981 "April Fools' Trade" is one of the most famous pieces of sports radio lore in New Orleans history, proving that even in the pre-Internet age, a well-timed prank could travel like wildfire.

The Architect: Hap Glaudi

The mastermind behind the prank was the legendary Hap Glaudi, a beloved sports anchor on WWL Radio. At the time, the Saints were coming off a dismal 1–15 season (the "Aints" era) and held the #1 overall pick in the upcoming 1981 NFL Draft. The city was buzzing with anticipation over whether new head coach Bum Phillips would draft Heisman winner George Rogers or the defensive powerhouse Lawrence Taylor.

The Prank

On the morning of April 1, 1981, Glaudi took to the airwaves with an "exclusive breaking bulletin." He informed the listeners that the Saints had just finalized a blockbuster trade:

  • The Claim: The Saints had traded the #1 overall pick to the Oakland Raiders (who were the defending Super Bowl champions at the time).

  • The Return: In exchange, New Orleans was supposedly receiving a haul of veteran stars and multiple future draft picks to "rebuild the franchise instantly."

The Frenzy

In 1981, there was no Twitter or ESPN Bottom Line to verify the news. Fans flooded the WWL switchboards, some outraged that the team would give up a chance at a generational talent like Rogers or Taylor, while others were thrilled at the prospect of a quick fix. The prank was so convincing that even some local news outlets and rival radio stations reportedly began scrambling to confirm the "trade" with the Saints' front office.

The Reality

Later that day, Glaudi revealed the punchline: April Fools! While the trade was a hoax, the real-life draft drama that followed was just as significant for the franchise:

  • The Choice: On April 28, 1981, Bum Phillips stayed true to his "Luv Ya Blue" roots and selected George Rogers (RB, South Carolina) over Lawrence Taylor.

  • The Result: Rogers was an immediate sensation, leading the NFL in rushing as a rookie with 1,674 yards. However, Lawrence Taylor went to the Giants at #2 and became arguably the greatest defensive player in history.

  • The Silver Lining: While they missed on LT, the Saints used their second-round pick (#51 overall) on Rickey Jackson, who became the first Saint ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The 1981 prank remains a cautionary tale in New Orleans sports history—a reminder that on April 1st, even the most "reliable" sources in the "Big Easy" are looking to pull a fast one!