How many players do you remember of the New Orleans Saints that won the NFL Championship of 2009? Now, 10 years later as the Saints have been knocking of the door of another Super Bowl appearance, those heros seem to be way back in our memories. Only 2 players remain on the team from that magical year – Drew Brees and punter Thomas Morstead. A rookie with the Saints in 2009 Malcolm Jenkins, earned another ring with the Eagles and is still quite active on their roster.
So who can you recall from the 2009 Super Bowl upset over Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts? A dozen are shown above. Need some help?
#9 – Drew Brees
Without a doubt, the most famous and well recognized player in New Orleans Saints history is Drew Brees. The MVP of Super Bowl XLIV it’s inevitable he will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame the moment he’s eligible.
A 12-time Pro Bowler and 2-time Offensive Player of the Year he has lead the NFL in passing yards 7 times and passing touchdowns 4. The Saints All-Time franchise passing leader he holds numerous NFL records as well. He’s passed for the most yards in an NFL career, completed the most passes and has the highest pass percentage completion. He broke the most of consecutive games with a touchdown pass record previously held by the legendary Johnny Unitas. He’s had five 5,000 plus yard seasons to date.
#41 – Roman Harper
A 2nd round pick in 2006 Roman Harper played a total of 9 seasons with the Saints. A Pro-Bowler in 2009 and 2010. During the Championship season he was credited with 102 total tackles and 1½ sacks.
#91 – Will Smith
Will Smith, the Saints 1st-round draft pick in 2004 was a standout defensive end until 2012. Led the team in sacks 4 different times including 2009 when he had 13. Still #5 on the team’s All-Time Sack Leader list.
#23 – Pierre Thomas
Of all the players in the Who Dat Annuls, Pierre Thomas ranks as one probably of the least known over-achievers in the NFL. An undrafted free agent in 2007 he was a Saint until 2014. He was the team’s leading rusher in 2009 as well as in 2008 and 2013. He did everything – ran, blocked, returned kicks. Where he excelled at though was the screen pass. He scored the Saint’s first touchdown in Super Bowl XLIV on a screen pass. Is still #5 among the Saints All-time career rushers list.
#88 – Jeremy Shockey
After a very productive time with the New York Giants the out-spoken Jeremy Shockey joined the Saints in 2008. A major target of Brees he hauled in 48 passes and 3 touchdowns that season. Literally limping a pass route from an injury he caught a touchdown in the playoff victory against Cardinals and caught the go-ahead score against the Colts in the Super Bowl.
#42 – Darren Sharper
Darren Sharper
was another addition to the Saints. The veteran Free Safety had already played 12 seasons between the Packers and Vikings but felt the Saints has a legitimate shot at a championship. An All-Pro 2009 he led the NFL in interceptions, interception return yards and interception return touchdowns that season.#51 – Jon Vilma
The team’s leading tackler in 2009, Jonathan Vilma was the defensive leader for 6 seasons. Formerly a Jet, he was traded to the Saints in 2008 and instantly became the starting middle linebacker. Pro Bowler in 2009 and 2010.
Sean Payton – Head Coach
Sean Payton
took over the Saints organization in 2006 following the disaster that the Jim Haslett years had turned into. Guiding New Orleans to a 10-6 record and an NFC Championship game appearance he was named Coach of the Year in 2006. Known for the On-Side kick he called to start the 2nd half of the Super Bowl. This latest victory over Arizona was win #200. He is ranked as one of the NFL’s top coaches today.#19 – Devery Henderson
Already a home-town favorite Devery Henderson was a member of the National Championship teams for both football and track at LSU. He developed into a deep threat with the Saints leading the league twice in Yards-per-Catch. In 2009 he was the team’s 2nd leading receiver.
#5 – Garrett Hartley
The Hero of the NFC Championship game. It was a 40-yard Garrett Hartley field goal in overtime that beat the Minnesota Vikings and sent the Saints to the Super Bowl. Twice before in 2009 – against Washington and Atlanta – he made game winning kicks. He had 3 field goals in the Super Bowl.
#12 – Marques Colston
There have few players as beloved by Saints fans as Marques Colston. A 7th-round draft pick from Hofstra he became the starter as rookie in 2006. In 2009 he was the team’s leading pass catcher. Retired after 10 seasons and left as the Saints All-Time leading receiver.
#25 – Reggie Bush
As the Heisman Award winner from USC much was expected of Reggie Bush when he became the New Orleans Saints 1st draft round pick in 2006. Some may argue he never lived up to the hype he generated but there was one point that was un-deniable. With Bush there was always the potential of a big play. As a Saint he had 18 plays that went for over 25 yards and over 5,000 All Purpose Yards. In 2008 alone he had 3 Punt Returns for Touchdowns.
