On February 2, Victor Riley, an eight-year NFL veteran who spent three seasons (2002–2004) with the New Orleans Saints, passed away. 49 was his age.
Riley was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round (27th overall) of the 1998 draft out of Auburn. He played with the Chiefs for four seasons until becoming an unrestricted free agent and joining the Saints in 2002. The 6-foot-5, 340-pound tackle made 46 appearances in 46 games during his three seasons with the Saints, including 33 starts at right tackle. After Riley’s stint with the Saints ended in 2005, he would play one more season in the NFL, this time with the Houston Texans.
When Riley took over as the Saints’ starting quarterback in 2003, he paved the way for running back Deuce McAllister, who finished the season with a career-high 1,641 yards and eight touchdowns and was selected to his second Pro Bowl. That season, the Saints offense amassed 5,438 net yards, which was then the second-highest total in the team’s history.
Riley started every game in 2004 and helped set the stage for McAllister to gain another 1,079 yards and the Saints offense to amass 5,193 net yards, which at the time was the third-highest total in team history.
Riley would play in 111 games during his NFL career, beginning in 93.
Riley was a four-year Auburn Tigers player who was selected to the second team of the All-Americans during his final year in 1997. He started 33 games during the regular season, made 42 appearances, and opened two bowl games during his four years.
Riley was born in Lexington, South Carolina, on November 4, 1974. He only participated in two prep football seasons for the Swansea High School Tigers in Swansea, South Carolina. Riley was selected for all-state and all-area teams while playing defensive end and guard, helping the team win two state championships.