Countdown to New Orleans Saints Kickoff: A History of No. 6

The New Orleans Saints will begin their 2017 season in just 6 days. Canal Street Chronicles continues our countdown to kickoff series as the team prepares for it's opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Today, we look back at the players that have worn the number 6 throughout Saints history.

Tommy Barnhardt (P, 1989-1994, 1999)

Barnhardt was originally a 9th round draft pick by Tampa Bay in 1986. He appeared in 3 games with New Orleans during the '87 season, wearing No. 10, then was re-signed by the team in 1989 after playing for Washington the year before. He led the NFL in punting yards in 1991, and finished in the top 10 of the league in punting average five times. He left the Saints after the '94 season, playing with Carolina and Tampa Bay, re-joining New Orleans in 1999 before finishing his career back with the Redskins the following season. Barnhardt averaged 42.5 yards per punt during his 8 years with the Saints.

Thomas Morstead (P, 2009-current)

Morstead was a 5th round draft choice by the Saints in 2009, and is one of only 3 players remaining on the roster from their Super Bowl XLIV championship team. He has finished in the top 10 in average yards per punt 6 times, with a career high of 50.1 yards per punt in a Pro Bowl season of 2012. Consistently recognized as one of the top punters in the league, missing only two of a possible 128 games during his time in New Orleans.

Perhaps Morstead's most famous play was not a punt, but instead a kickoff. Lining up for the second half kickoff of Super Bowl XLIV, the Saints had planned a surprise onside kick, nicknamed "Ambush". The onside kick was executed by Morstead, and recovered by the Saints. They then responded by scoring a touchdown, giving them their first lead of the game, on their way to a 31-17 Super Bowl victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

The only other player to wear No. 6 during a regular season game in Saints history was Dirk Johnson, who punted 8 times during one game appearance for the Saints in 2002.