Five former Saints at Marksville Tamahka Trails, give predictions about Super Bowl

Pictured at the golf course of the Tunica Biloxi in Marksville, from left, and the years they played with the New Orleans Saints are: Jim Wilks (1981-1993), Dalton Hilliard (1986-1993), Tyrone Hughes (1993-1996), Rickey Jackson (1981-1993), and Buford Jordan (1986-1992).

By Garland Forman

Less than 36 hours before kickoff of the Super Bowl XLIV, five of the biggest names in New Orleans Saints football history were in Marksville playing a round of golf this morning, and gave their predictions for Sunday's big game. Two of the players are some of the all-time fan favorite, Ricky Jackson and Dalton Hilliard.

The tournament held at Tamahka Trials is in its second year and is hosted by the former NFL All-Pro linebacker Jackson. He said he will continue to host the tournament, which are for VIPs and Paragon Casino and Resort associates every Saturday before the Super Bowl.

Jackson and Hilliard were joined by former fullback Buford Jordan, lineman Jim Wilks, and kick returner Tyrone Hughes.

For Jackson it was an even more exciting day as he was waiting to hear if he was elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame later on Saturday afternoon. He was one of 15 finalist for six spots on this year’s team.

Jackson said he didn’t know if he would be elected today but added it would be special because of the Saints playing tomorrow in the Super Bowl.

“I would like to be selected today because of the game tomorrow,” Jackson explained. “However, if I don’t get the call today, I will get the call sooner of later.”

Jackson played at Pittsburgh University before being selected in the NFL draft in 1981 by the Saints. he played for New Orleans from 1981 to 1993 and then two years with the San Francisco 49’ers before retiring. Jackson recorded 128 sacks in 13 seasons. He is already in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame an the New Orleans Hall of Fame.

“Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith are locks to be named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Jackson continued. “That leaves four slots open for the the other 13 finalists. I’m just hoping I will get the call.”

Jackson was leaving Marksville later on Saturday and flying to Miami to watch the Super Bowl. If selected he will be on the field for the coin flip at the start of the game.

All five players talked briefly about this year’s New Orleans Saints compared to the Saints when they played.

Hilliard and the others were quick to point out the biggest difference was the offense. The offense on this year’s team is so much better than the teams in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.

“I’m not ashamed to say it, and I played on the offense,” Hilliard added. “We had a great defense, but we couldn’t move the ball of offense.”

Jim Wilks had a different approach saying it was just the bounce of the ball. He said the ball bounced the Saints way most of the year. He pointed to the Brett Favre interception late in the game in the NFC championship and then Garrett Hartley kicking the game winning field.

Tyrone Hughes and Buford Jordan felt the biggest difference was coaching. Hughes said the offense currently doesn’t have better talent than the teams he played on but that they work as a group.

“We had some smart players on the team when we played,” Jordan explained. But, we also had some o the dumbest players of the team. That was because of Coach Jim Mora and who they drafted. This team is playing smart on both sides of the ball.”

Jordan gave an example of of a running back who the Saints picked up from Jacksonville after the 1991 season to replace Hilliard, according to Jordan.

“He was a dumb player and Mora picked him up to take Dalton’s place,” Jordan said. “He never could learn the plays. That is why coaching is better on this team than with us.”

All but one gave predictions about the game on Sunday afternoon. Jackson felt the Saints would win 31-21 while Hilliard went with a 27-17 decision with the Saints. Jordan also picked the Saints while Wilks said he wouldn’t give a prediction.

“My heart and hope are with the Saints,” Hughes explained. “If I was a betting man, I would have to go with the Colts because of Peyton Manning. I just hope the Saints and defensive coordinator Greg Williams look at New York Jets game film and see how they got to Manning during the game.”

The one thing all five agree on was the Saints fans and how they support the team.

“The fans are no different from when we played until now,” Jackson added. “They are a special group of people that will always be with the team.”

Hilliard had to think when he was asked which was better fans, LSU or the Saints.

“That is a good but tough question,” Hilliard said after thinking for a few moments. “Both are special but I’m still an LSU fan, so I will have to say the Tigers, only because of the college atmosphere.