The New Orleans Saints Story

On All Saints Day in 1966, the New Orleans Saints became the NFLÕs sixteenth franchise. Enthusiastic fans showed their spirit by celebrating ÒMardi Gras in AutumnÓ at their home games. After Hurricane Katrina, the Saints came back stronger than ever and revived the cityÕs high spirits. Discover what it takes to persevere and succeed in this title for reluctant readers.

The New York Times bestseller that's "heaven in hardcover" (New Orleans Times-Picayune) for Saints fans. In the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, no symbol of disaster was more potent than New Orleans' Superdome: it became a horrific shelter of last resort where the utterly desperate rode out the storm. Four years later, in that very stadium, the New Orleans Saints won the NFC championship and earned their first-ever trip to the Super Bowl, where they defeated the favored Indianapolis Colts 31-17. This is the inspirational true story of a city recovering from disaster and a team with a history of heartbreak, as seen through the eyes of the coach who would help elevate them both to long- forgotten greatness.

"Middle grade football fans are introduced to the extraordinary history of the NFL's New Orleans Saints with a photo-laden narrative of their greatest successes and losses"--

Relive the Greatest Moments in Saints Football—Newly Updated! The New Orleans Saints own a rich history that reflects the unique character of their hometown—always colorful, sometimes sinful, and utterly unpredictable. In recent years, the Saints have shaken off their reputation as the NFL’s lovable Fleur de Losers and have risen to become a dangerous gridiron competitor once again. Despite the struggles of their early years, the Saints are adored and worshipped by their fans like few other teams in the league. Their diehard followers are resilient, passionate, and eternally optimistic. In this newly revised edition of Tales from the New Orleans Saints Sideline, author Jeff Duncan chronicles the flamboyant history of the franchise, its highs and lows, the great coaches and players, and the colorful characters that have made it one of the most interesting clubs in NFL history. Tales from the New Orleans Saints Sideline details the franchise’s journey from the bumbling early years under freewheeling owner John Mecom, through the misguided and madcap three seasons under Coach Mike Ditka, and the return to respectability under the wise Sean Payton. Primed and ready to achieve the glory that has thus far eluded them, the New Orleans Saints have hundreds of stories to be told, and thousands of moments to share. Now fans will relive all the greatest triumphs and most devastating defeats, and get the inside story from former Saints greats like Mora, Archie Manning, Morten Andersen, Pat Swilling, Drew Brees, and more. Without a doubt, Tales from the New Orleans Saints Sideline is a must-have for any football fan.

"Filled with insider stories about the sports scene of New Orleans and previously untold secret political maneuvers made to bring the Saints to New Orleans." -New Orleans Times-Picayune "Dave Dixon offers a behind-the-scenes look at the New Orleans NFL." -(LA) The Daily Advertiser Before the Saints were synonymous with New Orleans, Dave Dixon was gathering support to create a team and build a Superdome to accommodate them. The man affectionately known as the "Father of the Saints" gives an insider's perspective on the historical events that shaped the New Orleans sports scene. Little-known facts reveal the negotiations, the payoffs, and the votes that eventually led to the announcement of the sixteenth franchise of the National Football League on November 1, 1966. Nine years after the NFL announcement, the Louisiana Superdome opened on August 3, 1975, as a fifty-two-acre, 269,000-square-foot facility that forever changed the skyline of New Orleans. The opening of this facility not only served as the home of the Saints, but later became home to evacuees of Hurricane Katrina. As Dixon reflects on the efforts of the key individuals who worked collectively to make this happen, he shares insight on a national scandal that he credits with altering our political landscape following the 1968 presidential elections and eventually leading to the fall of John McKeithen, a dear friend and supporter of the Saints. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dave Dixon, named one of the "Ten Most Important New Orleanians of the 20th Century" by New Orleans Magazine was widely known for his time as the executive director of the Louisiana Superdome. He was the founder of the United States Football League (USFL) in 1983 and cofounder of World Championship Tennis. He served as a member of Loyola University's Board of Trustees and spoke to both Harvard University and Stanford University graduate schools of business. Dixon passed away in August of 2010.

Presents the history of the New Orleans Saints, a professional football team, from its beginning in 1967 to the present.

When a potentially career-ending shoulder injury left quarterback Drew Brees without a team—and facing the daunting task of having to learn to throw a football all over again—coaches around the NFL wondered, Will he ever come back? After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, leaving more than 80 percent of the city underwater, many wondered, Will the city ever come back? And with their stadium transformed into a makeshift refugee camp, forcing the Saints to play their entire 2005 season on the road, people questioned, Will the Saints ever come back? It takes a special person to turn adversity into success and despair into hope—yet that is exactly what Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees has done—and with the weight of an entire city on his shoulders. Coming Back Stronger is the ultimate comeback story, not only of one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, but also of a city and a team that many had all but given up on. Brees’s inspiring message of hope and encouragement proves that with enough faith, determination, and heart, you can overcome any obstacle life throws your way and not only come back, but come back stronger.

New Orleans Saints 101 is required reading for every Saints fan! From Gumbo the mascot and the "Dome Patrol" linebackers to the 2009 Super Bowl Championship, you'll share all the memories with the next generation. Enjoy all the traditions of your favorite team, learn the basics about playing football and share the excitement of the NFL!

Each National Football League team has a unique story. The My First NFL Book series introduces readers to the 32 NFL teams. Each title explores an NFL team’s major records, stars, stadium, history, statistics and more.