The New Orleans Saints have recently faced a wave of retirements, with Tyrann Mathieu's departure being the most notable. The 33-year-old safety, a Louisiana native, has officially announced his retirement, adding to the offseason changes that include Derek Carr, Ryan Ramczyk, and Jimmy Graham. Mathieu, renowned for his playmaking ability and leadership, leaves behind a legacy that will impact the Saints' defensive strategies moving forward. His absence in the secondary will be felt deeply by the team as they seek to fill his void in the upcoming season.

The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season, facing the Arizona Cardinals in their opener. A key addition to their lineup is rookie offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., a first-round pick from Texas, who will don the legendary No. 71 jersey. This number has storied history in Saints lore, with previous wearers including notable linemen like Ryan Ramczyk, who has left an indelible mark during his tenure with the team.

Ramczyk's impressive career included starting 63 of 64 games from 2017 to 2020, securing his status as one of the league's elite tackles. Although he faced challenges due to knee issues, his contributions were vital during his seven-year career with the Saints. Now, Banks enters the spotlight, with expectations set high as he follows in the footsteps of greats who wore No. 71 before him.

With only 71 days left until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2024 season against the Arizona Cardinals, it's time to reflect on the legacy of players who have donned the No. 71 jersey.

Ryan Ramczyk stands out as the most notable player to wear No. 71 for the Saints, achieving three All-Pro selections before an unfortunate early retirement due to a knee condition. His successor, rookie Kelvin Banks Jr., is now tasked with continuing the tradition in this significant role.