Countdown to New Orleans Saints kickoff: A history of No. 92

In just 91 days, or 7 weeks, the NFL will be back on the big stage with their opening kickoff weekend. With the New Orleans Saints set to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football, we continue focusing on our player countdown. No. 92 is up!

James Haynes (1984-1989), AV 15

Linebacker James Haynes made his most memorable impact in 1986, starting in all 16 games for the Saints defense. Haynes had an interception returned for a touchdown in a Week 2 victory over the Packers, two fumble recoveries, and two sacks. The Louisiana native played under Bum Phillips and Jim Mora during his time in the black and gold, but mainly saw a reserve role and special teams work in his last three seasons with the team. He retired after his time in New Orleans.

Remi Ayodele (2008-2010), AV 13

Remi Ayodele’s first few seasons in the NFL weren’t much to speak about, but 2009 saw a different tune. As the team’s starting nose tackle, Ayodele played a big role for the then Gregg Williams defense. He’d start in 29 of 31 games over a two-year span, being a big presence in run defense. After his three seasons with the Saints, Ayodele cashed in on a free agency deal with the Vikings, but it only lasted for a season. He re-signed with the Saints in the 2012 offseason. However, he didn’t survive final cuts, and didn’t find another home.

John Jenkins (2013-2016), AV 10

Entering the 2013 season, the Saints wanted to give better attention to their interior line (among other things, because 2012 was atrocious). They took Georgia’s John Jenkins in the 3rd Round, and there was some reason for optimism. Although he didn’t start much over his first two seasons, Jenkins did play in 28 of 32 games for the Saints. In 2015, he’d start 12 games for the team, playing in 14 total. Unfortunately, he never lived up to and produced nearly what was expected, and was outplayed by rookie Tyeler Davison in 2016. Ultimately, he’d get released.

Darren Mickell (1996-1997), AV 10

Acquired after four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Darren Mickell had an interesting path, to say the least. He was a pick in the NFL’s 1992 Supplemental Draft, with a long list of team violations during his time with the Florida Gators. It certainly followed him, as Mickell ended up getting suspended in Oct. 1996 four games by the NFL for violating the substance abuse policy. In the time Mickell did play, he missed one start in 26 games over two seasons. He retired after the 1998 for unrelated reasons to substance abuse, appeared in one more game for the Saints in 1999, and then closed out his career with the Chargers.

This season, Justin Zimmer represents the number.

Other players to wear No. 92: Martin Chase (2000-2002), Tony Bryant (2004-2005), DeMond Winston (1990-1994), Shaun Rogers (2011), Henry Ford (2003), Troy Wilson (1999)