Former Saints’ offensive lineman Steve Korte, a University of Arkansas graduate, was the team’s first pick in the 1983 draft selected as the tenth pick in the second round. Korte said the Saints didn’t have a first round selection because they had traded Archie Manning to the Houston Oilers and gave up their number one draft choice in the deal.

Korte, who turned 50 last month, played his entire eight-year career (1983-1990) with the Saints. He played offensive guard in college, but moved to center when he joined the Saints. He played in 83 games, starting 63 contests, wearing No. 60.

“I never played the center position at Arkansas. I was a defensive linemen my first couple years and they obviously moved me to offense, and it wasn’t too bad of a move,” Korte said.

Former Saints lineman Steve Korte’s playing card.

Korte became an all-conference performer for two years with the Razorbacks and a two-time All-American and a unanimous All-American as a senior. He was also a runner up in the Outland Trophy balloting, which recognizes the best college football interior lineman by the Football Writers Association of America.

“I had some nice things happen to me during my time at Arkansas. I was a member of the All-Century team and named to the 25-year Silver Anniversary team. It was a great experience for me,” Korte added.

Korte, who has lived in Covington since 2001, is a co-host on WWL radio’s “First Take” with Mark Chafici in his fifth season doing the popular show.

“The show is an initial breakdown and sort of a match up discussion where we field calls and talk about the Saints upcoming opponents from week to week,” Korte said.

He said having an opportunity to be on the radio and still being involved with the Saints is special.

“When I was with the Saints, we had some of the best teams the organization had the years I was there. I was pretty fortunate that we won an awful lot of football games. It always seemed like we were maybe one player short or a couple plays short of kind of making it. We had the misfortune of being in the same division as the San Francisco 49ers when they were so dominant.”

“I’m very proud to still be a part of the Saints.of and still feel like I’m part of it,” Korte added.

Korte said football is a game he loves.

“I try to keep it real on the radio. I hear so many national media getting it wrong. The ones I think to listen to are the ones that have been there. Even though some of them might not be as eloquent as you would like them to be they are extremely accurate. When you get guys that haven’t played the game and try to speculate they form some strange opinions,” Korte said.

Korte said he enjoys a number of former players who are analysts.

“I like Anthony Munoz (Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive lineman), Ron Jaworski (Philadelphia Eagles QB) and Trent Dilfer (QB retired from San Francisco 49ers).”

Korte reminisced about coming in when Ken (The Snake) Stabler was the Saints’ QB. He later played with Richard Todd and Dave Wilson before the club transitioned to Bobby Hebert.

“Bobby was the one that I played the most time with. I really enjoyed my time playing with Bobby. He was fun to play with because he was one of those quarterbacks who didn’t have a prima dona bone in his body and never went out there expecting not to get hit. He was a tough guy. We are still the best of friends,” Korte said.

“I guess you could say the reason I wish I played today is the salaries. I’d love to have been able to draw the pay these guys get for what I did at the level I was at.”

Korte said he received a $125,000 signing bonus and earned $75,000 a year.

“That was pretty good money back then. My second contract I was like in the top five centers in the league, but back then it wasn’t even like a game check that these guys are making now,” Korte reminisced.

Korte was asked about his favorite memory as a Saint.

“I’m not sure there is just one, but making it to the playoffs in 1987 against Minnesota was something I remember vividly. Being with the guys and my linemates was really the most special times that I can think of.”

He played with the likes of Stan Brock, Brad Edelman, Jim Dombrowski and Steve Trapilo.

“I played a lot of time with those guys. There were times that we actually led the league in rushing and there were some seasons we led the league in the fewest sacks allowed,” Korte added.

He said he was privileged to play with some really good Saints’ running backs as well like George Rogers, Earl Campbell, Rueben Mayes and Dalton Hilliard.

When asked to predict a score for the Super Bowl, Korte was a little hesitant because there are so many factors that can enter in.

“I do believe the Saints are going to win the game. I’m not just saying that because I am a biased guy or that I played for the team. If I have to do my job I have to separate the emotional part of it. The Saints beat a better team in the Minnesota Vikings, which I think is a better all-around team than the Colts are, except for a couple players here and there,” Korte said.

“The Saints beat them and didn’t play particularly well in beating them. I think it will be one of those upper 20s, low 30 games in kind of a shootout based on the two really great quarterbacks, who obviously have some great offensive weapons around them.”

Korte, is a cardiac rhythm equipment salesmen, a job he has held for the past 12 years.

One of Korte’s son’s, Scott (6-3, 230), is a senior at Fontainebleau High and started at defensive lineman for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldog gave his outlook on the Super Bowl.

“I think it will be a close game. Obviously, I want the Saints to win, and I’ll go with the Saints, 31-27.

“I think a key in the game will be whether the Saints defense can get to Peyton Manning and keep pressure on him,” the senior said.

“I have been a Saints fan my entire life. It’s really cool just the way my family is still tied in with the Saints because of my dad.”

Unfortunately, Scott said he was only able to attend one home game this illustrious season.

Maybe dad, the former offensive lineman, needs to do a better job of getting his son a ticket.

Scott named defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove his favorite Saint.

“I like the way he stepped in and has contributed. I was at the Panthers’ game when he recovered the fumble for a touchdown when the ball was knocked away from the quarterback.”

Scott said he owns a Saints’ NFC championship tee, but didn’t have any actual jerseys. Another reason his dad should get on the stick and take care of the young student-athlete.

Korte’s older son, Steven, was a star fullback at FHS, teaming up with Christian Ducre in the Bulldogs’ backfield, which came to be known as “Slash and Crash.” Slash referring to Ducre and Crash, the moniker for Korte, who went on to play fullback for LSU. Korte was signed by the Green Bay Packers in 2008 and was on the team’s practice squad.

The elder Korte said as a father he loves watching his kids play.

“Steven and Scott play different positions, but they are both special players. The future is still there for both of them so we’ll wait and wee what happens,” said the former Saints’ offensive lineman.