Top 10 All Decade Saints Players – 1960s

The offseason means top 10 lists. A blogger has to milk whatever topics come to mind this time of year. And frankly, at this stage of the year, I’d much rather reminisce about guys that played well for the Saints than talk about a Junior Galette-esque fiasco or some random injury. So this new series will give you the top 10 players of each decade – starting with the 60s. Problem is, the Saints started in 1967 and only won 12 games in the 60s over the course of three seasons. This is without a doubt the toughest decade to choose 10 players from. But I did it. Here they are:

1. Dave Whitsell, CB – During this three year span he had 19 interceptions and a Pro Bowl berth in 1967 thanks to a 10 interception season. His 19 interceptions in 3 seasons with the Saints is still 5th all time in team history and his 10 picks in 1967 remain a single season team record. He was the only Saint to make the Pro Bowl in ’67 and so the first ever in team history. He entered the Saints Hall of Fame in 1996.
2. Danny Abramowicz, WR – Before Eric Martin, Joe Horn and Marques Colston he was quite clearly the best receiver in team history. He made the Pro Bowl in 1969 as the first Saint ever to have 1,000 yards receiving in a season. He was the first Saints player inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame along with Archie Manning in 1988. He’s 7th in team history in receptions, 4th in yards and 6th in receiving touchdowns.
3. Tom Dempsey, K – Named to the Saints Hall of Fame in 1989. He made the Pro Bowl in 1969 as one of the league’s best kickers, despite having half a right foot. Dempsey would make his famous 63 yarder in 1970 but his 6 made field goals against the Giants in 1969 remains a Saints single game record.
4. Jake Kupp, G – Entered the Saints Hall of Fame in 1992. He made the Pro Bowl once in 1969.
5. Andy Livingston, RB – Made the Pro Bowl in 1969 thanks to a 761 yard rushing season and 8 scored touchdowns. He averaged 4.2 yards per carry that season.
6. Billy Kilmer, QB – He led the Saints to 9 of their 12 wins during that span. His best season was ’69 when he threw for 2,532 yards, 20 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Entered the Saints Hall of Fame in 1990.
7. Tony Baker, RB – Made the Pro Bowl as a fullback in 1969 thanks to 642 yards rushing (2nd on the team) and 34 receptions (3rd on the team). Averaged 4.8 yards per carry and 10.4 per reception.
8. Doug Atkins, DE – His number (81) is one of two retired numbers in team history based on what he meant to the team between 1967 and 1969. He’s a member of the Saints Hall of Fame as of 1995 and he was also inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame mostly thanks to his decorated career with the Bears (8 Pro Bowls).
9. Gene Howard, DB/KR – Decent playmaker on defense that had 3 interceptions in 1968 and 2 in 1969. He also had 2 fumble recoveries during that span and 4 forced fumbles. He was also a decent return man that had an 86 yard kick return in ’69.
10. John Gilliam, KR – Returned the first kickoff return in Saints history 94 yards for a touchdown. That will remain in history as one of the most special moments for the Saints. What a way to begin the franchise’s history.