Rouses Magazine

Pat Swilling was one quarter of the “Dome Patrol,” the greatest linebacker corps in the history of the National Football League. The other three members were Rickey Jackson, Vaughan Johnson and Sam Mills. From 1986 to 1992, the four men terrorized the opposition and galvanized the New Orleans Saints to achieve what, at the time, were unimaginable franchise successes.

Everyone knew Buddy D. He was a Louisiana fixture with a voice that simply defied imitation, or even description. After wading through his almost impenetrable New Orleans accent, you still had to contend with a melodic cadence that seemed always to zig where you thought it might zag. He spoke in a kind of jovial bark that men of his generation had, but sadly no longer do. His voice was to the ears what your grandmother’s kitchen was to your sense of smell; you can recall it immediately and precisely.

In addition to St. Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes, there are 10 saints that many Catholics consider “must know” religious figures — the starting lineup of saints, if you will. Even if you’re not of the Catholic faith, but you live on the Gulf Coast, it’s a good idea to learn more about these first-string saints and better understand their connection to the day-to-day lives of Catholics in the region.