With just nine days remaining until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2026 regular season against the Detroit Lions, the focus shifts to the iconic No. 9 jersey. Currently, there is no player on the Saints roster wearing this number, and many believe it should remain unclaimed in honor of the legendary quarterback Drew Brees. This countdown to kickoff offers a chance to reflect on the players who have donned the No. 9 jersey in Saints history, particularly Brees, whose impact on the franchise is unparalleled.
The history of the No. 9 jersey in New Orleans is brief but notable. It began with K Happy Feller, who served as the team's kicker from 1972 to 1973. Feller's tenure was marked by struggles, as he converted only 10 of 23 field goal attempts, a mere 43.5%. After Feller, the number was not worn again until 1989 when punter George Winslow took it for just five games. The most significant names associated with No. 9, however, are quarterbacks Tommy Kramer and Jake Delhomme, both of whom had brief stints in the jersey before Brees made it legendary.
Tommy Kramer, who had a successful 13-year career with the Minnesota Vikings, joined the Saints for his final season in 1990. Unfortunately, his time in New Orleans was short-lived, as he only played in one game, completing 1 of 3 passes for 2 yards and throwing an interception. Jake Delhomme, a Lafayette native and star from the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, wore No. 9 during the 1999 season. He started two games that year, finishing with a 1-1 record and throwing for 521 yards, three touchdowns, and five interceptions. Delhomme is remembered as the last player to wear No. 9 before Brees took over the mantle.
In 2006, head coach Sean Payton made a pivotal decision by signing Drew Brees, who was coming off shoulder surgery after a stint with the San Diego Chargers. Brees quickly proved his worth, leading the NFL with 4,418 passing yards and guiding the Saints to the NFC Championship Game in his first season. Over his remarkable 15-year career with the Saints, Brees transformed the franchise, achieving a regular-season record of 142-86, making nine playoff appearances, winning seven division titles, and capturing the Super Bowl XLIV championship.
Drew Brees is known for his remarkable passing ability, holding the record for five of the 15 seasons in NFL history with over 5,000 passing yards. His 2011 season was particularly memorable, as he threw for 5,476 yards, breaking a 27-year-old single-season record. Upon retiring after the 2020 season, Brees left the game as the all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, completions, attempts, and completion percentage. His accuracy and leadership on the field earned him a first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
As the Saints approach their 2026 opener, the legacy of the No. 9 jersey remains firmly tied to Drew Brees. His impact on the team and the city of New Orleans is indelible, and it will be interesting to see how the franchise honors this tradition moving forward.
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