Everyone remembers that 79-yard punt return for a touchdown from Darren Sproles in 2011. That's why it's our No. 3 top moment vs. the Packers!
🗓: Sunday, Sept. 12
🏈: Saints vs Packers
📺: FOX (3:25 pm CT)#GBvsNO pic.twitter.com/3nQtAdvClp— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 9, 2021
We are now only 43 days away from the New Orleans Saints season opener in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, which makes Darren Sproles’ (who wore No. 43) punt return touchdown our Saints Play of the Day. Despite happening in a loss, this was a phenomenal showing for Sproles, who had 7 receptions for 75 yards, 2 kick returns for 76 yards, and 2 punt returns for 92 yards with the touchdown in his Saints debut.
This Week 1 matchup was a battle of the offenses, as the score ended up being 42-34 in this shootout between Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers. At the time of the play the Saints were down 21-10, with 8:55 left in the half. The punt ended up traveling 52 yards, down to the New Orleans 28-yard line, where Sproles received it and took off to blow by every Green Bay Packers defender on his way to the end zone. A 72-yard punt return touchdown in his Saints debut was certainly one way to endear himself to fans.
Despite this game ending with a loss, the Saints had a chance because of this play before halftime by Sproles, and he was able to show off his prowess in returning both punts and kicks for New Orleans over the course of the next three years. While this was his only return touchdown for the Saints, he did have 70 kick returns for 1,827 yards, and a long return of 92 yards during those three seasons. He was a special player and big plays like this have done a lot to maintain a strong reputation among Saints fans ever since.
