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10 Greatest Moments in New Orleans Saints History

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10 Greatest Moments in New Orleans Saints History

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Since being created, the New Orleans Saints have forged a history filled with memorable moments. Though the team's success is a more recent fixture, the Saints franchise has more than a few things to brag about.

10. Franchise Established

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10. Franchise Established

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The NFL awarded the league's 16th franchise to the city of New Orleans on Nov. 1, 1966. Within the next few months, John W. Mecom Jr. became the majority stockholder, and Tom Fears was named the first head coach.

9. Tom Benson Buys Team

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9. Tom Benson Buys Team

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Ownership was transferred from Mecom Jr. to current owner Tom Benson on May 31, 1985. The team sold for $ 70.204 million and began to flourish under Benson.

8. First Winning Season

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8. First Winning Season

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Under head coach Jim Mora, the Saints secured their first winning season on Nov. 29, 1987. The team held on with two goal-line stands in the fourth quarter to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 20-16.

7. First Playoff Victory

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7. First Playoff Victory

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The Saints got their first postseason win behind wide receiver Willie Jackson's three touchdowns on Dec. 30, 2000. The team defeated the St. Louis Rams 31-28 to advance.

6. First Game in Louisiana Superdome

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6. First Game in Louisiana Superdome

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Before a crowd of 72,434 fans, the Saints fell to the Houston Oilers, 13-7, in a preseason game on Aug. 9, 1975. The Saints would also lose the first regular season contest in the stadium to the Cincinnati Bengals, 21-0.

5. Saints Draft Archie Manning

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5. Saints Draft Archie Manning

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The Saints drafted one of the most exciting college football players ever in Ole Miss quarterback Archie Manning on Jan. 28, 1971. Manning would be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

4. First Game After Katrina

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4. First Game After Katrina

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After the stadium was used to hold refugees during Hurricane Katrina, the Saints returned to the Superdome on Sept. 25, 2006. The game concluded with a 23-3 victory on Monday Night Football.

3. Sean Payton Named Coach

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3. Sean Payton Named Coach

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The Saints introduced Sean Payton as the 14th head coach in franchise history on Jan. 18, 2006. During his time with the Saints, Payton has only had one losing season, posted a .652 winning percentage and a Super Bowl victory.

2. Saints Sign Drew Brees

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2. Saints Sign Drew Brees

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As the greatest free agent signing in franchise history, the Saints agreed to a deal with former San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees on Mar. 14, 2006. Since then, Brees has led the team to numerous winning seasons, amassed many records and was named the MVP of Super Bowl XLIV.

1. Super Bowl XLIV Win

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1. Super Bowl XLIV Win

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The greatest achievement in the history of the Saints franchise has been the Super Bowl XLIV victory with Drew Brees at the helm. Brees and the Saints triumphed over Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts by a 31-17 score. This first Super Bowl win is thus far the crowning jewel for the now near half-century old franchise.

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