Mike Detillier Remembered in New Orleans as a Defining Voice of Saints, LSU and NFL Football

 NEW ORLEANS, La. — Mike Detillier, the longtime WWL Radio football analyst whose voice became closely associated with Saints, LSU and NFL coverage, died September 6, 2026, at age 65. His passing has resonated across Louisiana, where listeners knew him not simply as an analyst, but as a familiar presence who made football conversations feel like part of everyday life. His career stretched across more than four decades and connected him with fans during seasons, drafts and Sundays.

Detillier’s path into sports media was shaped by an enduring love for football. A former fullback and linebacker at Central Lafourche High School, he later studied engineering at Louisiana Tech and Sacramento State and worked as an engineer for the state of Louisiana. Football remained the passion that redirected his career. In 1985, he began publishing his NFL Draft guide, developing a reputation for detailed evaluations of college prospects and a deep understanding of players entering professional football.

That draft work became one of the most recognizable parts of Detillier’s professional identity. His preparation and willingness to study players closely helped him build credibility long before draft analysis became a year-round media industry. His connection with New Orleans broadcasting figures including Buddy Diliberto opened another chapter, leading to a long association with WWL. Over the years, Detillier became a trusted source for fans seeking perspective on the Saints, LSU, college football and the NFL Draft.

In 2021, Detillier became a full-time co-host of WWL’s SportsTalk, formalizing a role he had built toward for years. His appeal went beyond statistics, scouting grades and predictions. Listeners valued his enthusiasm, memory and ability to explain football questions in an accessible way. He could discuss an established NFL player, a college prospect or a lesser-known athlete with the same attention and curiosity, helping fans understand why a player mattered and what might come next.

The New Orleans Saints also publicly honored Detillier, remembering him as a gifted analyst, trusted NFL Draft guide and exceptional family man. That tribute reflected the place he held within Louisiana’s football culture. For many fans, his presence at Saints games, practices, press conferences and radio programs became part of the season. His work also gave young players and prospects a platform, while his conversations helped connect local football audiences with the national game.

Detillier’s final days came shortly after doctors diagnosed him with metastatic pancreatic cancer following a hospital visit for severe stomach pain. The diagnosis was made less than two weeks before his passing, according to announcements after his death. He had intended to discuss the diagnosis publicly around his upcoming birthday, but his plans were overtaken by the rapid progression of his illness. The news added sadness for colleagues and listeners who had expected to hear his familiar voice during the new football season.

Mike Detillier leaves behind a legacy that reaches well beyond broadcasts, draft guides or predictions. He helped shape how Louisiana fans talked about football, while his kindness, knowledge and enthusiasm made him memorable to people who never met him. From New Orleans radio studios to Saints coverage and draft discussions, his work became woven into the region’s sports identity. For his family, colleagues and countless listeners, his memory will remain tied to the game he loved and the community he served for more than 40 years.