Marques Colston Franchise Receiving Records
The Golden Arm's favorite target and the Saints' all-time receiving yardage leader.
Marques Colston stands as the undisputed receiving titan of New Orleans Saints history, a cornerstone of the franchise's transformation from perennial underdogs to Super Bowl champions. Drafted in the first round of 2006, his career defined an era of offensive dominance alongside quarterback Drew Brees, establishing records that have become the benchmark for all future wide receivers in the city. His tenure is synonymous with consistency, clutch performance, and a deep connection to the fanbase known as 'Who Dat.'
- Role
- Wide Receiver
- Draft Year
- 2006
- Super Bowl Title
- XLIV Champion
- Franchise Record
- Most Career Receiving Yards
- All-Time Rank
- Top 5 in NFL History for Receptions (at retirement)
- Jersey Number
- 81
Lore & Background
His records were built on a foundation of durability and adaptability. Whether stretching the field deep or finding soft spots in zone coverage, Colston's route running was masterful. He held the franchise record for receiving yards for over a decade before being surpassed by Michael Thomas, yet his status as the most consistent receiver in team history remains unchallenged. His legacy is cemented not just by numbers, but by his pivotal role in breaking the Super Bowl curse.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Superdome was thick with humidity and anticipation during a late-season showdown against the Falcons. With seconds ticking down and the Saints trailing by four, Brees scrambled into the pocket. He locked eyes on Colston, who had just slipped past a defender in the end zone. The spiral was perfect; Colston's hands were ready.
Reader's Guide
His record-breaking journey began early, as he consistently topped 1,000 yards in multiple seasons, establishing himself as Brees's primary target. He also holds the franchise record for most receptions, showcasing his reliability over a long tenure from 2006 to 2018. Colston broke the previous receiving yardage mark during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, cementing his place in the record books while leading the team on offense. His significance lies in his consistency; he never had an off-year and was instrumental in every playoff run of his era. While records are eventually broken, Colston's combination of volume, longevity, and championship pedigree remains the gold standard for Saints receivers.
Did You Know?
- He was selected as an All-Pro first-teamer once and made three Pro Bowls during his career with New Orleans.
- His jersey number 81 was retired by the city of New Orleans, though not officially by the team yet.
- Colston caught a touchdown in his final game against the Saints before moving to the Houston Texans.