It seems like the skill of negotiating ends at the front door, but it has proven to be immensely beneficial for the New Orleans Saints.

Melanie Loomis laughed and added, “He’s the general manager of the Saints, but the twins, Sam and Lucy, who are 13 years old, are in so many sports, we call him Football Dad, Basketball Dad, Volleyball Dad.” Since he enjoys seeing our children play, they also kind of view him that way. He also teaches math to us. That helps: he taught math to seventh graders.

“Actually, he’s worked since he was twelve years old.”

Since 2002, Mickey Loomis has served as the general manager of the Saints (2002–12) and executive vice president/general manager (2013–present). He is a cunning and composed leader who has guided the team to its greatest run of success, which includes a Super Bowl XLIV triumph.

For the New Orleans Saints, Loomis is unquestionably the end of the line.And the line drawn from 2002 to the present reads as follows: Loomis has managed the Saints for 200 regular-season victories in the NFL after Sunday’s 28-6 victory over Carolina.

In the modern era, just seven men have held the position of general manager and overseen 200 victories since the NFL’s founding in 1920: 409 victories as owner/general manager of the Raiders from 1966 to 2011; 265 victories as coach/general manager of the Patriots from 2000 to the present; 265 victories as owner/general manager of the Cowboys from 1989 to the present; 250 victories as general manager of the Cowboys from 1960 to 1988; 229 victories as general manager of the Bills (1986–1992), Panthers (1995–97), and Colts (1998–2009); 226 victories as pro personnel director/general manager of the Steelers from 2000 to 21; and 200 victories as executive vice president/general manager of the Ravens from 1996 to 2018.

Davis, Jones, Schramm, Polian, and Newsome are all in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Belichick and Colbert will also be inducted.

“Consider the company he’s in,” remarked quarterback Drew Brees, who captained the Saints from 2006 to 20 and recorded 142 victories. “Those guys are all Hall of Famers. He very definitely fits within that group.”

Those closest to him are not surprised that he is in such company.