Football History

Born September 20, 1935, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was the fullback that hailed from LSU during the late 1950’s, Jim Taylor. Jim was selected as an All-American after the 1957 season for the Tigers. He was a big back for the era at 6 foot tall and weighing in at 214 pounds and the Packers picked him as the 15th overall pick in the 1958 NFL Draft.  Taylor did not disappoint as he played 10 seasons for the Pack and had a streak of  5 straight seasons of rushing for over 1000 yards! For his career he rushed for a total of 8597 yards and caught an amazing 225 passes for a combined total yardage of over 10,500 yards. The 1962 NFL Title game may be his watershed moment though in the League.  Taylor had 31 carries for 85 yards and a 7 yard touchdown run in the Championship game. Though he did fumble twice in the contest the legendary fullback added 3 receptions for 20 yards. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Jim Taylor in 1976.

For a city known for its vibrant music and joie de vivre, the New Orleans Saints haven't always enjoyed a smooth jazz soundtrack. Their story, spanning over five decades, is one of struggle, resilience, and, ultimately, triumph intertwined with the unique spirit of the Big Easy.

Early Years and the "Aints" Era (1967-1982):

Born in 1967 amidst financial woes and limited success, the Saints earned the nickname "Aints" due to their early struggles. Despite boasting talented players like Archie Manning and Billy Kilmer, playoff appearances were scarce, often overshadowed by injuries and heartbreak.

The Ditka Era and a Glimmer of Hope (1983-1992):

The arrival of fiery coach Mike Ditka in 1983 ignited a spark. With the iconic "Who Dat Say Dey Say Saints?" chant echoing through the Superdome, the team tasted its first playoff success in 1987. However, Ditka's departure marked a return to inconsistency.

Hurricane Katrina and the Rebirth (2005-2010):

The devastating Hurricane Katrina in 2005 threatened to extinguish the Saints' flame. Displaced, they played their 2005 season on the road, becoming symbols of hope and resilience for the city. With Drew Brees at the helm and Sean Payton coaching brilliance, they returned to New Orleans in 2006, igniting a wave of enthusiasm dubbed "Who Dat Nation."

Super Bowl Glory and Continued Success (2010-Present):

2010 etched the Saints' name in history books. Led by Brees and a dominant defense, they defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, bringing the Lombardi Trophy to the long-suffering city. The Brees era brought continued playoff appearances and another Super Bowl appearance in 2012, solidifying their place as a force in the NFL.

The Post-Brees Era and New Beginnings (2020-Present):

Drew Brees' retirement in 2020 ushered in a new chapter. With young guns like Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill competing for the starting quarterback role, the Saints are navigating a transition period. Yet, the spirit of resilience and the unwavering support of Who Dat Nation remains constant.

Born May 19, 1949, in Drew, Mississippi, was Mississippi quarterback from 1968 to 1970, Archie Manning. You have probably heard of Archie’s sons Peyton and Eli but the original Manning QB was the vine that these two Multi Super Bowl winners got their gusto from.

Archie, in 1969, according to the FootballFoundation.org website, tossed for 436 yards and hoofed out another 104 to lead his Ole Miss team against the mighty Alabama eleven. His efforts created an SEC record for a total offense of 540 yards!  He had a 362-yard game against Louisiana State in 1968 and a 341-yard game over Southern Mississippi in 1970. The elder Manning heaped in many awards for performances like those, too.

In 1969, he was Mississippi Sportsman of the Year and recipient of the Nashville Banner Trophy as Most Valuable Player in the Southeastern Conference. Archie was fourth in the Heisman voting in 1969 and third in 1970.

Archie Manning was honored to be selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989. He was drafted into the NFL by the New Orleans Saints and also spent time with the Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings as well before he hung it up after 14 years in the League.

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Born March 29, 1955, in Tyler, Texas, was Earl Campbell the powerful back of the Texas Longhorns from 1974 through 1977. His nickname forever ties him to his hometown as Earl is still called "the Tyler Rose" as he pounded out big gains at the University of Texas.

The NFF says he rushed for 4,443 yards. This was the fifth highest total of all time when he retired. His rushing covered 928 yards as a freshman, 1118 as a sophomore, 653 as a junior (he missed four games), and 1,744 as a senior.

Campbell was All-America as a sophomore and senior, led the nation in rushing and scoring and won the Heisman Trophy in 1977. He had an amazing 21 times where he rushed over 100 yards and three over 200 yards rushing in games.

The Houston Oilers during the 1978 NFL Draft wasted no time in turning their draft pick card with the first player selected to the Commissioner that had the name of Earl Campbell on it. Earl played 8 seasons with the Oilers and earned a rushing title, the distinction as an All-Pro and was selected to play in three Pro Bowls. The 1980 season as his best as he pounded out 1934 yards with 4 games over 200 yards.

For his NFL career, he amassed 9407 yards rushing and 74 TDs with another 806 yards on 121 receptions. Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Earl Campbell in 1991.

Drew Brees, a name synonymous with precision passing and unwavering determination, carved his place among the pantheon of NFL greats over a remarkable 20-year career. His journey, defying limitations and rewriting records, is a testament to relentless work ethic, unwavering leadership, and a passion for the game that shone brightly throughout his tenure.

Drew Brees Taken by User DBKing Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Born January 15, 1979 - Brees' path wasn't paved with early accolades. Undersized for the traditional quarterback mold, he faced skepticism during the draft, landing with the San Diego Chargers in the second round. However, his competitive spirit ignited, leading the team to a divisional title in his second season and earning him Comeback Player of the Year honors.

A shoulder injury forced him from San Diego, landing him in New Orleans in 2006. This marked a pivotal moment, not just for Brees, but for the city itself. The Saints, still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, found a beacon of hope in Brees' unwavering spirit. He became a symbol of resilience, leading the team to its first-ever Super Bowl victory in 2010 and earning Super Bowl MVP honors.

Brees' statistical dominance is undeniable. He shattered numerous records, including most career passing yards and passing touchdowns. His remarkable accuracy, with a career completion percentage exceeding 67%, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He orchestrated thrilling comebacks with laser-like precision, earning the nickname "The Comeback Kid."

Beyond the numbers, Brees was a true leader. He commanded respect with his intelligence, work ethic, and dedication to his teammates. He fostered a winning culture in New Orleans, a city that embraced him as one of its own.

Brees' legacy extends beyond the field. He became a pillar of the New Orleans community, actively involved in philanthropic endeavors. His dedication to the city he helped rebuild solidified his place as a cultural icon.

In 2020, Drew Brees announced his retirement, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations of quarterbacks. His unwavering determination, pinpoint accuracy, and leadership qualities cemented his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and etched his name in the hearts of football fans forever. The "Brees Breeze" may have subsided, but the impact he made on the game and the city of New Orleans will continue to resonate for years to come.