The Who Dat Era
From a chant in the dark to lifting the Lombardi Trophy.
The Who Dat Era represents the cultural and competitive renaissance of the New Orleans Saints, transforming them from a struggling franchise into Super Bowl champions. Defined by the iconic fan chant that originated in the early 1980s, this period is most closely associated with the tenure of head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees.
- Championship
- Super Bowl XLIV
- Key Quarterback
- Drew Brees
- Head Coach
- Sean Payton
- First Playoff Win
- 2006 Season
- Chant Origin Decade
- 1980s
- Franchise Record
- Most Passing Yards
Lore & Background
On the field, this era redefined offensive football in the NFL. The Saints utilized a high-tempo passing game that challenged traditional defenses and set new standards for quarterback performance. The chant grew louder with every victory, eventually echoing across the stadium during their historic run to the title game against Pittsburgh.
In Their Own Story
The clock ticks down at Sun Life Stadium. Confetti cannons are primed in the rafters of the Super Bowl venue. In the pocket, a quarterback in black and gold scans the field one last time before the final whistle blows. The crowd roars, a unified sound rising from the stands that has waited forty years to be heard this loud.
Reader's Guide
The cultural identity began in the early 1980s, when fans adopted a rhythmic chant at Tulane Stadium. It became synonymous with resilience after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. In 2006, head coach Sean Payton arrived to rebuild a franchise historically winless in the playoffs. That season marked a turning point, securing the first-ever playoff victory against Atlanta. The following years saw quarterback Drew Brees shatter passing records and lead the team back into national relevance. By 2009, the squad reached the pinnacle of American football. They defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIV, finally ending decades of droughts with a championship ring. This victory cemented the chant as a symbol of triumph rather than just noise. The era continued through the early 2010s, defined by offensive dominance and consistent division titles. Despite controversies like the bounty scandal, the core identity remained rooted in community support. Eventually, the original architects moved on, leaving behind a legacy where the city and team healed together. The Who Dat Era stands as the definitive period of modern Saints football history.
Did You Know?
- The 'Who Dat' chant was popularized during a playoff game against Minnesota in 1980.
- Drew Brees holds the franchise record for career passing yards and completions.
- Super Bowl XLIV remains the only Super Bowl victory in Saints history to date.
- The team played home games in San Antonio during the 2005 season due to stadium damage.