John Sigler
August 2, 2024 4:55 am CT
There are 37 days left in our countdown until the New Orleans Saints open up their regular season against the division-rival Carolina Panthers, and today we’re looking back on every player who wore the No. 37 jersey for the black and gold.
It’s an interesting list. Of course there’s Steve Gleason, the hero of the 2006 “Rebirth” game, but there are also former players like Pro Bowl safety Tom Myers on the list. Myers had 36 interceptions in his 136-game career with the Saints, which stood as a team record when he retired, and remains second-most to his protege and successor Dave Waymer (37). Several players competed against the Saints before joining New Orleans and taking the No. 37 jersey for themselves, including Matt Giordano, who currently works on staff as an assistant defensive backs coach.
Here is the full list from Pro Football Reference:
Lawrence Johnson (2024-Present)
May 11, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Lawrence Johnson (37) runs drills during the rookie minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Mims (2023)
Aug 12, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Jordan Mims (35) runs with the ball during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Tony Jones Jr. (2020-2021)
Aug 14, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Tony Jones Jr. (37) runs for a gain in the third quarter defended by Baltimore Ravens safety ArÕDarius Washington (47) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Arthur Maulet (2017-2018)
Aug 9, 2018; Jacksonville, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints corner back Arthur Maulet (37) reacts to breaking up a pass in the second half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Banjo (2016)
Nov 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Chris Banjo (37) participates in the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Saints 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Terrence Frederick (2014)
Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive back Terrence Frederick (37) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Frampton (2013)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 23: Jimmy Graham #80 of the New Orleans Saints makes a fumble recovery against Eric Frampton #27 of the Dallas Cowboys in overtime at Cowboys Stadium on December 23, 2012 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Jerico Nelson (2012)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – AUGUST 29: running back Mike Gillislee #35 of the Miami Dolphins is brought down by Safety Jerico Nelson #37 of the New Orleans Saints at Sun Life Stadium on August 29, 2013 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
Matt Giordano (2010)
October 17, 2010; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Matt Giordano (37) recovers the kick as Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Sabby Piscitelli (21) attempts to get the ball during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Steve Gleason (2000-2006)
NEW ORLEANS – DECEMBER 1: Steve Gleason #37 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccanneers during the first half of the game on December 1, 2002 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Buccanneers 23-20. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Todd Franz (2000)
CANTON, OH – AUGUST 9: Sean Taylor #36 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with teammate Todd Franz #29 after intercepting a pass in the end zone from Denver Broncos quarterback Matt Mauck during the second quarter of the 2004 NFL Hall of Fame game on August 9, 2004 at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images)
Dino Philyaw (1999)
8 Dec 1996: Runningback Dino Philyaw of the Carolina Panthers walks down the field during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at 3Comm Park in San Francisco, California. The Panthers won the game 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr. /Allsport
Chad Cota (1998)
1 Nov 1998: Safety Chad Cota #37 of the New Orleans Saints in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers at the Eriksson Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers defeated the Saints 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport
Je'Rod Cherry (1996-1997)
1 Sep 1996: Defensive back Je”Rod Cherry of the New Orleans Saints during the Saints 27-11 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at 3Com Park in San Francisco, California. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule /Allsport
Jimmy Spencer (1992-1995)
10 Sep 1995: Wide receiver Isaac Bruce #80 gets tackled by defensive back Jimmy Spencer #37 of the Newe Orleans Saints during a game played at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams won the game, 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport
Bennie Thompson (1989-1991)
Aug 1990: Defensive back Bennie Thompson of the New Orleans Saints moves down the field during a pre-season game against the Green Bay Packers at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. The Packers won the game, 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dan
Mel Gray (1986-1988)
SAN FRANCISCO – DECEMBER 11: Mel J. Gray #37 of the New Orleans Saints looks to make a play during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on December 11, 1988 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won 30-17. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
Tom Myers (1972-1981)
Dec 18, 1977; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Atlanta Falcons running back Haskel Stanback (24) carries the ball against the New Orleans Saints at Fulton County Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Saints 35-7. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Steve Stonebreaker (1967-1968)
Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the New Orleans Saints helmet and glove during pregame against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports