With just 11 days remaining until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2026 season, anticipation is building among fans and players alike. The Saints are set to begin their campaign on the road against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, September 13. Currently, the No. 11 jersey is worn by backup quarterback Zach Wilson, who previously sported No. 4 during the preseason. This article takes a closer look at the history of the No. 11 jersey in Saints lore, highlighting the players who have worn it over the years.
The tradition of the No. 11 jersey began in 1968 when Ronnie Lee South became the first player to wear it after being selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. South's tenure with the Saints was brief; he played in just four games that season, completing 14 of 38 passes for 129 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Additionally, he served as a punter, averaging a modest 27.6 yards on 14 punts.
In 1969, Jim Ninowski took over the No. 11 jersey, also as a backup quarterback. He played in four games, completing 17 of 34 passes for 227 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. However, it was Bivian Lee, who wore No. 11 from 1971 to 1975, who made a significant impact as the first defensive player to don the number. Drafted in the third round from Prairie View A&M, Lee played 65 games for the Saints, recording nine interceptions and recovering three fumbles during his five-year stint.
The 1980s and 1990s saw a revolving door of quarterbacks wearing No. 11, including Richard Todd, who joined the Saints in 1984 after a tumultuous career with the New York Jets. Todd started 14 games in his first season with New Orleans, finishing with a completion percentage of 51.6% and throwing for 2,178 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions. John Fourcade, another notable quarterback, had a memorable run with the Saints, especially during the 1987 player strike when he led the team to a 2-1 record as a replacement player.
Mark Brunell, primarily known for his success with the Jacksonville Jaguars, also wore No. 11 during his time as a backup in New Orleans. While he saw limited action, his experience was invaluable as he mentored Drew Brees. The jersey then transitioned to Tommylee Lewis, who made his mark as a return specialist from 2016 to 2019, averaging eight yards on punt returns and 23 yards on kickoffs.
Deonte Harris, who later changed his last name to Harty, became a standout player after going undrafted in 2019. He earned All-Pro honors as a return specialist and contributed significantly as a receiver, catching 64 passes for 793 yards and four touchdowns during his time with the Saints. Following Harris, Cameron Dantzler had a brief stint in the No. 11 jersey, followed by Cedrick Wilson, who recorded 20 receptions for 211 yards in his only season with the team.
Most recently, Dante Pettis wore No. 11 in 2025, contributing as a backup receiver and punt returner. As the Saints gear up for their season opener, the legacy of the No. 11 jersey continues to be a part of the team's rich history, showcasing a mix of quarterbacks and skilled players who have left their mark on the franchise.
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