47 years ago today: New Orleans Saints win first game thanks to the 'Flea'
 

The New Orleans Saints won their first game in franchise history 47 years ago today when Walter "Flea" Roberts scored three touchdowns in a 31-24 win against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 5, 1967.

The victory snapped a seven-game losing streak to start the Saints' inaugural NFL season.

Roberts scored on a 91-yard return of the opening kickoff, a 27-yard fumble return and a 49-yard pass reception from Gary Cuozzo to ice the game in the fourth quarter.

Roberts had 116 return yards and was named the NFL offensive player of the week. He missed a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers the previous week to serve National Guard duty.

After the game several fans marched to their favorite hangout and created "Charlie's Saints Marching Club", a longtime Saints support group.

47 years ago today: New Orleans Saints win first game thanks to the 'Flea' | NOLA.com

Re: 47 years ago today: New Orleans Saints win first game thanks to the 'Flea'
 

ahhh - the Flea - he ran back the first kick off in the first game.... though we lost the game... we won that first game (against Philadelphia) at home. All of the games we won that first year were at home. We did not win a road game until midway through the next season (against Pittsburgh.)

Re: 47 years ago today: New Orleans Saints win first game thanks to the 'Flea'
 

That was John Gilliam who ran back the opening kickoff against the Rams.