In 2006 there were nearly 25 players from the 2005 roster that were replaced. In 2006 the team had the new leadership with Sean Payton named as the new head coach. A legendary draft class was selected. Several of those players would go on to play major roles in the Saints’ success, but one stands out from the rest, Marques Colston.

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Last week, ESPN re-aired the famous Rebirth game as the Saints returned to the Louisiana Superdome. This game was the first game at home after months of playing in San Antonio and Tiger Stadium.

The New Orleans Saints signed former Chargers quarterback Drew Brees to a lucrative 6-year, $60 million deal. The Saints had some talent for Drew Brees to work with, such as the Joe Horn, Deuce Mcallister, Donte’ Stallworth and Devery Henderson.

Notably, first round draft pick Donte’ Stallworth had just had a career year in 2005, but Payton traded Stallworth to the Philadelphia Eagles for linebacker Mark Simoneau and a conditional fourth round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. Sean Payton mentioned that the 7th round rookie Marques Colston had been very impressive, Stallworth was considered expendable.


Marques Colston played college football at Upstate New York’s Hofstra University, a university which does not have a football team anymore. Colston appeared in 40 games with 182 catches for 2,834 yards and just 18 touchdowns over his four seasons. Colston was the third-from-last player selected in the 2006 NFL draft. He not only took advantage of this opportunity, but he thrived and quickly formed a bond with Drew Brees that would be impeccable.

In his rookie season, Colston went out and made himself a household name for Saints fans by finishing the year with 70 receptions 1,038 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Colston was a nightmare match up for defenses. Sean Payton lined him up everywhere. Marques was 6-foot-5 tall and 225 pounds. He was too big for defensive backs and too fast for linebackers. Marques ran 4.5 forty yard dash.

Some would say, Colston was more rookie of the year material then teammate and 2006 2nd overall pick Reggie Bush. Colston was not a diva wide receiver personality like Chad Johnson, Dez Bryant or Terrell Owens. Instead, Colston was a humble quiet player making a name for himself. He earned himself the nickname “Quiet Storm” because he let his play do all the talking.

Looking back now, Colston’s rookie year was only the start of what was a tremendous career. Marques Colston went on to become the best receiver in the New Orleans Saints franchise history.

With that we say thank you 12.