The Times-Picayune is marking the tricentennial of New Orleans with its ongoing 300 for 300 project, running through 2018 and highlighting the moments and people that connect and inspire us. Today, the series continues with the NFL's 1966 decision to award a professional football franchise to New Orleans.
THEN: On Nov. 1, 1966, All Saints Day forever took on added significance in New Orleans. That's the day NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle came marching into a news conference at the Ponchartrain Hotel and announced that the Crescent City was being awarded the league's 16th franchise.