This Day in New Orleans Saints History - April 17
 

On April 17, 1999 the New Orleans Saints selected running back Ricky Williams fifith overall in the first round of the draft.

It was the first time in NFL history that a single player represented a team's entire draft class.

Williams played for the Saints from 1999-2001.

This Day in New Orleans Saints History - April 17

Re: This Day in New Orleans Saints History - April 17
 

I loved Ricky Williams in the black and gold, one of my all-time favourites and a big reason why I got hooked on football back in -99.

I was really happy that I got so see him play live back in 2009.


The Saints were in dire straits that day but then this happened (and som other stuff ;-) ):



But even thou I loved the guy playing for us I still think it was a horrible trade by Ditka.

Re: This Day in New Orleans Saints History - April 17
 

This was the simultaneous reaction when Ditka traded the entire draft for Rickey Williams and the subsequent, now infamous, "Wedding Photo"

Re: This Day in New Orleans Saints History - April 17
 

The worst part was Ditka having given what would later be the No.2 pick in the draft, the following year...oh my, that was a hot mess...

And for those "Yes Men" who want to say that front offices know what they're doing and we're just bunch of fandom amateurs, well here is your very public exhibit of one of the worst "fails" in professional sports...

Re: This Day in New Orleans Saints History - April 17
 

Did Ditka and Reggie ever get a divorce?

Re: This Day in New Orleans Saints History - April 17
 

Re: This Day in New Orleans Saints History - April 17
 

I would do the same to keep Lenard Fornette in Louisiana. IMO he will be the best back since B. Sanders or Emmitt Smith. Yes, better than Peterson. Again, IMO.

Re: This Day in New Orleans Saints History - April 17
 

Re: This Day in New Orleans Saints History - April 17
 

I think he will be really special but no player is worth a haul like that.

Re: This Day in New Orleans Saints History - April 17
 

I was so happy the day that we drafted Rickey Williams, it was the first time that it felt like the saints were viable in the media. Almost put them on the map that day...felt that way anyways (out of towner).