Portland, OR, October 9, 2026 — Following the recent passing of Mike Ditka, a prominent figure in NFL history and former coach of the New Orleans Saints, fans and observers are revisiting one of the most talked-about moments of his coaching tenure: a monumental trade during the 1999 NFL Draft. Ditka, then head coach and executive vice president of the Saints, orchestrated a trade that sent shockwaves through the league as he sought to acquire running back Ricky Williams.

The deal involved the New Orleans Saints trading a substantial number of draft picks to move up in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Specifically, the Saints sent eight selections to the Washington Redskins. This aggressive maneuvering allowed the Saints to secure the fifth overall pick in the draft.

With the acquired pick, the Saints selected Ricky Williams, a highly touted running back from the University of Texas. At the time, Williams was considered one of the most promising offensive talents entering the league, and Ditka’s decision to trade away so many assets underscored his high expectations for the player.

The trade remains one of the most discussed draft-day decisions in NFL history, often cited as a significant gamble due to the sheer volume of draft capital relinquished by the Saints. While Ricky Williams went on to have a productive NFL career, including multiple Pro Bowl selections and leading the league in rushing yards in 2002, the long-term impact and justification of the trade continue to be a subject of debate among football analysts and fans alike. The significant cost for a single player highlights the high-stakes nature of NFL team building and the immense pressure on coaches and general managers to make impactful selections.


Story summarized from the original created by Chris Pugh on www.oregonlive.com, see more information here.

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