Karl/Pa. wrote:The Colts are named after a young horse. The Saints are named for the New Orleans Jazz tune "When the Saints go Marching In."Aughnanure wrote:I read the heading and thought "I know what a Colt is but what the hell is a 'Saint' . . .now I know that it's not another pistol
In 1966, Louisiana congressman Hale Boggs was to head a group investigating the NFL for anti-trust violations.
Then NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle met with Congressman Hale Boggs & promised New Orleans a NFL expansion franchise provided the anti-trust investigation is stopped & a suitable stadium be built within ten years time.
The anti-trust investigation was stopped & New Orleans was awarded a NFL franchise on 01Nov1966, which is All Saints Day for the Catholic religion.
New Orleans & Louisiana have largely been a Catholic stronghold throughout its history. ( Louisiana is still divided into parishes, not counties, as is the other 49 states.)
The Saints began play in September 1967 using Tulane University's football stadium until the Superdome was completed in 1975.
The team was originally owned by Texas oilman John Mecom jr, but was sold to present owner , banker & new car dealership owner Tom Benson in 1985.
It was Tom Benson who got the Saints heading in a winning direction for the first time, & the team posted a 12-3 record in in 1987, the first winning season in franchise history.
Geaux Saints!