It seems to be part of Saint's history that on their very first PLAY, John Gilliam ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown against the Rams in 1967. I have been told, however, by a couple of people that were there that this is not true. Instead, the first play was an offsides call on the first kickoff, and THEN Gilliam made his return on the subsequent one.

I have not been able to verify this. If that's the case, it makes for a great trivia question and/or bet. Does anybody here know if this is true?

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Posted by dulargetiger

Theriot, LA

Member since Oct 2008

25 posts

Posted on 8/8/10 at 6:10 am to fuppedduck

I was at the game. I was only ten years old and no longer have specific memories of the game other than the return and excitement of us all. I remember thinking it sure was easy to score. The Rams gradually wore down the Saints on way to an 11-1-2 season record. It has over the years been in my mind that the very first play was the TD return.
Lawrence

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Posted by LSURulzSEC

Lake Charles via Oakdale

Member since Aug 2004

77798 posts

Posted on 8/8/10 at 9:57 am to fuppedduck

quote:
I have not been able to verify this. If that's the case, it makes for a great trivia question and/or bet. Does anybody here know if this is true?

LINK

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Posted by potent357

Prairieville

Member since Jan 2010

4075 posts

Posted on 8/8/10 at 7:53 pm to fuppedduck

From Wane Mack's book "The Saga Of The Saints"..."Winning the coin toss, the Saints elected to receive, and took their positions awaiting the kickoff by the Rams' Bruce Gossett. It settled into the sure hands of rookie running back John Gilliam, who electrified the jammed stadium with a 94-yard return for a touchdown." I dunno, but I think it might have been mentioned in this book.