The National Football League has named New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper as the NFC Player of the Month for October.

The announcement came Wednesday.

The 6’2, 210 lbs veteran made 17 tackles and intercepted three balls, two of which he returned for touchdowns, while adding half a sack in the month of October.

Sharper leads the National Football League with six interceptions on the season, three of which have been returned for touchdowns.

The interception returns have combined for 317 yards for the veteran.

The acquisition of Sharper signed in the off season as an unrestricted free agent has been a genius move by the Saints as not only have his statistics and on field play been spectacular, but Sharper has proven to be a solidifying force in a leadership role on defense.

Sharper has now won the award for the second time in his playing career, the first coming as a member of the Minnesota Vikings in 2005.

In other Saints news, fans are being awarded by the franchise with a visit from a familiar face this coming Monday November 2nd 2009.

Former New Orleans Saints safety and special teams star Steve Gleason will appear at the Saints Hall of Fame Museum from 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm following Sunday’s contest with NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons to sign autographs and pictures.

Gleason, who played for eight seasons with New Orleans from 2000-2007, is most notably remembered for his blocked punt attempt against the Falcons on September 25th 2006.

The punt attempt resulted in a huge touchdown helping the Saints make a victorious return to the Louisiana Superdome following the devastating occurrence of Hurricane Katrina.

All the details in regards to the event are listed here.

Also included in that link are details on how to attend the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame luncheon Friday November 6th 2009.

This year’s inductees include Morten Andersen and Jerry Romig.