5. Jeremy Shockey (2008-present)
After a number of successful seasons with the New York Giants, tight end Jeremy Shockey suffered a season ending injury in 2007. Despite being on the sidelines, the Giants went on to win the Super Bowl without their starting tight end. A former assistant with the Giants, Saints head coach Sean Payton knew that Jeremy Shockey would be a great addition to the passing attack of Drew Brees. So the Saints traded for Shockey, whose effectiveness was also limited with the Saints in ’08 due to injuries. But Shockey returned to form in 2009, as he helped the New Orleans Saints win the Super Bowl. Click here to see a video of Shockey catching the go ahead TD pass for the Saints in Super Bowl 44.
4. Dave Parks (1968-1972)
Another Saints tight end who began his career elsewhere was Dave Parks. In fact, Parks led the NFL in receptions in 1965 with the San Francisco 49ers. But the success that Parks achieved in college and the pros before joining the Saints was at the wide receiver position. And Parks was upset that Saints head coach Tom Fears wanted him to switch to tight end. However, Parks was a professional and played tight end to the best of his abilities. During his five years with the New Orleans Saints, Dave Parks caught 149 passes and scored 16 touchdowns. Parks spent his last year as an NFL tight end with the Houston Oilers in 1973, but caught just three passes.
3. John Tice (1983-1992)
The only time that the New Orleans Saints have ever had a formidable duo at tight end for an extended period was throughout the 80’s and early 90’s with John Tice and Hoby Brenner. Tice, the brother of former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice, was a large tight end at 6’5″ and 242 lbs. As such, he was an excellent blocker for running backs such as George Rogers, Hokie Gajan, Rueben Mayes and Dalton Hilliard. However, when called upon to run a passing route, Tice had good hands and was difficult to bring down. For his career as a Saints tight end, John Tice caught 158 passes for 15 TD’s.
2. Henry Childs (1975-1980)
Had Henry Childs stayed with the Saints just a bit longer, there is no doubt that he would have been the greatest tight end in New Orleans Saints history. After just six games as an Atlanta Falcons tight end in 1974, Childs joined the Saints and later became a key cog in one of the best passing games in the NFL. Childs’ best years in New Orleans were 1978 and 1979, when he caught over 50 passes each year. In fact, he made the Pro Bowl as a tight end in ’79. After the disastrous 1980 1-15 season the Saints went in another direction at tight end. Henry Childs caught 207 passes for the Saints and scored 27 TD’s. Henry Childs is a member of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame.
1. Hoby Brenner (1981-1993)
Hoby Brenner was drafted as a tight end by the New Orleans Saints with their third round pick in the 1981 draft. Built almost exactly like John Tice, Brenner was 6’4″ and 240 lbs. Able to catch, run block and pass protect, Brenner was a vital component of the Saints offense during the Jim Mora era. In 1987, the New Orleans tight end was selected to the NFC squad in the Pro Bowl. But more importantly, he helped the Saints earn their first winning season and playoff berth. Brenner played in 175 games with the New Orleans Saints, just 21 behind career leader Morten Anderson. Through the 2009 season, Brenner ranked seventh in career receptions with 267, first among tight ends. Hoby Brenner is a member of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame.
Statistical data found at pro football reference and the NFL’s official web site.
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