Introduction & Hall of Fame Announcement
The New Orleans Saints proudly revealed their decision to induct two new members into the franchise’s Hall of Fame for the year 2025. Meanwhile, the Saints Hall of Fame media selection committee also announced the recipients of two prestigious honors: one posthumous award and one celebrating courage.
Hall of Fame Inductees
The Saints Hall of Fame media selection committee has chosen two former defensive backs—cornerback Tracy Porter and safety Brett Maxie—to be enshrined in the organization’s Hall of Fame class of 2025.
Special Awards 
Alongside the inductions, the committee recognized two individuals with distinguished honors:
Joe Gemelli “Fleur de Lis” Award (posthumous): Given to former WGNO sports director Ed Daniels.
Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award: Bestowed upon Steve Gleason, celebrated for his ongoing heroism and inspiration to the New Orleans community.
Tracy Porter: The Cornerback Sensation
Early Career & Entry to Saints
Tracy Porter—a highly decorated and beloved figure among Saints fans—was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft, 40th overall from Indiana University, and quickly made a name for himself in New Orleans. A native of Port Allen, Louisiana, Porter represented the Saints from 2008 to 2011.
Regular Season Highlights
Games Played/Starts: Porter appeared in 43 regular-season games for the Saints, starting 39 of them.
Tackles: Accumulated 227 total tackles, 178 of which were solo.
Turnovers:
7 interceptions
4 forced fumbles
2 fumble recoveries
Pass Defense: Broken up 37 passes.
These metrics reflect Porter’s consistent playmaking ability and defensive savvy during his tenure with the franchise.
Postseason Prowess
Porter was equally dynamic in the playoffs. In all six postseason games he played (and started) for the Saints, Porter added:
Tackles: 34 total tackles (28 solo)
Interceptions: 2, both resulting in interception returns totaling 100 yards
Forced Fumbles: 1
Pass Breakups: 2
His playoff performance included a remarkable touchdown in Super Bowl XLIV—one of the most celebrated plays in Saints lore.
Super Bowl XLIV: Iconic Moment
Perhaps Porter’s most famous contribution occurred on the grandest stage—Super Bowl XLIV—against the Indianapolis Colts. With just 3 minutes and 24 seconds remaining and the Colts driving to tie, Porter read a slant route perfectly off Peyton Manning’s hands at the 26-yard line. His 74-yard pick-six not only dashed Indianapolis’s hopes but also put New Orleans firmly in the driver’s seat, clinching their first-ever Super Bowl victory. The interception sparked jubilant celebrations across New Orleans and cemented Porter’s legacy. This game—and this play—transformed the team’s history and energized the entire city.
NFC Championship: Gatekeeper
Two weeks prior to the Super Bowl, in the NFC Championship Game, the Saints hosted the Minnesota Vikings at the Superdome. With just 19 seconds left in the fourth quarter and the Vikings threatening to win, Porter intercepted Brett Favre at the Saints’ 22-yard line, preventing a crystallizing drive. The Saints held Minnesota scoreless in overtime and won 31–28, sending New Orleans to the Super Bowl. It was another clutch moment—and a vivid example of Porter’s postseason heroics.
Brett Maxie: The Undrafted Dynamo
Road to New Orleans
Brett Maxie’s story with the Saints began in 1985. Leaving Texas Southern University undrafted, Maxie seized his opportunity by signing as a free agent with New Orleans. Over nine seasons, he grew into one of the franchise’s standout safeties.
Career Summary
Games & Starts: 118 games played, including 72 starts.
Tackles: A total of 438 tackles.
Interceptions: 15 returns amounting to 206 yards, with three returned for touchdowns.
Sack Total: 3
Fumble Recoveries: 5
Special Teams: Recorded a stop on special teams.
Throughout his Saints career, Maxie showcased hard-nosed play and versatility, thriving in a variety of defensive roles.
Postseason Contributions
Maxie started in all three playoff games he appeared in for New Orleans. Notably, this includes the franchise’s first-ever postseason game on January 3, 1988, against the Minnesota Vikings, a milestone event in Saints history.
Award Honorees
Joe Gemelli “Fleur de Lis” Award – Ed Daniels
The Saints are honoring the late Ed Daniels, former sports director at WGNO, with the posthumously awarded Joe Gemelli “Fleur de Lis” Award. This accolade is a tribute to Daniels’ dedication to the team, his professionalism in covering Saints sports, and his enduring impact in the sponsorship and broadcasting landscapes around New Orleans.
Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award – Steve Gleason
Steve Gleason, a name nearly synonymous with bravery and community spirit in New Orleans, is being recognized with the Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award. Suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since 2011, Gleason has championed awareness and driven fundraising—while never losing his public resolve. His fight and advocacy have united the city of New Orleans and extended far beyond football.
Reflection on Porter and Maxie’s Contributions
Tracy Porter
In just four seasons, Porter etched a name for himself among Saints defensive legends. His regular-season reliability coupled with playoff clarity made him essential to the team’s identity. His interception touchdown late in Super Bowl XLIV is a defining moment—not just in franchise history, but also for New Orleans as a city.
Brett Maxie
As an undrafted player, Maxie’s nine-year career illustrated grit, skill, and an ability to adapt. Between his stats and the longevity of his tenure, he emerged as a defensive leader and standout figure. His role in New Orleans’s first playoff game underscores his place in the franchise’s transformation into a postseason contender.
Hall of Fame Induction Criteria & Process
The Saints Hall of Fame’s media selection committee convenes annually to assess candidates’ impact on the team—taking into account statistical performance, contributions in key moments, and their place in the history of the organization. The combination of Porter’s high-profile, game-changing moments and Maxie’s consistency and leadership made them standout choices for 2025.
Significance of the Awards
Joe Gemelli “Fleur de Lis” Award: Designed to honor those outside the player roster whose contributions—through media, broadcast, or behind-the-scenes roles—have meaningfully enhanced the Saints brand and community.
Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award: Celebrates figures who embody bravery and selflessness, demonstrating personal courage that resonates with fans and citizens alike. Steve Gleason’s selection reflects the core values embraced by the Saints and their supporters.
Legacy and Community Impact
Ed Daniels
In celebrating Ed Daniels, the Saints acknowledge the power that sports broadcasting and media advocates have in shaping public perception, supporting the team’s reach, and strengthening the community. Although now gone, his legacy lives on through the Fleur de Lis Award.
Steve Gleason
Since his ALS diagnosis in 2011, Gleason has become a symbol of perseverance. From his legendary blocked punt in a 2006 Saints–Falcons game (a moment widely credited with catalyzing the franchise’s revival) to his activism and charity work, his courage has uplifted New Orleans through challenges and joy alike.
Final Thoughts
The Saints’ decision to induct Tracy Porter and Brett Maxie, along with honoring Ed Daniels and Steve Gleason, speaks to a holistic view of what shapes the franchise’s identity:
On-field excellence and athletic achievement.
Media and broadcast influence.
Inspirational leadership and endurance in the face of adversity.
As the city marks these honors in 2025, these individuals join the pantheon of figures who define not only Saints history, but also the spirit of New Orleans—united in triumph, memory, and hope.
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