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Saints' No. 56: From Swilling's sacks to Davis' dominance
19 Jul
Summary
- Pat Swilling set a single-season record with 17 sacks in 1991.
- Demario Davis started 131 games over eight seasons for the Saints.
- Nineteen players have worn No. 56 for the Saints throughout history.
As the New Orleans Saints prepare for their 2026 season opener on September 13 against the Detroit Lions, the iconic No. 56 jersey is currently unoccupied. This number has a storied past, most notably worn by linebacker Pat Swilling and, more recently, by Demario Davis.
Pat Swilling, a third-round pick in 1986, became a cornerstone of the "Dome Patrol" linebacking corps. He holds the Saints' single-season sack record with 17, set in 1991, and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors that season. Swilling's impressive career included four Pro Bowls and two First-Team All-Pro selections.
Demario Davis, who departed for the New York Jets this offseason, redefined excellence in the No. 56 jersey from 2018 to 2025. He started 131 regular-season games, missing only two over eight years, and was a key leader in transforming the Saints' defense. Davis garnered two Pro Bowls and four second-team All-Pro selections, averaging over 115 tackles annually.
Historically, 19 players have donned the No. 56 for the Saints. James Ferguson was the first in 1968. While most wearers have been linebackers, Dennis 'Dirt' Winston, a two-time Super Bowl champion, also wore the number, recording 2 sacks and 7 interceptions during his four seasons in New Orleans.
