Story of a Saint

Saints fan with Tattoo, Tiger Stadium - Baton Rouge La , 2005

All reproduction rights reserved Wm. Greiner

In 1978, Erby Aucoin was the Director of Photography for the New Orleans Saints. I was 18 at the time, just a kid, but Erby gave me a chance hiring me as his assistant.

The job lasted less than two seasons but during that time, we covered games all over the country, and even Mexico City. It was an incredible experience which changed my life. Erby was like a second father to me.

Erby was the combination of Santa and a court jester. He cooked a mean gumbo , could fix a film processor with his eyes shut and do lot more. One day at Dodger Town in Vero Beach, FL , where the Saints held training camp in those days, I remember we had a short conversation. Erby said, you know if the Saints win the Super Bowl, we will get rings too. It was an interesting comment, because possessions weren’t important to him. He would give you the shirt off his back.

Well, as we all know the Saints didn’t go to the Super Bowl . Sadly, Erby is no longer with us but even without a ring, I know he is smiling!