The New Orleans Saints (2002–2004) were home to eight-year NFL veteran Victor Riley, who passed away on February 2. He was 49 years old.
Before joining the Saints as an unrestricted free agent in 2002, Riley played four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs after being selected by them in the first round (27th overall) of the 1998 draft out of Auburn. With the Saints for three seasons, the 340-pound, 6-foot-5 tackle played in 46 games, 33 of which were starts at right tackle. After Riley’s tenure with the Saints, he spent 2005 as a member of the Houston Texans and played one more NFL season.
After Riley took over as the Saints’ main quarterback in 2003, running back Deuce McAllister was able to pave the way for him. McAllister finished the season with a career-high 1,641 yards and eight touchdowns, earning him entry into his second Pro Bowl. It was the second-highest total in club history at the time, with 5,438 net yards gained by the Saints offense that season.
Riley was the starting quarterback for the Saints in 2004 and helped set the table for McAllister to gain another 1,079 yards and the offense to gain 5,193 net yards, which at the time was the third-highest total in team history.
Starting in game 93, Riley would play in 111 games during his NFL career.
Riley was an Auburn Tiger for four years, and in 1997, during his senior year, he was selected to the second team All-American. His 42 regular season appearances (33 starts) included opening two bowl games throughout his four years.
Riley attended Swansea High School in Swansea, South Carolina, for just two years before playing prep football. He was selected all-state and all-area while playing guard and defensive end, helping the team win two state titles. Riley was born in Lexington, South Carolina, on November 4, 1974.
