Dome Patrol

The Dome Patrol was the nickname of the New Orleans Saints football team's linebacker corps of the late 1980s and the early 1990s, led by linebackers coach Vic Fangio, the current defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears. The Dome Patrol was rated by NFL Network as the #1 linebacker corps of all-time. They formed the second level of what is considered by many to be the most formidable 3–4 defense in National Football League history.

As a unit, all four players were on the Saints roster for seven seasons, from 1986-1992, combining for 18 Pro Bowls. All four linebackers were voted to the Pro Bowl in 1992, the only time this has ever happened in Pro Bowl history.

Its members were:

• OLB Rickey Jackson (#57) 1981-1993, 6 Pro Bowl Selections, all with Saints (1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1992, 1993) (New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame, Pro Football Hall of Fame)
• MLB Sam Mills (#51) 1986-1994, 5 Pro Bowl Selections, 4 with Saints (1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996)
• MLB Vaughan Johnson (#53) 1986-1993, 4 Pro Bowl Selections, all with Saints (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992)
• OLB Pat Swilling (#56) 1986-1992, 5 Pro Bowl Selections, 4 with Saints (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993) (First Team All-Pro 1991, 1992)

During the Dome Patrol's reign, the New Orleans Saints made four playoff appearances, including the franchise's first ever playoff appearance in 1987. The Saints also claimed one NFC West title. The Saints' defense led the league in least points surrendered and turnovers in 1991, and again in least points surrendered in 1992. The defense also boasted twenty-seven games giving up ten or fewer points, with five shutouts. The four linebackers made NFL history by collectively being named to the Pro Bowl in 1992.

The "Dome Patrol" nickname was immortalized on a poster made in 1986, featuring all four players.