New Orleans Saints Review

The greatest kicker of all time. Need more?  Well, his 2,544 points are the most in NFL history.  He also holds NFL records for games played (382), most consecutive games with at least 1 point (360), most field goals (565) and most attempts (709).  The list can go on and on (and it does on Morten’s website).

He’s also headed to the Saints Hall of Fame this fall, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame can’t be too far behind.  Heck, if he didn’t play until his late 40s, he might have already gone into the Hall!

Did I also mention he was a pop sensation back in the 80s?  Here he is, the most famous NFL player from Denmark, the one, the only MORTEN ANDERSEN!

He is absolutely one of my boyhood heroes (who played until I was 30!) and I am truly honored that he sat down with The New Orleans Saints Review to answer a few questions:

1. What are you fondest memories of your time spent with the Saints?
Unwinding at the Port o” Call after home games, having a Monsoon.

2. You and Bobby Hebert are probably the only players in NFL history to be beloved by both Saints and Falcons fans.  How did you manage such an incredible feat?
We were born on the same day, same year. It was destined in the stars.

3. In 1991 you kicked a 60 yard field goal for the Saints.  I think it was widely assumed that you would someday break Tom Dempsey’s record of 63 yards.  Did you ever get the opportunity to attempt a kick from beyond 63 yards?
Unfortunately, not in a game. I’ve kicked some from 70 in practice, though. Also, I did get a 63 yarder in college vs Ohio State that had plenty to spare.

4. You were a big part of the first Saints teams to make the playoffs in the late 80s and early 90s.  Given the franchise’s history of losing, did you have a sense of how much those playoff appearances meant to the fans?
It’s always exciting to be a contender. Mitchell & Ness asked me to pick my favorite jersey to offer as a throwback and I went with the 91 black jersey. Our team was strong then and we won more games than anyone in the NFL over a stretch of several years.

5. Kickers have long been among the most under-appreciated players among fans & media.  Was it that way in the locker room as well?  And, if so, did you ever have to smack around a linebacker to get some respect???
Jack Del Rio once put me in my place after I mouthed off and I still twinge thinking about it. He was bigger than me and used to hitting.

6. How would you explain your longevity in the NFL?  After all, there weren’t too many guys who made it into their late 40s.
I think I found the fountain of youth after I left New Orleans and specifically, the French quarter.

7. Last season there were rumors that you were going to sign with the Saints and kick one last extra point, then retire after the game.  Did you discuss doing something like this with the Saints?  I think it would have been a great gesture by the team.
I plan to do a Gillooly on John Carney before my Saints HOF induction game…then they’ll have to use me!

8. What are your thoughts on being enshrined in the Saints Hall of Fame?  Do you think you’ll get to the Pro Football Hall of Fame once you are eligible?
Honestly, I’m focusing more on getting “Brian & Morten” into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

9. After checking out your website, it looks like you’ve been keeping busy.  What are you doing these days?
Lots of bingo and “early-bird” lunch specials!

10.  Last question – on your blog you mentioned being part of some sort of boy band called “Brian & Morten”.  The album cover features you in a pair of boxers.  I’ve got to ask – how would you describe the music, and, is it available on iTunes?
“Brian” is Brian Hansen, the punter for the Saints at the time. The record shipped gold…and was returned platinum!

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This entry was posted on Monday, September 14th, 2009 at 4:31 pm and is filed under Interviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.