Mike Tilleman, member of first New Orleans Saints team, dead at age 76

An original New Orleans Saint has passed away.

Defensive lineman Mike Tilleman died Friday morning in Havre, Montana at the age of 76. He had not been in good health, most recently spending significant time in the hospital with a heart condition.

Tilleman played four seasons for the Saints from 1967-70, playing in all 56 games and starting 54. He played 11 seasons in the NFL overall, including one with Minnesota, two with Houston and four with Atlanta. Tilleman played in 149 games in the league, starting 137.

With the Saints, Tilleman teamed with Dave Rowe to give the Saints a pair of big, physical defensive tackles. With defensive ends Doug Atkins and Brian Schweda, the Saints had the “RATS” up front, based on the first initials of the last name of each of the starters.

A native of Chinook, Montana, Tilleman played at Chinook High, where he was a prep All-American, and at the University of Montana. Tilleman was drafted in the 12th round by the Vikings in 1965.

Tilleman was chosen by the Saints in the NFL Expansion Draft in 1967.

Following football, Montana returned to Montana and ran Tilleman Motor Company.

Tilleman is survived by his wife, Gloria, along with children Suzanne, Christopher and Craig.