The New Orleans Saints represent one of the most fascinating narratives in modern professional sports, a story defined by perseverance, dramatic transformation, and a deep connection to a resilient city. Understanding how long the Saints have been a team requires looking beyond the simple passage of years to examine the evolution of a franchise from its controversial birth to its status as a perennial contender. The journey of this franchise is a testament to the enduring spirit of its organization and the city it proudly calls home.
The Birth of a Controversial Franchise
To answer how long have the saints been a team, one must first look to the late 1960s. The Saints were officially awarded to New Orleans on November 1, 1966, as an expansion team set to begin play in the 1967 season. This arrival was not met with universal celebration; it was a deeply polarizing event in a city still recovering from the upheaval of the Civil Rights Movement and the trauma of Hurricane Betsy. The team's inaugural season in 1967 was a struggle, culminating in a 3-11 record, but it established a foundational identity centered around the fleur-de-lis and a desperate hope for the future.
Early Struggles and the Search for Identity
The first decade of the franchise was a period of painful growth, making the question of how long have the saints been a team intertwined with questions of their viability. The team cycled through multiple head coaches and failed to post a winning record until 1979. This era was marked by infamous moments, such as the "Dome Patrol" defense of the late 1980s that couldn't overcome an inconsistent offense. The Saints' early years were a constant battle for respect, fighting not just for wins but for the belief that they could be a legitimate NFL franchise.
The Turning Point: Payton and Bum Phillips
The landscape of how long have the saints been a team shifted dramatically with the hiring of head coach Bum Phillips in 1981 and the drafting of running back George Rogers with the first overall pick in 1981. Phillips brought a defensive-minded approach that culminated in the 1987 season, where the Saints reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. This moment was the first major validation for the long-suffering fanbase, proving that the patience invested over two decades could yield a legitimate competitive team.
Modern Era and Sustained Relevance
Entering the 21st century marked a new chapter in the Saints' history, fundamentally changing the conversation around how long have the saints been a team in a competitive context. The arrival of head coach Sean Payton in 2006 and quarterback Drew Brees in 2006 ignited a period of sustained excellence. The franchise transformed from a lovable underdog into a powerhouse, consistently competing for division titles and setting numerous offensive records. This era redefined the franchise's trajectory, embedding the Saints into the NFL's upper echelon.
