The strength of three: The 30 greatest trios in NFL history

Throughout almost the entire 20th-century existence of the New Orleans Saints, the team was a laughingstock. Not-so-lovingly dubbed the “Aints” for their exploits in losing and failure, the Saints never once sniffed a validating championship.

But past all that monotony and on the horizon, a new age was coming. In 2006, an intriguing offensive mind in Sean Payton took the reins in the Bayou. It didn’t take long for him to go get his quarterback: Free agent and former San Diego Chargers starter Drew Brees.

It was a welcome union for Brees, one that united him with an eager, ambitious head coach and a budding offensive weapon in Marques Colston. But no one quite expected the Saints to turn around as quickly as they did.

The Saints locked away their past with the new era, quickly becoming one of the most exciting teams in the league. With the accuracy and resilience of Brees and the dynamic ability of Colston, Payton was able to form the core of a devastating offensive attack, one that still litters the ranks at the top of the league today and one that made Brees the most productive passer of all time.

Payton, Brees, and Colston brought New Orleans its first Super Bowl title in 2009. On the heels of Hurricane Katrina, it was a victory the city needed. Colston is now gone and new names have taken hold of the Saints black and burnt gold. But the new age is not over. Because of this trio, it began and it’s here to stay.