Jim Henderson

Jim Henderson needs no introduction to local sports lovers or Saints fans around the globe. As the legendary voice of the Saints since the ’80s, Jim has proven himself an irreplaceable part of New Orleans culture.

Jim’s love affair with New Orleans sports fans began in 1978 — but it wasn’t love at first sight. When he replaced sports legend Hap Glaudi, fans picketed the change. Over the next 34 years, Jim won over fans with his unflappable style, wit and literary prowess, becoming a broadcasting legend in his own right.

Jim’s decorated resume includes coverage of just about every major sport and sporting event in the United States, including the Super Bowl, Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association and the Masters Tournament. While few could match his broadcasting talent, Jim’s role as the voice of the Saints has cemented his popularity with local sports fans.

Year after year, Jim has provided Saints fans with the soundtrack to their team’s biggest moments. No one will ever forget his memorable calls when the Saints clinched a Super Bowl berth after beating the Vikings in the 2009 NFC Championship game: “Pigs have flown! Hell has frozen over! The Saints are on their way to the Super Bowl!” Or, when the black and gold won its first Super Bowl: “Get ready to party with the Lombardi, New Orleans! The miracle in Miami has happened! The Saints have won the Super Bowl!”

In addition to his enthusiasm and quick wit, Jim is one of the most decorated sportscasters in the country. He’s won 13 Sportscaster of the Year awards from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association, and in 2011, he was honored with the New Orleans Press Club’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jim is semi-retired with his beautiful wife; they are the proud parents of two children and two grandchildren.

On the Biggest Challenge of Parenthood
To Jim, time management can be the most difficult part of being a good dad, specifically “[b]udgeting my time and making some tough decisions,” he says. He sometimes asks himself, “Am I being selfish in putting family first occasionally, in turning down a request from a member of my community?”

On Being a Great Dad
“The most rewarding part of parenthood is seeing the values my wife and I have espoused — and have tried to display — take root and flower in our children, and be passed along to our grandchildren.”