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It wasn't long ago that the Pro Football Hall of Fame was considered forbidden territory for the New Orleans Saints. The franchise went an incredible 46 years without an inductee before Rickey Jackson broke through in 2010. Until then, seemingly the only way a Saint could get in the building was to take a tour.


If Drew Brees keeps putting up numbers like he has the quarterback should get a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Now Willie Roaf is set to become the second true Saint to enter the Hall this weekend and Morten Andersen could continue the run next year or shortly thereafter.

Roaf's induction Saturday will highlight a Saints-themed schedule of events in Canton, Ohio, which also will feature the induction of Seattle defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, a former Saints coaching assistant and "friend of the program."

A day later, this season's edition of the Saints will kick off the preseason with an exhibition game against the Arizona Cardinals at Fawcett Stadium.

"That's a big deal," Saints quarterback Drew Brees said. "... There are going to be two Hall of Famers, Rickey Jackson and Willie Roaf, after this weekend is over. Hopefully there are many more in the future."

There will be at least two more for sure: Andersen and Brees.

Andersen's worthiness as a candidate will be a hotly contested topic at the Hall of Fame meeting in New Orleans next year.

As the league's career scoring leader, Andersen's credentials aren't the problem; the process and his position are.

The Hall limits its induction classes to five members annually. A backlog has formed in recent years as worthy candidates are excluded because of the restrictions on class size.

Consequently, Class of 2012 holdovers Bill Parcells, Cris Carter, Andre Reed, Aeneas Williams and Will Shields, among others, will join Andersen's 2013 class, which boasts qualified first-time candidates like Jon Ogden, Larry Allen, Michael Strahan and Warren Sapp.

Only three kickers have been inducted to the Hall of Fame, with Jan Stenerud being the only pure kicker to make it in way back in 1991.

So, while most Hall of Fame voters believe Andersen is worthy, he might have a wait a year or two to gain entry.

After Andersen's induction, it'll be awhile before the next Saint is inducted, maybe a decade or more, depending on how long Brees continues to play.

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QBREES9

It's early but Drew will get in. !st ballot too.

The Dude

One more SB and Brees is a first ballot without a doubt. I think Anderson will get their one day, but being a kicker it may take some time. He deserves it no doubt about it.

Rugby Saint II

I will be more excited to see Morton make it. I watched that man save our asses for years.

LBCutta

Drew is a 1st ballot HOFer...no question

vpheughan

And then beat those same asses like a drum!!

Ashley

God is this sooo true