Why Who Dat?

As a long time New Orleans Saints fan, I don't recall decades ago chanting anything. Maybe it was because we didn't have a whole lot of success to chant about? Whatever the case, I still cheered the Black & Gold every week with my family.

Now, as a certified member of the Who Dat Nation, I embrace the chant proudly.

If you are curious about the detailed history of Who Dat? Then check out the Wikipedia page because I wasn't aware of its ministrel beginnings. Yet, just like the meaning of words change, so has the intent of the Who Dat. Its a rally call, a cheer, something that unifies us all, and it does not signify color, race, or hairstyle. It says, I am a New Orleans Saints Fan.

Here is the basic origin story of the New Orleans version of Who Dat.

"Its earliest known documented link specifically to the Saints organization was actually a December 9, 1972 New Orleans Times–Picayune newspaper column reference to a player from an opposing team, Carl Garrett of the New England Patriots.


By 1983 the cheer had become so popular among fans that the New Orleans Saints organization officially adopted it during the tenure of coach Bum Phillips. 

Aaron Neville (along with local musicians Sal and Steve Monistere and Carlo Nuccio) recorded a version of "When the Saints Go Marching In" that incorporated the chant of "Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints" (performed by a group of Saints players). The song quickly became a major local hit, due in part to the support of sportscaster Ron Swoboda and the fact that Saints fans had been using the chant for some time."

 

Click to hear Who Dat song by Neville