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Saints' No. 89: A Jersey of Stars and Struggles
16 Jun
Summary
- No. 89 has been worn by Saints players since the team's 1967 inaugural season.
- Key players like Wes Chandler and Quinn Early made significant impacts in No. 89.
- Josh Hill holds the record for longest tenure with the number, wearing it for eight years.
The No. 89 jersey for the New Orleans Saints carries a legacy stretching back to the team's inaugural 1967 season. Kent Kramer, the first tight end to score a touchdown for the franchise, initially wore it. Dave Long was the only defensive player to don the number, recording 8.5 sacks. Wes Chandler, a high draft pick, achieved the second 1,000-yard receiving season in Saints history during 1979. Quinn Early later became a prominent receiver, playing 79 games and accumulating 3,758 receiving yards over five seasons.
Over the decades, many players have worn No. 89, with varying degrees of success. Some had brief tenures, while others, like Brett Bech and Lamont Hall, had moderate impacts. Josh Hill holds the distinction for the longest tenure, wearing the number for eight years and 117 games, noted for his blocking prowess and crucial touchdowns. Rashid Shaheed briefly wore No. 89 during his rookie season in 2022, showcasing explosive return abilities. Undrafted rookie Brock Rechsteiner is the current wearer, aiming to build on the legacy of No. 89.
