New Orleans Saints: From the Aints to Bountygate, Franchise Not Lacking in Drama

It was the first game in franchise history, and John Gilliam returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. The New Orleans Saints franchise started off with a bang, and the drama has continued ever since.

For a franchise that has been in existence for only 45 years, the Saints have had more memorable moments—good and bad—than most more established franchises.

In the early years, the Saints struggled to win games, but that didn't stop them from setting NFL records. It was 1970 when Tom Dempsey—off his club foot—kicked a record-breaking 63-yard field goal.

Off the field, the Saints' losing ways led to them being derisively known as the "Aints." When their team lost the first 14 games of the 1980 season, Saints fans started wearing paper bags over their heads to show their displeasure with the awful product on the field.

In 1999, the Saints traded all of their picks—plus their first- and third-round picks in 2000—to move up and draft Ricky Williams.

Williams proved to be one of the most unique football players in league history. He started his campaign in New Orleans by appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated in a wedding dress.

When Hurricane Katrina tragically struck New Orleans in 2005, the Saints were an integral part of the city's recovery. The Superdome served as a shelter for many of the city's displaced residents.

With the city still in turmoil from the damage caused by Katrina, and the Superdome too damaged for games, the Saints split their 2005 home games between New York, San Antonio and Baton Rouge.

There were concerns that the Saints would leave New Orleans in its worst hour and relocate to another city. Luckily, this never came to fruition, and the Saints returned to the Superdome for the 2006 season.

The Saints' 2006 home opener was a Monday night game against the Atlanta Falcons. It was an emotional night and will forever be remembered for Steve Gleason's blocked punt. The Saints rode their opening-night success all the way to the NFC Championship Game.

Over the next three years, New Orleans was slowly overcoming the damage caused by Katrina, gradually improving the city's infrastructure and regaining its identity. The 2009-2010 Saints gave the city something to rally around. The Saints won Super Bowl XLIV, dedicating the win to the city of New Orleans.

The Saints' Super Bowl win was the feel-good story of 2010. New Orleans rallied around the Saints, and the Saints became a positive symbol for the post-Katrina healing process.

Unfortunately, the Saints' bounty program has brought an end to their positive run. With the league handing down suspensions to management, coaches and players, the Saints have become public enemy No. 1 in the NFL.

The heart-warming story of the 2010 Super Bowl team seems like a distant memory, as the Saints have put a permanent stain on the franchise. 

In their 45-year history, the Saints went from laughing stocks to a feel-good team that everyone rooted for to now being the NFL villain in the face of the bounty program scandal. Good or bad, the Saints have always given fans something to talk about.

Like most for this franchise, 2012 has already been a drama-filled year for the Saints. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Saints post-Bountygate.

If the past is any indication, it will surely be eventful.