Our countdown to the New Orleans Saints‘ season opener is kicking off. There are 99 days until their Sept. 7 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, so we’re counting down the days by reflecting on every player to wear that jersey number in Saints history.
No. 99 belongs to defensive end Chase Young, the subject of our Player of the Day feature. Young won it from defensive tackle Khalen Saunders after signing with the team last summer. Some fan favorites tackles who have used it include Shy Tuttle, Hollis Thomas, Norman Hand, and the great Tony Elliott, who was the first to put it on.
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With 99 days to go until kickoff, here’s a look back at each player to use No. 99 with the Saints (via Pro Football Reference):
Chase Young (2024-Present)
Oct 10, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young (99) walks off the field after the game against the New Orleans Saints at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Khalen Saunders (2023)
Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (99) shows emotion after an interception against the Chicago Bears during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Shy Tuttle (2019-2022)
Week 1: New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals
Adam Bighill (2017)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – AUGUST 31: Bobby Rainey #38 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball and is tackled by Adam Bighill #99 of the New Orleans Saints during a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on August 31, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Ravens defeated the Saints 14-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Paul Kruger (2016)
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Paul Kruger (99) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aubrayo Franklin (2011)
ST. LOUIS, MO – OCTOBER 30: Austin Pettis #18 of the St. Louis Rams is tackled by Aubrayo Franklin #99 of the New Orleans Saints at the Edward Jones Dome on October 30, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Saints 31-21. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Jimmy Wilkerson (2010)
December 19, 2010; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (9) is sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkerson (99) at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens beat the Saints 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Hollis Thomas (2006-2008)
Oct. 29, 2006; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints (99) Hollis Thomas celebrates with (23) Omar Stoutmire after recovering a fumble in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, LA. The Ravens defeated the Saints 35-22. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports Copyright Matt Stamey
Shaun Smith (2004)
ST. LOUIS – SEPTEMBER 26: Defensive tackle Shaun Smith #99 of the New Orleans Saints is on the field during the game against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on September 26, 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri. Saints defeated the Rams 28-25 in overtime. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Kenderick Allen (2003)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 04: Kenderick Allen #97 of the New York Giants celebrates his fumble recovery after Drew Bledsoe #11 of the Dallas Cowboys was sacked and lost the ball during their game at Giants Stadium on December 4, 2005 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Norman Hand (2000-2002)
4 Nov 2001: Norman Hand of the New Orleans Saints leaves the field after the game against the New York Jets at Lousiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Jets beat the Saints 16-9. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez/Allsport
Darren Mickell (1999)
10 Sep 2000: Darren Mickell #92 of the San Diego Chargers moves to block during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Saints defeated the Chargers 28-27.Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport
Pio Sagapolutele (1997)
Dec 26, 1993; Anaheim, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns defensive end Pio Sagapolutele (75) on the sideline against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
Willie Broughton (1995-1996)
27 Jul 1996: Defensiive lineman Willie Broughton #99 of the New Orleans Saints attempts to power through an attempted block of an offensive lineman from the Indianapolis Colts during the Saints 10-3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at the Hall of Fame Game
Joel Smeenge (1990-1994)
Sep 12, 1993; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Chris Miller (12) throws the ball against New Orleans Saints defensive end Joel Smeenge (99) at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY NETWORK
Tony Elliott (1982-1988)
We couldn’t find a photo for Elliott in the USA TODAY Sports archives as well as those at Reuters and Getty Images. Elliott was a key piece in the “Dome Patrol” defense opening up plays for Rickey Jackson, Sam Mills, Pat Swilling and Vaughan Johnson and should be recognized for his efforts.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 99 days until Saints’ season opener: Every player to wear No. 99