The New Orleans Saints joined the NFL as an expansion team on November 1, 1966, All Saints’ Day.¹⁾

Their inaugural game was on September 17, 1967, against the Los Angeles Rams, which they lost 27-13.²⁾

John Gilliam returned the opening kickoff of their first game for a 94-yard touchdown.³⁾

Tom Fears was the Saints’ first head coach, serving from 1967 to 1970.⁴⁾

The Saints didn't have a winning season until 1987, 20 years after their establishment.⁵⁾

The Saints' official colors are black and gold, representing New Orleans’ connection to the oil industry.⁶⁾

Their logo is the fleur-de-lis, a symbol of French heritage and New Orleans' cultural identity.⁷⁾

The Saints occasionally wear all-black uniforms, which are fan favorites.⁸⁾

The team has played at the Caesars Superdome (formerly the Mercedes-Benz Superdome) since 1975.⁹⁾

The Superdome was the world’s largest fixed dome when it opened.¹⁰⁾

The Superdome served as a shelter during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and underwent massive renovations afterward.¹¹⁾

The Superdome has hosted seven Super Bowls, the most by any venue.¹²⁾

Quarterback Archie Manning was a fan favorite despite the team's struggles in the 1970s and early 1980s.¹³⁾

Drew Brees joined the team in 2006, becoming one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history.¹⁴⁾

Drafted in 2006, running back Reggie Bush became a key player in the Saints’ resurgence.¹⁵⁾

In 1999, the Saints traded all their draft picks for running back Ricky Williams, an unprecedented move.¹⁶⁾

Linebacker Sam Mills was one of the franchise’s first defensive stars and inspired the “Keep Pounding” motto.¹⁷⁾

Wide receiver Michael Thomas set the NFL record for most receptions in a season with 149 in 2019.¹⁸⁾

The Saints won their first and only Super Bowl on February 7, 2010, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17.¹⁹⁾

Drew Brees was named the MVP of Super Bowl XLIV after throwing for 288 yards and two touchdowns.²⁰⁾

The Saints shocked the Colts with an onside kick to start the second half of the Super Bowl.²¹⁾

The Saints’ Super Bowl run popularized the “Who Dat” chant among fans worldwide.²²⁾

The Saints achieved a franchise-best 13-3 record in 2009 and 2011.²³⁾

Brees holds multiple NFL records, including career passing yards and completions.²⁴⁾

Tom Dempsey kicked a then-NFL record 63-yard field goal in 1970.²⁵⁾

The chant, “Who Dat? Who dat say they gonna beat them Saints?” is a staple of fan culture.²⁶⁾

The Saints are closely tied to New Orleans' Mardi Gras tradition, with team floats often appearing in parades.²⁷⁾

Despite decades of struggles, Saints fans have remained among the NFL's most passionate.²⁸⁾

The Saints made the NFC Championship Game in 2006, a year after Hurricane Katrina.²⁹⁾

The 2011 Saints set an NFL record for most yards gained in a single season (7,474).³⁰⁾

A missed pass interference call in the NFC Championship Game against the Rams cost the Saints a Super Bowl appearance³¹⁾

Sean Payton coached the Saints from 2006 to 2021, leading them to their only Super Bowl win.³²⁾

General manager Mickey Loomis has been instrumental in building competitive teams.³³⁾

The Saints' defense, historically a weakness, became a strength in the late 2010s.³⁴⁾

The Saints’ biggest rivalry is with the Atlanta Falcons, dating back to 1967.³⁵⁾

The Saints also have a heated rivalry with the Carolina Panthers, especially since the 1990s.³⁶⁾

The Saints’ rivalry with the Buccaneers intensified when Tom Brady joined Tampa Bay.³⁷⁾

In the 1980s, fans wore paper bags over their heads and called the team the “Aints” due to poor performances.³⁸⁾

Steve Gleason’s blocked punt in 2006 symbolized the city’s resilience after Katrina.³⁹⁾

The Saints’ linebacker corps in the late 1980s and early 1990s was one of the best in NFL history.⁴⁰⁾

The Saints were instrumental in lifting the spirits of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.⁴¹⁾

The Saints players and organization are heavily involved in local charities and community projects.⁴²⁾

Jazz musician Al Hirt was one of the team’s original minority owners.⁴³⁾

Gumbo, a St. Bernard dog, serves as the team’s official mascot.⁴⁴⁾

The Saints overcame a 26-point deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers in 1987, marking the largest comeback in franchise history.⁴⁵⁾