In 2005, the Saints were forced to play many of their home games out of state after Hurricane Katrina caused flooding damage and tore off part of the Superdome's roof. It was rumored that Saints' owner Tom Benson might deem the Superdome unusable and seek to legally void his contract and relocate the team to San Antonio, where he had business interests. Ultimately, however, the Superdome was repaired and renovated in time for the 2006 season at an estimated cost of $185 million.
Head coach Sean Payton was suspended as a result of his alleged involvement in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal, under which "bounties" were paid for contact that would "knock out" targeted players on opposing teams. Payton has denied that any such program ever existed.
In 1980, the Saints lost their first 14 games, prompting local sportscaster Bernard "Buddy D" Diliberto to advise Saints supporters to wear paper bags over their heads at the team's home games; many bags rendered the club's name as the "'Aints" rather than the "Saints."
The Saints have had multiple mascots over the years, including Sir Saint, Gumbo the Dog (a Saint Bernard wearing the number 00), and Mambo (a furry muppet-like jester).
Jackson finished his career with 136 (eight unofficial in 1981) sacks and eight interceptions, which he returned for 68 yards.
On October 26, 2008, the Saints defeated the Chargers 37-32 in London's Wembley Stadium.
SHARE THIS PAGE!