Top 50 New Orleans Saints of All-Time: No. 20-16

We’re quickly approaching the weekend, and after last night’s NFL Kickoff Game, we’re much more eager for the New Orleans Saints Week 1 home bout against the Oakland Raiders. In honor of the team’s 50th Anniversary Season, we’ve been counting down the Top 50. Before we dive into No. 20-16, here’s a glimpse of how we got here:

50. Tracy Porter
49. Scott Fujita
48. John Carney
47. Dave Whitsell
46. Tommy Barnhardt
45. Tyrone Hughes
44. Thomas Morstead
43. Michael Lewis
42. Tom Dempsey
41. Joe Johnson
40. Fred McAfee
39. John Hill
38. Reggie Bush
37. Frank Warren
36. Jonathan Vilma
35. Derland Moore
34. Jim Wilks
33. Aaron Brooks
32. Jim Dombrowski
31. Will Smith
30. Sammy Knight
29. Hoby Brenner
28. Stan Brock
27. Jahri Evans
26. Dave Waymer
25. La’Roi Glover
24. Tom Myers
23. Wayne Martin
22. Steve Gleason
21. Jimmy Graham

20. Bobby Hebert (1985-1992)

Bobby Hebert, or better known as "The Cajun Cannon", spent 7 years with the Saints and compiled a 49-26 record as the team's starter. The Cut Off, Louisiana native got his start in the USFL, and quickly made his mark with the Saints by beating out incumbent quarterback Dave Wilson after splitting time with him in 1985 and 1986. Collectively, Hebert tossed 85 touchdowns (fourth-highest) for the Saints, and his 1987 season landed him on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Many forget (or don't forget) that Hebert left the Saints for the rival Falcons in 1993, and posted a 3-1 record against his former team. Hebert was appropriately inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in 1999 with his favorite target, Eric Martin.

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19. Henry Childs (1974-1980)

Long before the Saints were graced by the likes of Jimmy Graham and many other great tight ends, there was Henry Childs. In the 1970s, Childs was a combination of athleticism and finesse that helps the black and gold become an actual offense. Childs was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in 1994, and recently passed away in June.

As long-time fan and editor at Big Easy Believer Barry Hirstius said in a homage tribute to his passing, Childs was the complete package.

Childs had an innate ability to make the ‘big play’ when the Saints would need it most. In most of them, Henry would be completely covered when quarterback Archie Manning was forced to get rid of the ball sooner than he had wanted to, but would incredibly STILL make the catch.

18. Tony Galbreath (1976-1980)

Tony Galbreath and the next guy on our list tore up defenses as the accurately dubbed 'Thunder and Lightning' duo. Galbreath was not only a talented blocker, but also an extremely gifted pass-catching running back. He was a frequent target of Archie Manning, and quickly established himself as one of the league's best weapons. Galbreath finished as the NFL's sixth-highest leading receiver as a rookie. He would be inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in 1991.

17. Chuck Muncie (1976-1980)

A slight edge was given to Chuck Muncie, as he was the franchise's first 1,000-yard rusher. Muncie was the team's third overall choice in the 1976 draft, and was the NFL's first player to sport glasses and goggles while playing. He made the Pro Bowl in 1979 from a stellar season, but never really enjoyed playing in New Orleans due to racist acts of vandalism.

After the team's 0-4 start in 1980, Muncie was traded to the San Diego Chargers, where his career finished in 1984. Muncie's abilities and achievements were overshadowed with a battle with cocaine use. However, he is still the Saints' sixth-highest rusher and is tied for the team's third-most rushing touchdowns (28). Sadly, Muncie passed away in 2013 from a heart attack at the age of 60.

Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images

16. Pierre Thomas (2007-2014)

Pierre Thomas was the standard for what undrafted rookie free agents meant to the New Orleans Saints. He was known for his versatility and elusiveness, as well as some very memorable plays during his tenure. It didn't start out perfectly for Thomas, as he went undrafted in the 2007 NFL Draft. Thanks to special teams coach Greg McMahon, who was a coach at Illinois during Thomas' college days, the Saints brought Pierre Thomas on board to have a shot at making the roster.

It seemed like a long shot, as the Saints used a 4th Round selection on Ohio State's Antonio Pittman. So, like many undrafted rookie free agents, the deck was stacked against Thomas. He ultimately prevailed, as the team released Pittman specifically for Thomas. We know the rest of the story. Thomas shined as a kick returner early, and then moved on to running and pass catching. He was a key element in the Super Bowl run in 2009, and made a handful of memorable plays during the regular season and postseason.

The 'PT Screen' became a staple in Sean Payton's offense, and the screen game hasn't found much success since he left.