As we eagerly count down the days until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2026 season against the Detroit Lions on September 13, there's a special number on our minds: 78. No, it's not just the number of days until the season opener, but it's also the jersey number worn by center Erik McCoy, a pivotal player in the Saints' offensive line.
McCoy, entering his seventh season with New Orleans, is a cornerstone of what many anticipate will be an upgraded offensive line. Despite being limited to just seven games in each of the past two seasons due to injuries, his impact on the field is undeniable. As we delve into the history of the No. 78 jersey for the Saints, McCoy stands out as one of the most significant players to don this number.
Let's take a stroll down memory lane and look at the legacy of the No. 78 jersey in Saints history:
- Jerry Jones was the trailblazer, the first to wear 78, joining the Saints during their inaugural season in 1967. He played 37 games over three seasons, setting the stage for those who followed.
- Glen Ray Hines picked up the mantle in 1971, playing 28 games over two seasons as a tackle.
- Billy Newsome, the first defensive player to sport 78, made his mark with 14 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries, and even an interception returned for a touchdown during his two-year stint.
- Elois Grooms, drafted in the third round in 1975, spent seven seasons with the Saints, playing in 99 games. His 42.5 sacks and knack for making big plays on a struggling defense made him a standout.
- Kelvin Clark added a unique highlight to his career by recovering a fumble for a touchdown in 1983, a rare feat for an offensive lineman.
- Shawn Knight, despite being a first-round draft pick in 1987, is remembered more for his struggles than his successes, playing only 10 games before being traded.
- Jeff Walker and Daryl Terrell filled the role in the late '80s and '90s, with Terrell playing 44 games over three seasons.
- Jon Stinchcomb, a second-round pick in 2003, became a mainstay on the line, contributing significantly during the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV championship run in 2009. His 90 games are the second-most for a Saint wearing 78.
Between Stinchcomb's retirement and McCoy's arrival, the jersey saw brief tenures from Bobby Richardson, Landon Turner, and Cornelius Lucas. However, it was McCoy, drafted 48th overall in 2019, who brought stability and excellence back to the number.
In his 88 games with the Saints, McCoy has been a top-tier center, and his presence is sorely missed when he's sidelined. The team is hopeful that 2026 will see him return to full form, potentially becoming the longest-serving Saint to wear No.
- With McCoy anchoring the line, the Saints' offense looks poised to make waves this season.
In Other News...
Cam Jordan And Saints Fans Explode Over Latest Alvin Kamara Disrespect
A critical Times-Picayune column about Alvin Kamara lit up the Saints community this week, drawing sharp pushback from fans and plenty of attention inside the building as training camp approaches. The piece leaned into the familiar offseason debate around a veteran back trying to fend off age and production concerns, even as Kamara remains one of the most recognizable pieces of New Orleans identity.
Cam Jordan was among those who jumped to Kamaras defense, underscoring how differently the locker room views a player whose value is measured by more than carries and yardage. For the Saints, the bigger question is not just what outside voices think of Kamara, but how much of that noise spills into camp as the team tries to settle on its direction. [Read more 🡒]
Former Rams Lineman Just Landed The Kind Of Deal Fans Notice
David Edwards is back in a familiar kind of job for a team that needed stability up front, and the Saints made sure to get it with a four-year commitment. The offensive guard brings a rsum built across stops with the Rams and Bills, along with the sort of starting mileage and postseason experience front offices tend to value when they are trying to settle down an offensive line.
For New Orleans, the fit matters as much as the name. Edwards is expected to anchor the left guard spot in 2026 and help form a sturdier interior alongside Kelvin Banks Jr. and Erik McCoy, a setup the Saints hope can make the line look more reliable from week to week. The real question now is how much more protection the deal included, and just how heavily the Saints are investing in him as part of that upgrade. [Read more 🡒]
Saints May Have Found A Silver Lining In Vernon Broughtons Lost Year
Vernon Broughtons rookie year never really got started, but the Saints may still come out ahead after the long detour. The third-round pick spent most of the season sidelined by a hip injury, and while he was missing on Sundays, he was still getting work in other ways - learning the defense, absorbing the playbook and trying to make sure the lost reps did not turn into lost progress. New Orleans defense held up well without him, which only adds to the sense that his return could be more addition than rescue.
Broughton was cleared to resume normal activities in March, and now the attention shifts to whether the rookie can turn all that rehab-time preparation into something real on the defensive line. The Saints are expected to count on him alongside fellow rookie Christen Miller, and the appeal is obvious: a pair of young interior pieces developing while the units veteran core starts to age into a different phase. For a team that got by just fine in his absence, the next question is whether Broughton can turn a lost year into an early payoff. [Read more 🡒]