Nearly four decades after they played in the NFL, the 1988 New Orleans Saints still cherish their bond while confronting the cruel toll exacted by the toughest game.
For years, Jakes has carried the weight of those four defensive teammates, all of whom died before the age of 50.
In all, 10 men from the list of 56 rostered players on the 1988 New Orleans Saints have died. Only one of them reached the age of 60.