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New Orleans Saints: Ranking the five best linebackers in team history

By Drake Lohse

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 22: Linebacker Demario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints, defensive lineman David Onyemata #93 and offensive lineman Erik McCoy #78 prepare to take the field before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 22, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Saints won 33-27. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 22: Linebacker Demario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints, defensive lineman David Onyemata #93 and offensive lineman Erik McCoy #78 prepare to take the field before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 22, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Saints won 33-27. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

Rickey Jackson

Who else? For too long prior to Jackson’s arrival, the Saints were the butt of jokes. The minute Jackson stepped foot on the turf, he would allow no more laughter. The Florida menace had arrived to be sure that his team would forever be taken seriously.

Had Drew Brees signed with the Dolphins, Jackson would remain atop his throne as the greatest player in franchise history.

A second-round draft pick, Jackson started every game his rookie year and every game thereafter, save for the two games he missed following injuries sustained from a serious car accident. Injuries he did not wait to recover from before returning to the field.

Instead, he donned a special helmet to protect his wire-clamped jaw and sucked it up.

Jackson owns nearly every defensive record there is to hold. Sacks, tackles, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries; Jackson owns them all. His 128 overall sacks sit 16th on the NFL’s all-time list.

Next. Top 30 players in New Orleans Saints’ history. dark

So before the new-age Saints’ fans go settle into your snuggies and tweet from the comfort of your “safe places” about how magnificent the Saints defense of our era is today, make sure you pay homage to the men who came before us all and made the Saints the team they are today.

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