Best Saints By The Numbers: #85

All summer long, we’re going to list the best players in New Orleans Saints history to wear every number, 00-99.

Yesterday, we did #84.

Today, #85:

The pick: Hoby Brenner

When deciding who is the best New Orleans Saints player to ever wear #85, the choice is limited to receivers Curtland Thomas and Cephus Weatherspoon, and tight ends Ray Poage, John Beasley, Henry Childs, Hoby Brenner, Wesley Walls, Paul Green, Cameron Cleveland, Nicky Savoie, Ernie Conwell, Ronnie Ghent, and David Thomas.

After playing his college football at USC, Brenner was selected by the Saints in the third round of the 1981 NFL Draft.

A native of Linwood, California, Brenner played sparingly in his rookie season, catching 7 passes for 143 yards in 1981.

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Brenner became a starter in 1982, and went on to catch 60 passes for 3,706 yards and 21 touchdowns over the next 12 years, including the 1987 season, in which he was named to the Pro Bowl for the only time in his career.

Brenner retired following the 1993 season, after spending his entire career with New Orleans.

In 13 NFL seasons, all  with the Saints, Brenner caught 267 passes for 3,849 yards and 21 touchdowns.