Saints Gameday 2025 G5

PRE-GAME ENTERTAINMENT

COLOR GUARD: US Coast Guard Sector New Orleans

AMERICAN FLAG UNVEILING: Saints Season Ticket Holders

SAINTS FLAG UNVEILING: Saints Season Ticket Holders

IRMA THOMAS

Thomas is a Ponchatula native, whose family moved to New Orleans when she was a youth where her singing career began. She is the wife of Emile Jackson, and they have enjoyed a blissful marriage for over 40 years. Ms. Thomas is the mother of four children and two stepchildren. She is also a loving Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and a Great-Great Grandmother. Thomas has led an iconic music career that has spanned over six decades, during that time she was affectionately named the “Soul Queen of New Orleans.” There were many accomplishments achieved by Ms. Thomas, including a Grammy nomination. She joined the winners of a Grammy Award for the Best Contemporary Blues Album. Other prestigious awards were the induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, The Blues Music Award in the Soul Blues Female Artist category, and a Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance at the Americana Music Honors and Awards. She also won two Emmy awards with WLAE and WYES TV stations for her lifetime history documentaries. Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Thomas’ determination shined as she received her associate's degree from Delgado Community College. She was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Tulane University. As she is finally recognized worldwide, Ms. Thomas is known internationally. She is as a true diva, and the “Soul Queen of New Orleans” remains absolutely adored by her hometown fans, many of whom grew up with her songs as the soundtrack to their lives. Thereby coined the phase, “We Love you, Irma Thomas.”

TREY GALLMAN

Hailing from the vibrant LSU football field (2014-2018), this South Louisiana native has transitioned seamlessly from the gridiron to the stage with the creation of an electrifying live country music, fusion experience. You’re sure to be on your toes waiting to hear the next party song or his unapologetically authentic originals. As an artist and songwriter he’s amassed several top 50 national charting singles, and multiple hits on the Texas and Louisiana charts. There’s no slowing down for this hometown country boy in the near future as he continues to build steam after recently releasing his new album “Man To Man,” which collected over 25,000 streams in the first month. Pair this momentum with his impressive road experience, which includes numerous sold-out headlining performances, and supporting roles across the country; you’d rather say “remember when” instead of “man I missed” this high- energy country soul singer. Corporate partnerships with Busch Beer and Mockler Beverage have got this train red hot! So be sure to jump on the bandwagon when it makes a stop in your town and don’t be too late to grab a beer and join the party!

50% OF THE PROCEEDS OF TODAY’S 50/50 RAFFLE WILL BENEFIT THE OCHSNER GAYLE AND TOM BENSON CANCER CENTER.

Providing world-class cancer care to patients in the New Orleans area.

Tickets can be purchased through the end of the third quarter at the Caesars Superdome or at Saints5050raffle.com

IN-GAME ENTERTAINMENT

Gumbo

Sir Saint

Storyville Jazz Band

Saints Cheer Krewe

SPECIAL

PRESENTATIONS

People’s Health Champion

Entergy Lineman:

Powering Saints Nation

Community Coffee

Military Moment

DJ JUBILEE, FT LIGHT BALANCE

At halftime of this week’s Crucial Catch Game, the Saints proudly present a high-energy, visually stunning performance in support of the NFL’s league-wide initiative to fight cancer through early detection and risk reduction. Taking center stage are two iconic acts: New Orleans bounce pioneer DJ Jubilee, known for igniting crowds with his infectious energy, and Light Balance, the internationally acclaimed LED dance troupe known from America’s Got Talent and global stages. With their electrifying choreography, synchronized lighting effects, and futuristic style, Light Balance will transform the field into a dazzling celebration of hope and resilience. Joining them on the field are 200 dancers from across the New Orleans area, many of whom have been personally impacted by cancer in some way. Together, they’ll create a vibrant, community-driven performance that honors those affected by the disease and reinforces the message of early detection. It’s a moment of movement, music, and meaning — spotlighting the strength of our city and the collective fight against cancer.

LEGEND OF THE GAME FORMER SAINTS LB JONATHAN CASILLAS

Jonathan Casillas’ relentless style was welcomed after joining the Saints in 2009 as an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin, where he received All-Big Ten each of his three years as a starter. During his time in New Orleans, he made a consistent impact both on special teams and the club’s linebacker rotation. Over four seasons with the Saints, Casillas appeared in 38 games with 8 starts, posting 112 tackles (61 solo), three sacks, four pass defenses, two fumble recoveries and 21 special teams stops. In his rookie campaign, he recorded 20 tackles (11 solo) and five special teams stops, while adding one solo tackle and two special teams stops in three postseason games as the Saints captured their first Super Bowl title. After missing the entire 2010 season due to a foot injury suffered in the preseason finale, Casillas’ best season with the Saints came in 2011, totaling a career-high 57 tackles (33 solo) with three sacks, three pass defenses and six special teams stops.

Alvin RB 5-10/215 7/25/95 9 Tennessee Atlanta, Ga.

32 Kroeger, Kai P 6-3/213 6/11/02 R South Carolina Lake Forest Ill.

80 Matavao, Moliki TE 6-6/263 3/17/03 R UCLA

4 McKinstry, Kool-Aid CB 5-11/199 9/30/02 2 Alabama Pinson, Ala. 5 Miller, Kendre RB 6-0/220 6/11/02 3 TCU Mount Enterprise, Texas

24 Neal, Devin RB 5-11/213 8/12/03 R Kansas Lawrence, Kan.

12 Olave, Chris WR 6-0/187 6/27/00 4 Ohio State San Marcos, Calif.

Palmer, Trey WR 6-1/190 4/2/01 3

Kentwood, La. 70 Penning, Trevor T/G 6-7/325 5/15/99 4 Northern Iowa Mason City, Iowa

77 Radunz, Dillon OL 6-6/301 3/28/98 5 North Dakota State Becker, Minn

2 Rattler, Spencer QB 6-0/211 9/28/00 2 South Carolina Phoenix, Ariz.

21 Reid, Justin S 6-1/207 2/15/97 8 Stanford Prairieville, La.

72 Richards, Asim OL 6-4/307 10/2/00 3 North Carolina Haverford, Pa.

29 Riley, Quincy CB 5-11/195 5/26/01 R Louisville Columbia, S.C.

51 Ruiz, Cesar C/G 6-4/316 6/14/99 6 Michigan Camden, N.J.

58 Rumph II, Chris DE 6-2/244 10/19/98 5 Duke Gainesville, Fla.

33 Sanker, Jonas S 6-1/211 11/23/01 R Virginia Charlottesville, Va.

22 Shaheed, Rashid WR/RS 6-0/180 8/31/98 4 Weber State San Diego, Calif.

93 Shepherd, Nathan DT 6-4/315 10/9/93 8 Fort Hays State Ajax, Ontario, Canada

6 Shough, Tyler QB 6-5/219 9/28/99 R Louisville Chandler, Ariz.

68 Simpkins III, Torricelli G 6-5/312 6/6/02 R South Carolina Charlotte, N.C.

44 Stalbird, Isaiah LB 6-1/215 7/18/00 1 South Dakota State Kearney, Neb.

88 Stoll, Jack TE 6-4/247 1/28/98 5 Nebraska Aurora, Colo.

28 Stutsman, Danny LB 6-3/233 3/10/03 R Oklahoma Winter Garden, Fla.

1 Taylor, Alontae CB 6-1/199 12/3/98 4 Tennessee Manchester, Tenn. 15 Tipton, Mason WR 5-11/187 9/27/00 2 Yale Akron, Ohio

74 Truss, Xavier T/G 6-7/320 7/13/01 R Georgia West Warwick, R.I.

14 Vele, Devaughn WR 6-5/210 12/12/97 2 Utah San Diego, Calif.

20 Werner, Pete LB 6-3/242 6/5/98 5 Ohio State Indianapolis, Ind.

54 Williams, Jonah DE 6-5/275 8/17/95 5 Weber State Meridian, Idaho

49 Wood, Zach LS 6-3/255 1/10/93 9 Southern Methodist Rowlett, Texas

25 Wright, Rejzohn CB 6-2/193 9/4/00 2 Oregon State Union City, Calif.

27 Yiadom, Isaac CB 6-1/188 2/20/96 8 Boston College Worcester, Mass.

99 Young, Chase DE 6-5/265 4/14/99 6 Ohio State Hyattsville, Md.

Owner

Gayle Benson provides leadership for the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. She succeeds her husband, Tom Benson, who passed away on March 15, 2018, after serving as Owner of the Saints since 1985 and the Pelicans since 2012. The New Orleans native is an accomplished business professional and philanthropist with strong ties to the local community and is dedicated to contributing to the growth and enhancement of the Gulf South region.

Mr. and Mrs. Benson worked together to build model NFL and NBA organizations, housed in state-of-the-art facilities at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center, Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center, while making a positive impact in the community.

With the Saints franchise under the guidance of Mr. and Mrs. Benson, the team has reached new heights since 2006, when they entrusted Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis to set the direction for the organization, responding by making important coaching hires and continually supplementing and upgrading the roster through the draft, free agency and trades. Since then, the franchise has reached its highest point of success, posting a 189-136 record, featuring 11 winning seasons, nine playoff berths, seven NFC

South division titles, three NFC Championship appearances and the Super Bowl XLIV world championship.

In Mrs. Benson’s first seven seasons of ownership, New Orleans has posted five winning campaigns, three consecutive NFC South division titles (2018-20) and reached the 2018 NFC Championship. 15 different Saints players have received a combined 34 Pro Bowl selections and nine separate players over the past seven seasons have received Associated Press All-Pro honors. In 2025, Mrs. Benson and Loomis hired former Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore as head coach, igniting a new era of Saints football. Under Mrs. Benson, Loomis and Moore, the Saints will continue their commitment to building a strong and exciting football team, primed to compete this season and into the future.

Thanks to her leadership, Mrs. Benson contributed $180 million to the five-year, $560 million multi-phase transformation of the Caesars Superdome that made its debut for the 2024 Saints season and Super Bowl LIX, resulting in a world-class stadium with state-of-the-art amenities for the football team and their supportive fans. The Caesars Superdome has been sold out on a season ticket basis for every campaign since 2006, with a waiting list of over 73,000 and 192 consecutive sellouts for contests played at the venue. The team’s Ochsner Sports Performance Center completed the construction of a brandnew cafeteria and a complete renovation of the draft room and weight room, further upgrading one of the NFL’s top training complexes.

Following in the footsteps of her husband, who played a significant role in the City of New Orleans hosting five Super Bowls during his ownership and wielded extensive influence and respect among fellow NFL owners with a 25-year tenure as Chairman of the Finance Committee, Mrs. Benson has become instrumental with her leadership in important league issues, serving on the Audit, Business Ventures and Hall of Fame Committees, as well as the Social Justice Working Group. She served as a key voice in securing New Orleans’ bid to host Super Bowl LIX, the 11th time the Crescent City served as a host, tied with Miami for the most Super Bowls by a host city.

Super Bowl LIX generated $1.25 billion in total economic activity statewide, more than doubling the impact of Super Bowl XLVII and ranked as the second most financially impactful Super Bowl of all-time. Mrs. Benson remains committed to leading the effort to bring the Super Bowl back to New Orleans.

Immediately upon Mr. and Mrs. Benson’s purchase of the former Hornets franchise from the NBA in 2012, construction began on a state-of-theart basketball practice facility to house the entire organization together, while also rebranding as the Pelicans. Through agreements with the State of Louisiana upon the 2012 purchase, the Smoothie King Center has seen renovations, featuring a new centerhung HD scoreboard, which debuted in 2015, along with several additional fan upgrades. Through this commitment, NBA All-Star Weekend was awarded to New Orleans in 2014 and 2017, making the city one of just seven current NBA markets to host the mid-season event at least three times. In 2025, Mrs. Benson announced the hiring of Joe Dumars as the team’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. With over 30 years of NBA experience as a Hall of Fame player, NBA champion, and respected executive at both the team and league levels, Dumars joins Mrs. Benson to lead a new era of Pelicans basketball, committed to building a winner for years to come.

Active in league affairs, Mrs. Benson serves as a member of the NBA’s Labor Relations Committee and was named to the NBA Foundation Board of Directors in 2020. As a board member, she is constantly an advocate for the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. Since her 2020 addition, distributions by the foundation have benefited numerous deserving New Orleans nonprofits.

Community investment and giving back have been hallmarks of Mr. and Mrs. Benson’s ownership of the Saints and Pelicans. This tradition continues under Mrs. Benson’s stewardship, sharing her late husband’s vision and passion for helping others. She has further enriched the New Orleans community through her support to causes in the health and wellness, cancer care, education, arts and faithbased sectors.

As dedicated corporate citizens, the Saints and Pelicans annually put millions of dollars back into the community in financial support, in-kind donations, charitable appearances and donations of goods and services. Mrs. Benson’s philanthropic leadership has been recognized far and wide since becoming Owner. Mrs. Benson has always quickly responded and taken action to conditions that affect the local community adversely. Following the 2025 New Year’s Day tragedy on Bourbon Street, funds were immediately used by the Greater New Orleans Foundation from a $1.25 Million donation over the summer to the foundation’s “Gayle and Tom Benson Disaster Relief Fund” to support the victims and their families by providing each affected family the necessary resources and vital assistance needed. Following the terrorist attack, Mrs. Benson, the NFL Foundation and Ochsner Health immediately answered the call, collaborating on a $1.5 Million donation to further support the community’s relief efforts for the victims.

With the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ida providing multiple challenges to the New Orleans area and its citizens over a two-year period from 2020-21, Mrs. Benson donated over $2 million, partnering with the Greater New Orleans Foundation to assist local organizations and individuals in need to help the region and its residents recover from difficult circumstances. In 2020, utilizing the platform of the Saints and Pelicans to harness the unifying power of sport to advance race relations across both the Gulf South and the country, she formed the Social Justice Leadership Alliance to advocate for issues of change in minority communities.

In 2014, Mrs. Benson was honored by the New Orleans Council for Community and Justice with its Weiss Award, recognizing achievement for exceptional civic and humanitarian contributions. In 2015, the couple were honored by the regional chapter of the Anti-Defamation League with the A.I. Botnick Torch of Liberty Award. In 2018, she and Mr. Benson

(posthumously) were honored by two of the city’s leading higher education institutions. They received a Dermot McGlinchey Lifetime Achievement Award from Tulane University, honoring those who have demonstrated service, volunteer involvement and commitment to Tulane and their hometown communities and were inducted into the University of New Orleans’ Hall of Distinction.

In 2019, Mrs. Benson received several important honors. She was honored by Xavier University of Louisiana with the Sister Maris Stella “Women of Faith” Award and was recognized by the UNCF with the group’s MASKED Award for her support of educational opportunities for all. Additionally, Mrs. Benson was honored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl Chapter of the National Football Foundation/College Football Hall of Fame with its Distinguished American Award. The National World War II Museum selected her as an American Spirit Medallion recipient. The Greater New Orleans Foundation also honored Mrs. Benson with the organization’s Spark Plug Award, given to an individual whose philanthropy in the greater New Orleans community has been exemplary.

In 2021, Mrs. Benson was presented by the University of Holy Cross with its Spes Unica Award, the educational institution’s highest honor, based on her support of the university’s mission to educate the mind and heart. She was the Times-Picayune’s 2021 Loving Cup award winner, an honor which has been presented since 1901 to men and women who have performed exemplary service to the community without expecting material recognition.

In 2022, Mrs. Benson was recognized by the local charity, Clover, as a co-recipient of the Reverend Beverley Warner Ward, for her extensive work with the non-profit whose mission is to educate children, strengthen families and build community. Mrs. Benson was honored by the American Cancer Society’s Louisiana Chapter with their 2022 Heart & Soul Award for her constant support in the fight

against cancer through the services provided to cancer patients, families and caregivers at Ochsner’s Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center. She was also recognized by the Southeast Louisiana Council, Boy Scouts of America with their 2022 “Distinguished Citizen” Award.

In 2023, Mrs. Benson was honored as a “Louisiana Legend” by Louisiana Public Broadcasting for distinguishing herself in the sports field and through her philanthropy. Realizing the need for the commitment to people with disabilities by her sports organizations and business ventures, whether enhancing their fan experience or providing employment opportunities/support, she was selected for the 2023 Human Highlight Never Moment Award by the KultureCity organization. With Mrs. Benson’s encouragement, the Saints became a founding partner of the HBCU Legacy Bowl all-star game held in New Orleans, establishing financial support for the contest and its week of events, which includes hosting a scouting combine for participants at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center and a career fair for both players and HBCU students. The career fair attracts over 100 regional and national employers to help provide opportunities and networking for HBCU students. In recognition of her support of the events, Mrs. Benson received the 2023 Black College Football Hall of Fame Founders Award. Mrs. Benson was also inducted into the Louisiana Center for Women in Government & Business (LCWGB) Hall of Fame alongside former Louisiana first lady, Donna Edwards. Mrs. Benson also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the LCWGB, which recognized her remarkable achievements in business and her unwavering generosity toward various causes across the state of Louisiana.

In 2024, at Washington Mardi Gras, Mrs. Benson received the Humanitarian of the Century Award from U.S. Senator John Kennedy, which recognized her continuous philanthropic efforts throughout New Orleans, the state of Louisiana, and the Gulf South region. In November, Mr. and Mrs. Benson were inducted into the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Hall of Fame for their instrumental work in leading the efforts with the Sports Foundation to

bring five Super Bowls, four NCAA Men’s Final Fours, three NBA All-Star Games, and several other major sporting events to New Orleans. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was in attendance, introducing Mrs. Benson with the honor. In 2025, Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry appointed Mrs. Benson as President of the French Quarter Terrorism Attack Memorial Commission in recognition of her leadership in honoring the victims of the January 1, 2025 attacks and for her guidance in the vision, planning, and implementation of a permanent memorial to honor the victims, survivors, and all those impacted. Mrs. Benson was also honored with the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation’s (NOPJF) Honorary Crime Fighter Award, the Foundation’s highest recognition, presented to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to public safety, supported the mission of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), and demonstrated a deep commitment to building a safer New Orleans. She is only the third recipient of this award in the NOPJF’s 30-year history.

In addition to serving on the boards of several local educational institutions and the New Orleans Museum of Art, Mrs. Benson is also a member of the Audubon Commission, which oversees the Audubon Nature Institute.

Mrs. Benson has been a longtime trusted and valued member of the local Catholic community, reflecting her deep religious faith. She has worked tirelessly with the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ Catholic Charities organization and its umbrella agencies that feature almost 50 programs and three affiliated ministries. These organizations deliver health and human services to

those in need in the eight Southeast Louisiana parishes, which the Archdiocese serves, as well as food and nutrition services throughout the state. Mrs. Benson has worked closely with St. Louis Cathedral’s Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program. She also serves on the Board for the Friends of Notre Dame de Paris, which serves as the official the official charity leading the international fundraising efforts to rebuild and restore Notre-Dame Cathedral. Currently, she is in the midst of leading an unprecedented effort to repair and restore the St. Louis Cathedral with the Our City, Our Cathedral campaign, which aims to restore the city’s most iconic building after suffering from nearly two centuries of wear and tear, water damage and settling.

Mrs. Benson’s support of the Catholic Church has been recognized numerous times locally, nationally and on an international level. In 2002, she received the Medal of the Order of St. Louis Award for dedication to the Church. In 2010, she became an Honorary Oblate of Mary Immaculate and in recognition of longstanding support of Catholic education, Mr. and Mrs. Benson received the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). In 2012, Mr. and Mrs. Benson received from Pope Benedict XVI the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award, which recognizes outstanding service to the Church and the Pontiff, the highest Papal award granted to a lay person. She holds a leadership role after being inducted as Dame Commander with Star in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and is a commander of the Order of St. Lazarus, a confraternity of Christian faithful who profess their commitment to Jesus Christ.

In February 2024, she was recognized by FADICA, the leading Catholic philanthropic network of foundations and donors supporting Catholic activities and initiatives, with the Mary Magdalene Medal of Service, which recognizes someone who shares their time, talent and treasure with the Church. She was also the recipient of the Catholic Community Foundation’s 2024 St. John Paul II Award, a prestigious honor presented by the Archbishop and the foundation to an outstanding Catholic layperson who exhibits unwavering faith, inspirational generosity, and a deep commitment to the New Orleans community. In December, Mrs. Benson was also honored by the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA), a papal agency for humanitarian and pastoral support, at their annual “Healing & Hope Gala” in New York City with its Faith & Culture Award, annually given to a prominent advocate for the presence of faith in culture.

Mrs. Benson began her professional career in 1968 as a manager for a noted New York-based jeweler. She was responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operation of over 40 sales associates. She then branched out into real estate development, which allowed her to successfully integrate her passion for interior design with property management. Her first real estate transaction occurred in 1978 when she purchased a home in New Orleans’s Irish Channel and then sold the property eight months later after extensive restoration. She would go on to purchase, manage and eventually sell numerous properties, primarily in the city’s Uptown district.

In 1975, Mrs. Benson began a 30-year design industry career where she achieved tremendous success. Throughout the course of her interior design career, she was recognized with numerous professional awards and served as an inaugural member on the Louisiana State Board of Licensing for Interior Designers for four years. She directed numerous major design efforts with her clients, including the Caesars Superdome (formerly Louisiana Superdome and Mercedes-Benz Superdome), several of the city’s most prestigious hotels, local supermarket chains, automobile dealerships, yachts and many others.

In 2000, Mrs. Benson worked with the Superdome on renovations to the iconic New Orleans landmark’s third and fourth level public spaces, in addition to renovations on select suites. She also owned and developed a commercial real estate building on the corner of Laura and Octavia Streets, a women’s clothing private enterprise called “Toujours la Ligne” and a designer’s showroom called “Designers Resource” which served as a wholesale location for designers and architects seeking to purchase fabric, wall coverings and accessories. The Men of Fashion Committee recognized Mrs. Benson as one of the “Ten Best Dressed Women in New Orleans” in 1983.

In addition to her ownership of the Saints and Pelicans, Mrs. Benson established GMB Racing Stables in 2014 with an initial purchase of seven colts and hiring three veteran trainers, all with Louisiana ties. In 2016, two of the thoroughbreds, Mo Tom and Tom’s Ready, participated in the Kentucky Derby. Another thoroughbred, Lone Sailor, ran in the 2018 Kentucky Derby and Preakness. She owns Benson Farm in Paris, Ky., a 1,000-acre farm with nearly 50 horses. As part of her passion for horse racing, she is a member of the esteemed Jockey Club of New York. Mrs. Benson also serves as Owner of seven automotive dealerships (Best Chevrolet, Cadillac of New Orleans, Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans, Mercedes-Benz Van Center, Mercedes-Benz of South Mississippi, Porsche New Orleans, Volkswagen of South Mississippi, Infiniti of South Mississippi), three premier collision centers across Mississippi and Louisiana, Benson Tower, Benson Capital Partners, Corporate Realty and is also a co-owner of the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.

Mrs. Benson was born in New Orleans and grew up in the Old Algiers section of the city. She began her education in Catholic schools and in 1966 graduated from Martin Behrman High School in Algiers. She received a Doctorate of Letters from Notre Dame Seminary in 2014. Serving as keynote speaker at their respective commencement ceremonies, Mrs. Benson has been awarded honorary degrees from University of Holy Cross (2015), Southern University of New Orleans (2021), Delgado Community College (2022) and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Loyola University New Orleans (2019).

Mr. and Mrs. Benson married on October 29, 2004 at the Immaculate Conception Memorial Chapel.

THE GROWTH & GRIT OF JUWAN JOHNSON

“I don’t think anyone thought I would be here except for me.”

It is what Juwan Johnson said at his contract extension press conference when asked about how he has been reflecting on his journey from when he first signed with the Saints five years ago in 2020 to now being on his third contract.

The growth from 2020 to 2025 for Johnson has been tremendous. Coming out of Oregon, the Glassboro, New Jersey native did not get selected by any team in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, a few days later, the New Orleans Saints called him and asked him to sign a free agent contract to compete for a roster spot. Johnson originally signed as a wide receiver in 2020. Due to peak COVID-19, the offseason was mostly virtual and preseason was canceled altogther, making learning and getting practice reps a challenge. He did not let that

stop him from making an impact in the Black and Gold.

By the end of training camp, Johnson secured a practice squad spot and bounced between there and the active roster, appearing in seven games and recording four receptions for 39 yards through the season. Then, in 2021 offseason, he was approached about moving to tight end.

“You pray for a larger role and that was something that I worked for,” Johnson said about the move. “The transition wasn’t easy; it was a lot of work,” Johnson said. “It was so different for me, and I really had to grow and apply myself to get it down.”

Johnson adjusted to the new position group well in 2021, appearing in 14 games and totaling 13 receptions for 159 yards with four touchdowns. It took the former Oregon stand -

out’s attention to detail, work ethic and coachability to learn the position, as he had a breakout season in 2022. Johnson was a featured tight end in the Saints offensive scheme, appearing in 16 games with 12 starts and tallying 42 receptions for 508 yards (12.1 avg.) and a team-best seven touchdowns. He secured his second contract after that season, and was pumped to continue his career in New Orleans for the next two years.

“I am so blessed to be in this position,” Johnson said in the 2022 offseason. This season has given me a lot of confidence moving forward to keep growing, and New Orleans has really started to become a home for my family and I.”

Unfortunately, the 2023 season was not as kind to Johnson. He missed four games due to a calf injury, and he was also questionable for two weeks with a nagging quad strain. Even

with the injuries piling up for the New Jersey native, Johnson’s grit and determination pushed him to keep fighting. He ended up appearing in 13 games with 11 starts while recording 37 receptions for 368 yards and four touchdowns.

“The ’23 season did not go the way that I or that the team had hoped,” Johnson said. “I knew I had to come into the 2024 season hungry to make a difference. I wanted to show everyone what kind of value I can bring to the Saints organization.”

Just as Johnson was finally healthy, he suffered a broken foot late in the 2024 offseason, nearly sidelining him for the entiritey

of training camp. Yet, his relentless grit and perseverance prevailed once again, allowing him to battle back in time for Week One.

“When I broke my foot before the season started, I was in a very dark place,” Johnson said. “I was really trying to have a major impact, not just on the team but also on the city as well. I didn’t want to let anybody down, and I was extremely happy that I was able to get through that.”

Johnson did not just show everyone what he can do after the injury, but smashed previous career-highs into oblivion. He set careerbests in games played (17), receptions (50) and receiving yards (548), and he was also

the Saints’ leading receiver in terms of yards for the first time in his career. It was Johnson’s healthiest season, appearing in all 17 games and starting 5, and the most productive of his career in New Orleans while on the last year of his contract.

The Johnson family had no idea what was going to come next. Since the 6-4, 231 pounder was at the end of his current deal with the Saints, he prepared to hit free agency. Johnson’s family were really praying and hoping for him to end up back in the Black and Gold.

“New Orleans is home for us,” said the six-year NFL veteran. “The city really welcomed us with open arms when we first got here, our kids were born here, we basically grew up here since my wife and I were just kids when we moved here, so it would be really difficult to leave.”

Eventually, Johnson and his family negotiated a three-year contract extension with the Saints to stay in New Orleans and further his career as a rising star in the NFL. The amount of determination, perseverance, sacrifice, growth and grit that Johnson has showed throughout his career has been astonishing, but there is nowhere he would rather be than in New Orleans.

“I cannot tell you how happy I am to stay with the Saints organization and to stay in New Orleans,” said Johnson. “I felt like it was only right to finish what we started here, and I’m ready to get to work to do more of what I planned to do when I got here in 2020.”

That happiness that Johnson felt after re-signing with the Saints in the offseason carried over in a huge way. He has totaled 22 receptions, 204 yards, with 108 of them being after the catch, and one touchdown through the first four weeks of the season. Johnson is tied for 13th in most receptions and 21st in most third down receptions in the National Football League. Among tight ends, he ranks third in receptions and fourth in yards after the catch.

“We always want to get the ball to Juwan,” Offensive Coordinator Doug Nussmeier said about the star tight end. “He has such a unique ability paired with his size and athleticism. He has been doing a fantastic job for us, and we want to continue to feed him.”

Head Coach

The New Orleans Saints named Kellen Moore as the 19th head coach in franchise history on Feb. 11, 2025. Coming off a Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Moore joined the Saints after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2024 World Championship campaign.

Moore, a 13-year NFL veteran, played quarterback for six seasons (2012-17) and entered the coaching ranks in 2018, serving as an offensive coordinator for the past six campaigns.

In 2024, Moore was a key piece of a coaching staff that led the Eagles to a 14-3 record, which tied a franchise-mark for regular season victories, an NFC East Division title and the conference’s number two playoff seed and culminating with a Super Bowl LIX championship at the Caesars Superdome. Ranked eighth overall in net yards per game (367.2) and seventh in points per game (27.2), Philadelphia rushed for

PLAYING CAREER: Boise State, 2007-11; Detroit Lions, 2012-14; Dallas Cowboys, 2015-17.

COACHING CAREER: Dallas Cowboys, 2018-22; Los Angeles Chargers, 2023; Philadelphia Eagles 2024; New Orleans Saints 2025 - (Head Coach).

a single-season club record 3,048 yards (sixth-best in NFL history) and finished second in the league in rushing yards per game (179.3).

The 2024 Eagles were only the second team in NFL history to rush for 3,000-plus yards and at least 25 touchdowns (29). The Eagles passing attack also flourished under Moore’s tutelage, setting a club record with a 103.4 passer rating, led by QB Jalen Hurts’ career-high 103.7 ranked fifth-best in the league.

In the NFC Divisional Playoff victory over the Los Angeles Rams, the Philadelphia run game kept humming, gaining a team playoffrecord 285 yards on 34 carries (8.4 avg.) with three touchdowns. In the Eagles’ 55-23 NFC Championship victory over the Washington Commanders, they had their secondhighest scoring total in postseason history, gaining 459 total net yards, including 229 rushing on 36 carries (6.4 avg.) with seven touchdowns. In Philadelphia’s 40-22 Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs, Hurts was voted the winner of the Pete Rozelle Trophy, awarded to the Super Bowl LIX Most Valuable Player after completing 17-of-22 attempts (77.3 pct.) for 221 yards, two touchdowns, a 119.7 passer rating and 72 rushing yards with one touchdown on the ground, the most rushing yards by a quarterback ever in a Super Bowl.

Philadelphia’s record-setting offense was led by several stellar individual performances. Running back Saquon Barkley, the consensus NFL Offensive Player of the Year (Associated Press, PFWA, The Sporting News), a first-team AP All-Pro and Pro Bowl starter, led the league with a franchise-record 2,005 rushing yards in the regular season, making him just the ninth player in NFL history to post 2,000+ rushing yards in a season, eighth-

most in league records. Including 499 rushing yards in the playoffs which ranked third all-time, Barkley’s 2,504 rushing yards were the most in NFL single-season history (regular season and postseason combined).

Hurts ranked among the top eight in the league in yards per attempt (fourth, 8.0), passer rating (fifth, career-high 103.7), completion percentage (eighth, career-high 68.7 pct.) and total touchdowns (eighth, 32) in the regular season. In addition, Hurts tied for the fifth-most rushing touchdowns (14) in the league (first among quarterbacks). In the postseason, en route to Super Bowl MVP honors, Hurts completed 65-of-91 passes (71.4 pct.) for 726 yards with five touchdown passes, only one interception and a 108.6 passer rating. On the ground, he carried 34 times for 194 yards with five touchdowns. His five postseason rushing touchdowns tied his own NFL postseason record for quarterbacks, which he already owned from the 2022 playoffs, and his 194 rushing yards were the fourth-highest total in NFL record books by a signal-caller.

Among pass-catchers, Philadelphia (WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith) was one of three teams with multiple players that had 60+ receptions for 825+ yards and 7+ touchdowns each during the regular season. Up front, all five of the Eagles offensive line starters received All-Pro votes from the AP, with Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata earning All-Pro honors. In addition to Johnson, G Landon Dickerson and C Cam Jurgens earned Pro Bowl recognition.

In 2023, Moore served as the Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator. He helped lead WR Keenan Allen to the Pro Bowl after finishing sixth in the NFL with

108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns. He also guided Justin Herbert to the sixth-best touchdown-interception ratio (2.9) and ninth-most passing touchdowns (20) in the NFL through Week 14 before sustaining a season-ending injury.

In four seasons as offensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys (201922), Moore’s unit ranked second in the NFL in total offense (391.0 net yards per game) and scoring (27.7 points per game). The Dallas offense was also the NFL’s fourth-best passing offense (264.4 net yards per game) and ranked seventh in rushing offense (126.6 yards per game) over that span. Moore helped the Cowboys secure a pair of NFC East titles and three playoff appearances in his five seasons as an assistant coach. He coached eight players to a combined 12 Pro Bowl selections as offensive coordinator, and tutored QB Dak Prescott to another as his position coach in 2018.

In 2022, Dallas offense featured a 1,000-yard rusher and a 1,000-yard receiver under Moore. He helped RB Tony Pollard earn his first Pro Bowl selection while setting career highs with nine rushing touchdowns and 1,007 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, RB Ezekiel Elliott ran in 12 scores. The Cowboys offense also featured WR CeeDee Lamb, who set career highs in receptions (107), receiving yards (1,359) and touchdown grabs (nine), en route to his second Pro Bowl selection.

The Cowboys offense ranked as the NFL’s best in 2021, leading the league in total offense (407.0 net yards per game) and scoring offense (31.2 points per game). Moore’s guidance helped Prescott return from injury and throw for a franchise-record 37 touchdowns on a career-high 410 completions, registering a passer rating of 104.2, third-best by any passer in the NFL and the fourth-highest in a single season in franchise history at the time. On the ground, Elliott recorded his fifth 1,000-yard campaign and added ten touchdowns. Through the air, Lamb led the Cowboys with 79 receptions for 1,102 yards and six scores, while TE Dalton Schultz experienced a breakout season with 78 receptions for 808 yards and eight touchdowns to join Jason Witten as the only Cowboys

tight ends with 70 receptions and 800 receiving yards in a single season. For their efforts, three offensive players were selected to the Pro Bowl in T Tyron Smith, G Zack Martin and WR Lamb. Moore helped Prescott lead all NFL quarterbacks in passing yards (1,856), and 400-yard passing games (three) through the first five weeks of the 2020 season, before the signal-caller suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week Five. Overall, he prepared three different additional quarterbacks to take snaps under center for the Cowboys in 2020, the first time that Dallas had at least four different quarterbacks start at least one game in a season since 2015. Moore’s offensive front saw a shuffling of eight different starting lineup combinations on the offensive line due to injuries. Despite the injuries, Moore’s unit finished the season ranked eighth in the NFL in passing offense, as WR Amari Cooper hauled in a career-high 92 receptions for 1,114 yards and five touchdowns, while Lamb set the franchise rookie record with 74 receptions. Leading the rushing attack, Elliott finished top-10 in the NFL with 979 yards and six touchdowns.

During his first season as offensive coordinator in 2019, Moore’s unit led the league with 431.5 total net yards per game, which was the tenth-best singleseason performance in NFL history and best by any offense since Denver’s 2013 recordsetting unit (457.3). Prescott finished second in the NFL with a career-high 4,902 yards passing, second-most in team history, and a then-career-best 30 passing touchdowns. Elliott finished the season ranked second in the league with 1,777 yards from scrimmage, as Cooper recorded eight touchdowns and a career-high 1,189 yards on 79 receptions.

Moore entered the coaching ranks in 2018, taking over as Dallas’ quarterbacks coach after spending the previous three

seasons in the room as a player. In his first season coaching Prescott, he was named to the second Pro Bowl of his career, helping lead the Cowboys to the franchise’s second NFC East Division title in three seasons.

Moore played six NFL seasons for the Detroit Lions (2012-14) and Cowboys (2015-17) after entering the league as an undrafted free agent. Moore appeared in three games, including two starts for the Cowboys in 2015. He threw for 435 yards and three touchdowns in his first home start, a 34-23 loss to Washington, becoming the fifth quarterback in Cowboys history to eclipse 400 passing yards in a single game and recorded the sixth-most passing yards by any Cowboy in a single game. The following season, Moore broke his leg in training camp, but remained a mainstay in Dallas’ quarterbacks room, working closely with thenrookie Prescott as the Cowboys tied a franchise-record with 13 wins in the regular season, including an 11-game win streak.

A native of Prosser, Wash., Moore finished his collegiate career at Boise State with a record of 50-3, the most wins by a quarterback in NCAA history. He concluded his collegiate tenure with the second-most touchdown passes (142) and sixth-most passing yards (14,667) by any quarterback in NCAA history, owning a career completion percentage mark of 69.7. Moore was a first-team All-American from the Football Writers Association of America in 2010, twice being named Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year (2009-10) and earning Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2011. The Broncos’ offense finished in the top-five in scoring in each of Moore’s final three seasons, including a first-place finish in 2009 and rank of second in 2010.

Moore and his wife, Julie, have two daughters, Halle and Madelyn, and two sons, Kyler and Beckham.

DENNIS LAUSCHA PRESIDENT

Dennis Lauscha, a native New Orleanian, has been a fan of the Saints since he was a young boy. He attended Jesuit High School and received degrees in Business, first from the University of Alabama, followed by an M.B.A. from Loyola University. Starting out his career as a C.P.A, Lauscha worked for a major global financial services firm before his decades long career with the Saints. He first joined the Saints in 1998 as Treasurer, and as a result of his hard work, loyalty and business acumen, Lauscha rose through the executive ranks to serve as Vice President, Senior Vice President and Executive Vice President before reaching his now esteemed post as President of both the Saints and Pelicans since 2012. In his role, he oversees the club’s financial operations, government affairs, marketing, ticket and suite sales, legal, stadium, community affairs, human resources, business intelligence and information technology. He also serves as a representative for both clubs at NFL and NBA Owners meetings.

In addition to his duties with the Saints and Pelicans, the New Orleans native maintains multiple roles within Mrs. Benson’s business enterprises, maintaining a role in the management of her eight regional automotive dealerships (Best Chevrolet, Cadillac of New Orleans, Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans, Mercedes-Benz of South Mississippi, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Porsche New Orleans, Volkswagen of South Mississippi and Infiniti of South Mississippi) and three collision centers, Benson Capital Partners, Corporate Realty, and GMB Racing.

MICKEY LOOMIS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT / GENERAL MANAGER

Mickey Loomis is in his 23rd season in his current position and 25th with the Saints. The 37-year NFL front office veteran has been honored with some of the most prestigious awards presented to a league executive, yet his most satisfying career achievement has come in helping mold a roster that’s produced many of the franchise’s finest moments over the last 18 seasons, including the Super Bowl XLIV championship.

In 2006, after being the key figure in the hiring of Head Coach Sean Payton, the signing of Drew Brees and overseeing the rebuild of a team that would advance to the NFC Championship, Loomis was voted Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers of America NFL Executive of the Year. He was also honored as the The Sporting News George Young Executive of the Year, an award voted on annually by NFL front-office executives and owners.

Loomis has continued to build on the success of 2006, highlighted by 11 winning seasons, nine postseason appearances, seven division titles, three NFC Championship berths and the Super Bowl victory. Over the past 22 years, he’s brought aboard a group of players who have played a key role in New Orleans posting a 203-152 regular season record through a combination of the draft, free agency and trades, while presiding over the club’s ability to re-sign their core play-

GREG BENSEL Senior VP of Communications, Broadcast, Community Relations & Governmental Relations

DAVID CHAIX Senior Vice President / Chief Financial Officer

BEN HALES Senior Vice President / Chief Operating Officer

ED LANG Senior Financial Advisor to Gayle Benson

Lauscha’s collaborative style, financial acumen and long-term view have played a key role as a member of a contingent that has negotiated agreements for both the Saints and Pelicans with the state of Louisiana. These have resulted in long-term lease agreements, continuous improvements to their playing and practice facilities, revitalization of the areas around them and generated revenue for the state without any new taxes for citizens.

Active throughout sports and the community, Lauscha currently serves as a member of the Business Council of New Orleans & the River Region, board member of the Audubon Nature Institute, Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, Greater New Orleans Foundation, Pro Bono Publico Foundation and as a trustee of The National World War II Museum. Lauscha has completed terms as board president of the Preservation Resource Center, president of the regional chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, a member of the Blight Transition New Orleans Task Force, the Mayor’s Transition Committee, the Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee, the 2014 and 2017 NBA All-Star Game Host Committees, the 2012 NCAA Final Four Host Committee, the Loyola University New Orleans School of Business Visiting Committee, the NBA’s Team Advisory Council of Presidents and Team CBA Advisory Committee, the NFL’s Ticketing Strategy Working Group, the NFL’s 100th Anniversary Committee, the NFL’s Sports Betting Committee, the Stuart Hall School Board of Trustees and on the New Orleans Museum of Art Board.

ers. He’s just the ninth person in the 105-year history of the NFL to oversee 200 regular season career wins as the official acting General Manager. Loomis has been a key figure in the highest management circle of the organization since arriving in 2000 as director of football administration, prior to his 2002 promotion. In 2005, Loomis helped steer the club through unprecedented challenges, calmly guided the staff and players through a sudden evacuation and multiple base of operations moves in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Loomis has overseen several renovations and facility upgrades at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center, giving the club one of the NFL’s top training complexes. In 2024, renovated weight room facilities and a new team cafeteria will debut.

Prior to arriving in New Orleans, Loomis spent 15 years with the Seattle Seahawks, including as executive vice president from 1992-98. He joined the Seahawks in 1983, was promoted to vice president/finance in 1990 and to executive vice president in 1992. The Eugene, Ore., native has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree in sports administration from Wichita State.

Married to Melanie, Loomis has four children: Alex, Katherine, Sam and Lucy.

VICKY NEUMEYER Senior Vice President / General Counsel

GREG ROUCHELL Senior Vice President of Human Resources

Senior Vice President of Sales

Coaching Staff

ROBERT BLANTON ASSISTANT DEFENSIVE BACKS

BO DAVIS DEFENSIVE LINE

Bo Davis, who holds 30 years of coaching experience, including five in the NFL, is in his first season as the Saints’ defensive line coach. Davis comes to the Saints with a history of developing some of the top defensive linemen in college football. In 13 years of coaching the line at the college level, Davis produced 18 All-Conference selections and seven AllAmericans. He coached players who have won the Outland Trophy, the Defensive Player of the Year in the Big 12 and Conference USA, along with the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year. Davis has been part of three national championships during his college coaching career, winning the 2003 title at LSU along with championships at Alabama in 2009 and 2015 as the defensive line coach for the Crimson Tide.

The Magee, Miss. native, who was a standout nose guard at LSU, spent the 2024 season as the defensive line coach at his alma mater. Under Davis’ leadership, the Tigers tied for 30th in the nation with 2.62 sacks per game. Davis re-joined the LSU staff in 2024 after spending three seasons at Texas (2021-23), where he helped the Longhorns reach the College Football Play-

Robert Blanton is in his first NFL coaching season as the Saints’ assistant defensive backs coach. He brings five years of coaching experience, including the past three at Miami (Ohio), where he served as defensive pass game coordinator and safeties coach in 2024. That season, the RedHawks rebounded from a 1-4 start to finish 9-5, earning their first bowl win since 2021. Blanton’s unit ranked in the AllMAC’s top three in scoring defense (18.8), total defense (331.4), rushing defense (137.1), and pass defense (194.3), while also leading the league in red zone defense and forcing 23 turnovers. Under Blanton’s guidance, five players earned All-MAC honors over two seasons, including standout sophomore Raion Strader and redshirt senior Eli Blakey. In 2023, Miami ranked eighth nationally in scoring defense, giving up just 10.8 points per conference game, the fewest in MAC play since 2000. Before Miami, Blanton coached at Benilde St. Margaret’s High School in Minnesota. He also participated in the 2023 Vikings Diversity Coaching Summit and interned with the Chargers through the Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship, working under current Saints coaches Brandon Staley and Kellen Moore. Blanton enjoyed a six-year NFL career as a safety and special-teams contributor with the Vikings and Bills. A Notre Dame alumnus, Blanton earned a business degree in 2012 and an MBA in finance from the University of Miami in 2016.

PLAYING CAREER: Notre Dame, 2008-011; Minnesota Vikings, 2012-15, Buffalo Bills, 2016-17.

COACHING CAREER: Benilde St. Margaret’s (St. Louis Park, Minn.) High School, 2020-21; Miami (Ohio), 2022-24; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

Grady Brown, a 25-year coaching veteran, enters his first season as the Saints’ cornerbacks coach. Brown arrives in New Orleans after tutoring the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive backs the past four seasons.

Several individual contributors in the Pittsburgh secondary developed and shined under Brown’s tutelage. FS Minkah Fitzpatrick was voted an Associated Press first-team All-Pro, named to the Pro Bowl three times, and led the NFL in interceptions in 2022 under Brown’s watch. In 2023, Brown played an instrumental role in the development of rookie CB Joey Porter Jr., who was selected to the PFWA All-Rookie team, a second-round (32nd overall) draft selection in 2023.

With the help of Brown, the Steelers defense tied for the NFL lead with 20 interceptions in 2022. Fitzpatrick was voted AP first-team All-Pro for the third time in his career. His six picks in 2022 were the most by a Steeler in a single season since 2010 and tied for 12th-most in a single season in franchise history.

The Birmingham Ala. native, who played defensive back at Alabama A&M and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education, is married to Rashidah Brown and has one son, Asher-Grey Brown.

PLAYING CAREER: Alabama A&M, 1995-98; Tennessee Valley Vipers (af2), 1999.

COACHING CAREER: Alabama A&M, 2000-01; Alabama State, 2002-07; Texas Southern, 2008; LSU, 2009; Southern Mississippi, 2010-11; South Carolina, 2012-15; Birmingham Southern, 2016; Alabama State, 2017; Louisville, 2018; Old Dominion, 2019; McNeese State, 2020; Pittsburgh Steelers, 2021-24; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

off in 2023 with one of the nation’s top defenses. Davis spent six total years in Austin, first as defensive tackles coach from 2011-13 and then as defensive line coach from 2021-23. Davis received valuable NFL coaching experience with the Detroit Lions as a defensive line coach (2018-20), the Miami Dolphins as assistant defensive line coach (2006) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (2016) as a defensive intern.

Playing at LSU from 1990-92, Davis earned All-Southeastern Conference honors as a senior and graduated in 1993, also serving as a graduate assistant in the strength and conditioning program from 1995-97.

Davis and his wife, Omeika, have two sons, Beau and Jackson, and a daughter, Juliana.

PLAYING CAREER: LSU, 1990-92.

COACHING CAREER: LSU, 1995-97; North Shore (Houston, Texas) HS, 1998-2001; LSU, 2002-05, Miami Dolphins, 2006; Alabama, 2007-10; Texas, 2011-13; Alabama, 2014-15; Jacksonville Jaguars, 2016; Texas-San Antonio, 2017; Detroit Lions, 2018-20; Texas, 2021-23; LSU, 2024; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

Coaching Staff

JAHRI EVANS

ASSISTANT OFFENSIVE LINE

Jahri Evans begins his third year as a member of the Saints coaching staff and first as the assistant offensive line coach. Evans first entered the coaching ranks after serving as a 2022 training camp intern and joined the team on a full-time basis in 2023 as an offensive assistant, working with the line.

Evans was drafted by the Saints in the fourth round (108th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft and spent the first 11 seasons of his 12-year playing career with the Saints. Overall, he started 183 career regular season games (169 for the Black and Gold) at right guard for the Saints (2006-16) and Green Bay Packers (2017). Evans also opened all ten Saints playoff games. Evans was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, a five-time AP All-Pro and was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2010’s All-Decade Team. New Orleans finished in the top ten in total offense each of the 11 seasons Evans lined up for the Saints, while the 196 sacks surrendered by the line over the period were the lowest in the NFC and secondlowest in the NFL. After being selected as a consensus All-Rookie in 2006, Evans was a Pro Bowl starter and consensus first-team All-Pro each season from 2009-12. He was elected to the Saints Hall of Fame in 2020, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2022 and the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame and Saints Ring of Honor in 2024 and was a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023 and a finalist for the Class of 2024 and 2025.

A three-year starter at Bloomsburg, which he originally attended on a combined academic/athletic scholarship, Evans anchored the left tackle position and was a finalist for the Division II Gene Upshaw Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2004 and 2005. The Philadelphia native graduated with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and received his MBA from the University of Miami (Fla.) in Executive Business Administration in 2017.

Evans and his wife, Takia, have two sons.

PLAYING CAREER: Bloomsburg, 2001-05; New Orleans Saints, 2006-16; Green Bay Packers, 2017.

COACHING CAREER: New Orleans Saints, 2023-.

PHIL GALIANO

SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR

Phil Galiano is in his first season as the Saints’ special teams coordinator and his seventh season in New Orleans, spending his first six years in New Orleans as the club’s assistant special teams coach. Galiano is a veteran in the coaching ranks with 25 years of experience, including nine seasons in the NFL.

Galiano’s work over the past six years with Darren Rizzi, who served as coordinator from 2019-24, helped make the kicking game an important key to victory for New Orleans. On coverage units, J.T. Gray’s 91 tackles ranked first in the NFL, with the special teams ace selected as an Associated Press All-Pro three times. The punting game has produced the top five seasons in club history for punts inside-the-20-yard line. Since 2019, the Saints have excelled in the return game. Over the sixseason period, the team has been ranked fifth in the NFL in punt return average (10.4) and are tied for second in the league with three punts returned for touchdowns. The coverage units have allowed the third-lowest punt return average (7.0).

Special teams continued to be a bright spot for New Orleans in 2024, highlighted by Gray being selected as an All-Pro after recording an NFL-best 26 coverage tackles and one blocked punt. New Orleans ranked first in the NFL in opponent starting field position after kickoffs (28.2) and punts inside the 20-yard line (franchise-record 41), fifth in punt return average (12.5), seventh in opponent field goal percentage (78.6), eighth in opponent punt return average (7.6) and tenth in field goal percentage (87.1). Two blocked field goals were crucial in a pair of three-point victories. K Blake Grupe made 27 of 31 field goal attempts six-of-eight from 50+ yards, a .871 percentage and scored 112 points. WR/RS Rashid Shaheed returned a punt for a touchdown for the second consecutive season.

A three-year starter at safety for Shippensburg, Galiano served as a tri-captain during his senior campaign. He helped lead the Raiders to consecutive winning seasons (1997-99). The Norristown, Pennsylvania native graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Galiano and his wife, Kelly, have three children, TJ, Taylor and Drew.

PLAYING CAREER: Shippensburg, 1996-99.

COACHING CAREER: Dickinson, 2000; New Haven, 2001; Villanova, 2002; Rutgers, 2003-06; Florida International, 2007-09; Rutgers, 2010-11; Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2012-13; Rutgers, 2014-15; Miami Dolphins, 2016; Penn State, 2017-18; New Orleans Saints, 2019-.

PETER GIUNTA

SENIOR DEFENSIVE ASSISTANT

Peter Giunta (pronounced GEN-ta) enters his 11th season as a Saints senior defensive assistant in 2025. He is a 45-year coaching veteran, including 33 years of experience in the NFL with three Super Bowl Championships.

In 2024, Giunta worked with a Saints secondary that persevered through injuries and personnel changes. Giunta helped tutor third-year CB Alontae Taylor as well as rookie CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, who both moved into the starting lineup on the outside. Taylor moved from slot corner to the outside and led the Saints with 16 passes defensed, tied for fifth in the NFL. Veteran S Tyrann Mathieu started all 17 contests and had a team-best four takeaways. Despite missing the last ten contests due to a femur injury, CB Paulson Adebo tied for the team lead with Mathieu with three picks. The Salem, Mass., native had a four-year playing career as a defensive back and running back at Northeastern (1974-77).

PLAYING CAREER: Northeastern, 1974-77.

COACHING CAREER: Swampscott (Mass.) High School, 1978-80; Penn State, 1981-83; Brown, 1984-87; Lehigh, 1988-90; Philadelphia Eagles, 1991-94; New York Jets, 1995-96; St. Louis Rams, 1997-2000; Kansas City Chiefs, 2001-05; New York Giants 2006-14; New Orleans Saints, 2016-.

Coaching Staff

ADAM GRISTICK ASSISTANT LINEBACKERS

Adam Gristick enters his first season as assistant linebackers coach after being elevated having spent his first two years with the organization as a defensive assistant working with his current position group.

Gristick arrived in New Orleans after serving on the coaching staff at Eastern Illinois University from 2018-22. During his tenure in Charleston, he coached linebackers all five seasons and added the title of defensive game run coordinator in 2020. In 2022, he was promoted to defensive coordinator.

Gristick joined Eastern Illinois after serving two seasons as an assistant at Syracuse, one as a defensive quality control coach and one as a graduate assistant. The Orefield, Pa. native’s coaching career began in quality control at Missouri State in 2015.

Gristick played linebacker at Eastern Illinois from 2010-14, where as a three-year starter his last three seasons, he made 194 career tackles with 20 stops for loss and three interceptions, helping EIU capture back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference championships and FCS playoff appearances from 2012-13 He earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2015.

PLAYING CAREER: Eastern Illinois 2010-14.

COACHING CAREER: Missouri State, 2015; Syracuse, 2016-17; Eastern Illinois, 2018-22; New Orleans Saints, 2023-.

TOBIJAH HUGHLEY

OFFENSIVE ASSISTANT

CHASE HASLETT TIGHT ENDS

Chase Haslett enters his first season with the New Orleans Saints, where he will tutor the team’s tight ends after spending the previous five seasons on the Dallas Cowboys offensive coaching staff. A ten-year coaching veteran, including the last five seasons in the National Football League, Haslett served as Dallas’ pass game specialist in 2024. He previously served as assistant tight ends coach (2023) and offensive quality control coach (202022). He grew up around coaching first-hand under the watchful eye of his father, Jim Haslett, a former standout linebacker and a longtime coaching veteran who served on New Orleans’ defensive staff (1995-96) and as Saints head coach (2000-05), earning NFL Coach of the Year in 2000 in guiding the franchise to their first playoff win.

A former college quarterback at Illinois and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Haslett earned his bachelor’s degree in recreation, sport and tourism from Illinois in 2014 and his master’s degree in sport science from IUP in 2015. Haslett and his wife, Paige, have two sons, Caden and Cole.

PLAYING CAREER: Illinois, 2011-13; Indiana (PA), 2014-15.

COACHING CAREER: Nebraska, 2016-17; Mississippi State, 2018; Mercer, 2019; Dallas Cowboys, 2020-24; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

Tobijah (Ta-by-uh) Hughley enters his first season with the New Orleans Saints after spending over five years in college and professional coaching staffs and front offices.

Hughley most recently served as a Bill Walsh Fellowship offensive line assistant with the Miami Dolphins in the 2024 offseason and interned with the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2023 training camp, assisting with the offensive line.

In 2022, Hughley served as assistant to the head coach/defense with the Houston Texans after working in their video, operations and scouting departments for two years. He also served as an offensive line graduate assistant at the University of Florida (2018-19) and coached at Florida Tech (2018) and Kentucky State (2017-18).

The Lexington, Kentucky native played center at Louisville (2012-16), where he started 26 consecutive games over his final three seasons after originally joining the Cardinals as a walk-on, being awarded a scholarship in 2014.

PLAYING CAREER: Louisville, 2012-16

COACHING CAREER: Kentucky State, 2017-18; Florida Tech, 2018; Florida, 2018-19; Houston Texans, 2022; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

COORDINATOR

A 19-year coaching veteran in the collegiate ranks, including the last seven at a pair of Power Five schools that both reached the College Football Playoff, Terry Joseph returns to his hometown to lead the Saints’ defensive backs as defensive pass game coordinator. Joseph spent the last four seasons as the defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach at the University of Texas, where he helped lead the Longhorns defense in a campaign that ranked seventh nationally in opponent passing yards per game (173.8) and tied for first in interceptions (22) in 2024. Joseph arrived in Austin after spending three seasons at Notre Dame, the last two as defensive passing game coordinator and all three as defensive backs coach. During that time, he helped the Fighting Irish post a 33-5 record, earn two College Football Playoff appearances, a pair of No. 5 rankings in the

final polls (2018 & 2020) and a No. 11 ranking in 2019.

A former baseball standout at Northwestern State, Joseph earned All-Southland Conference honors three straight years and was drafted in the 13th round by the Chicago Cubs, playing four seasons in the minors. Joseph comes from a coaching family as his cousin, Vance Joseph, is the defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos, and another cousin, Mickey Joseph, is the head football coach for Grambling State University. Joseph and his wife, Amanda, have two daughters, Taylor and Lynleigh.

COACHING CAREER: Archbishop Shaw HS, 1999-2002; Destrehan HS, 2003-05; LSU, 2006; Louisiana Tech, 2007-09; Tennessee, 2010-11; Nebraska, 2012-13; Texas A&M, 2014-16; North Carolina, 2017; Note Dame, 2018-20; Texas 2021-24, New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

SCOTT LINEHAN

SENIOR OFFENSIVE ASSISTANT

Scott Linehan arrives in New Orleans with 36 years of coaching experience, including 17 in the NFL. The Sunnyside, Wash. native was the head coach of the St. Louis Rams (2006-2008) and served as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys (2015-18), Detroit Lions (2009-13), Miami Dolphins (2005), and Minnesota Vikings (2002-04). Linehan has spent the past five seasons at the collegiate level, including stops at Montana (2024, offensive analyst), Missouri (2021, offensive analyst) and LSU (2020, passing game coordinator). Of his 36 years of coaching football, terms as an offensive coordinator or head coach make up 24 years on Linehan’s resume. Linehan was a quarterback for College Football Hall of Fame Head Coach Dennis Erickson at the University of Idaho (1982-86), winning the Big Sky Championship in 1985 and earning Division I-AA playoff appearances three straight times (1984-86). In 2017, Linehan was inducted into the Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame. Linehan and his wife, Kristen, have three sons, Matthew, Michael and Marcus.

PLAYING CAREER: Idaho, 1982-86

COACHING CAREER: Sunset (Portland, Ore.) High School 1987-88; Idaho, 1989-90; UNLV, 1991; Idaho, 1992-93; University of Washington, 1994-98; Louisville, 1999-2001; Minnesota Vikings, 200204; Miami Dolphins, 2005; St. Louis Rams (Head Coach), 2006-08; Detroit Lions, 2009-13, Dallas Cowboys, 2014-18; LSU, 2020; Missouri, 2021; Montana, 2024; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

MIKE MARTINEZ

ASSISTANT TO THE HEAD COACH

Mike Martinez enters his third campaign on the New Orleans Saints coaching staff as assistant to the head coach after serving as a football operations/scouting assistant from 2020-22. In his role, he is responsible for assisting Head Coach Kellen Moore in organizing the clubs football operations, including the organization of the Saints’ meeting staff and practice schedules, the team’s daily football calendar, orchestration of team and staff events, as well as providing administrative assistance to the coaching and operations staff.

The Boise, Idaho, native played basketball at Dordt (Sioux Center, Iowa) University and graduated with degrees in communications and sports management.

Martinez and his wife Sophie live in New Orleans.

COACHING CAREER: New Orleans Saints, 2023-.

Brendan Nugent, a 21-year coaching veteran, including the last 12 in the NFL, returns to New Orleans as offensive line coach in 2025. Nugent spent the 2024 season as an assistant offensive line coach with the Seattle Seahawks.

After first joining the Saints as an offensive assistant in 2015, Nugent served as assistant offensive line coach (2017-20) and as offensive line coach (2021). From 2017-21, when Nugent worked with the offensive line as his primary position group, the Saints surrendered only 131 sacks, the lowest total in the NFL, tied for first with 103 rushing touchdowns, ranked second in points per game (27.9), eighth in rushing yards per game (124.6) and ninth in net yards per game (364.3).

From 2022-23, Nugent served as offensive line coach of the Los Angeles Chargers and helped their offense rank third in net passing yards per game (296.6) and No. 9 in total offense (359.3 ypg.)

Nugent spent the 2012 season as a special teams assistant/offensive quality control coach on the staff of Marc Trestman with the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes. That year, the Alouettes finished first in the CFL’s East Division. Nugent then coached under Trestman as an offensive quality control coach with the Chicago Bears (2013-14).

A White Plains, N.Y. native, Nugent played linebacker at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. After his college playing career, he tutored tight ends at his high school alma mater, Archbishop Stepinac High, before coaching at Iowa and later William & Mary. Nugent earned his degree in political science in 2006 from Iowa.

Nugent and his wife, Jenny, have four children: Addelynn, Declan, Maelie and Nolan.

PLAYING CAREER: Catholic University of America, 2001-03.

COACHING CAREER: Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) HS, 2004; Iowa, 2005-06; William & Mary, 2007-11; Montreal Alouettes (CFL), 2012; Chicago Bears, 2013-14; New Orleans Saints, 2015-21; Los Angeles Chargers, 2022-23; Seattle Seahawks, 2024, New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

DOUG NUSSMEIER OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Doug Nussmeier is in his first season as the Saints’ offensive coordinator and tenth season as a coach in the National Football League. A 24-year coaching veteran, Nussmeier returns to New Orleans after originally being a fourth round pick (116th overall) of the Saints in the 1994 NFL Draft out of Idaho.

Nussmeier joins the Saints after spending the 2024 season as quarterbacks coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, where he proved to be a key piece of their Super Bowl LIX Champion offensive coaching staff. Jalen Hurts flourished under Nussmeier’s tutelage, posting a career-high 103.7 pass rating, fifth in the league, and tying for the fifth-most rushing touchdowns (14) in the league (first among quarterbacks).

Nussmeier rejoined the NFL with the Cowboys in 2018, after previously spending two seasons with the St. Louis Rams from 2006-07 as quarterbacks coach. In between, he spent 13 seasons coaching at the collegiate level, where he tutored eight different players who were selected in the first or second round of the NFL Draft.

Nussmeier finished his career at the University of Idaho as the program’s all-time leading passer with

T.J. PAGANETTI RUN GAME COORDINATOR

T.J. Paganetti enters his first season with the New Orleans Saints and the 11th overall in the National Football League. He will serve as the team’s run game coordinator.

Paganetti arrived in New Orleans from the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served ten seasons (2013-14, 2017-24) on their offensive coaching staff, most recently as the Assistant Offensive Line Coach/ Run Game Specialist (2024), during which the team brought home the win in Super Bowl LIX. He had a hand in the team finishing the season with a single-season club record in rushing yards with 3,048 (sixth best in NFL history) and finished second in the league in rushing yards per game (179.3). They were only the second team in NFL history to rush for 3,000-plus yards and at least 25 (29) touchdowns.

Between stints with the Eagles, Paganetti returned to Oregon as a graduate assistant/linebackers coach during the 2015-16 seasons. He previously worked with the Duck’s quarterbacks as an offensive intern in 2012 after serving as a student assistant, working with the offense and quarterbacks from 2009-11.

Pagnetti originally began his career as an undergraduate offensive intern (2007-08) with Oregon, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science in 2012.

COACHING CAREER: Oregon, 2009-12, 2015-16; Philadelphia Eagles, 2013-14, 2017-24; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

JAY RODGERS EDGES

Jay Rodgers was named the New Orleans Saints edges coach on March 6, 2025. He comes to New Orleans with 24 years of coaching experience, including the last 16 in the NFL. 13 of those years in the league involve working with front-seven players. Rodgers spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons as defensive line coach, where he guided a young defensive line that helped the Falcons allow only 11 rushing touchdowns. Prior to Atlanta, Rodgers spent three seasons (2021-23) with the Los Angeles Chargers under the team’s head coach and current Saints Defensive Coordinator Brandon Staley, serving as outside linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator in 2021 and defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator from 2022-23. As defensive line coach for the Chicago Bears from 2015-20, Rodgers was awarded with the John Teerlinck NFL Defensive Line Coach of the Year. Before the Bears, he spent six years with the Denver Broncos and helped the team make four consecutive postsea -

10,824 career passing yards over five years (198993). He won the Walter Payton Award in 1993, which was at the time given annually to the top player in NCAA Division 1-AA after throwing for a programrecord 33 touchdown passes and leading the Vandals to a national semifinal berth. Nussmeier was named Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 1992 and was inducted into the University of Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

A Portland, Ore. native, Nussmeier and his wife, Christi, have two sons, Garrett and Colton, and a daughter, Ashlynn. Garrett is in his fifth season as a quarterback at LSU in 2025.

PLAYING CAREER: Idaho, 1989-93; New Orleans Saints, 1994-97; Indianapolis Colts, 1998; British Columbia Lions (CFL), 2000.

COACHING CAREER: British Columbia Lions (CFL), 2001; Ottawa Renegades (CFL), 2002; Michigan State, 2003-05; St. Louis Rams, 2006-07; Fresno State, 2008; Washington, 2009-11; Alabama, 201213; Michigan, 2014; Florida, 2015-17; Dallas Cowboys, 2018-22, Los Angeles Chargers, 2023; Philadelphia Eagles, 2024; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

son appearances, including an appearance in Super Bowl XLVIII following the 2013 season.

The Austin, Texas native started 15 games as quarterback at Indiana University from 1996-98, before transferring to Missouri State in 1999. Rodgers was named team captain and MVP in his one season at Missouri State. Rodgers earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana before working as a recruiting assistant at Ohio State University in 2000. Rodgers and his wife, Melissa, have three children. His brother, Jeff, is assistant head coach/special teams coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals. The two coached together for four seasons (2011-14) with Denver and three seasons (2015-17) with Chicago.

PLAYING CAREER: Indiana, 1996-98; Missouri State, 1999.

COACHING CAREER: LSU, 2001-02; Dodge City (Kan.) Community College, 2003; Missouri State, 2004; Stephen F. Austin, 2005-06; Iowa State, 2007-08; Denver Broncos, 2009-14; Chicago Bears, 2015-20; Los Angeles Chargers, 2021-23; Atlanta Falcons 49ers, 2024; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

Coaching Staff

PETER SIRMON LINEBACKERS

Peter Sirmon enters his first NFL coaching season with the Saints after a 17-year collegiate coaching career and seven-year NFL playing career as a linebacker with the Tennessee Titans. Most recently, he served seven seasons at Cal as defensive coordinator and coaching inside linebackers. At Cal, Sirmon built one of the Pac-12’s most productive defenses, developing nine All-Conference players and three All-Americans; Elijah Hicks, Evan Weaver, and Nohl Williams. In 2024, he was a Broyles Award nominee as Cal’s defense ranked second in the ACC in scoring defense (22.3 ppg), led the nation with 17 interceptions, and ranked in the top 30 nationally in multiple categories. Williams was a consensus All-American

BRANDON STALEY DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Brandon Staley is in his first season as the Saints’ defensive coordinator. A 19-year coaching veteran, with three as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. This will be Staley’s second stint as a defensive coordinator after leading the Los Angeles Rams to finish first in the NFL in total defense in 2020. Staley arrived in New Orleans after serving most recently as assistant coach/defense of the San Francisco 49ers. During his tenure as Chargers head coach, Staley led Los Angeles to winning records in two of his three seasons and guided the franchise to its first postseason appearance since the 2018 season.

Before becoming an NFL coach, Staley spent 11 seasons coaching at the collegiate level. In 2016, Staley earned National Coordinator

JOEL THOMAS ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH/RUNNING BACKS

of the Year honors for Division III.

and led the nation with seven interceptions. ILB Teddye Buchanan recorded 114 tackles and 12 tackles for loss in a breakout season. Before Cal, Sirmon served as defensive coordinator at Mississippi State and Louisville, and coached at USC, Washington, and Oregon. A fourth-round pick in 2000, Sirmon played 81 games for the Titans, registering 343 tackles and four interceptions. A former All-Pac-10 selection at Oregon, he earned his degree in political science in 1999.

PLAYING CAREER: Oregon (1996–99); Tennessee Titans (2000–06) COACHING CAREER: Central Washington, 2008; Oregon, 2009; Tennessee, 2010-11; Washington, 2012-13; USC, 2014-15; Mississippi State, 2016; Louisville, 2017; California, 2018-24; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

A native of Perry, Ohio, Staley played collegiately as a quarterback at the University of Dayton for four seasons (200104) before finishing at Division II Mercyhurst College in 2005. He and his wife, Amy, have three sons, Colin, Will and Grant.

PLAYING CAREER: Dayton, 2001-04; Mercyhurst College, 2005.

COACHING CAREER: Northern Illinois, 2006-08; University of St. Thomas, 2009; Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, 2010-11; Tennessee, 2012; John Carroll, 2013, 2015-16; James Madison, 2014; Chicago Bears, 2017-18; Denver Broncos, 2019; Los Angeles Rams, 2020; Los Angeles Chargers (Head Coach), 202123; San Francisco 49ers, 2024; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

Joel Thomas, a 25-year coaching veteran, returns to New Orleans to tutor the club’s running backs in 2025 after previously spending nine years with the Black and Gold (201523). After spending the 2024 season coaching the New York Giants running backs, the Port Angeles, Wash. native returns to New Orleans with the additional title of associate head coach. During Thomas’ initial nine-year tenure in tutoring the Saints running backs, the Black and Gold tied for second in the NFL with 161 rushing touchdowns and his backs registered 25 individual 100-yard performances.

Under Thomas’ tutelage, Alvin Kamara, the Saints’ all-time rushing yardage leader, earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2017-21) and was the only NFL player with at least 1,160 total yards from scrimmage in each of the seven seasons he first coached him, three of them 1,500 or more. In 2023 under Thomas, Kamara became the franchise’s all-time leader in yards from scrimmage, rushing touchdowns and

SCOTT TOLZIEN QUARTERBACKS

Scott Tolzien (pronounced TOLL-ZEEN) enters his first season as New Orleans’ quarterbacks coach in 2025 after spending the past two seasons in the same role with the Dallas Cowboys. After losing starting quarterback Dak Prescott to injury midway through the 2024 season, Tolzien integrated Cooper Rush into the starting role, where he helped lead Dallas to victories over playoff participants Washington and Tampa Bay. In Tolzien’s first season as quarterbacks coach in 2023 Prescott finished second in MVP voting as he led the NFL in completions (410) and passing touchdowns (36), while finishing second in passer rating (105.9) and third in yards (4,516). He finished with the most 100.0-rating games (11) and multi-passing touchdown games (11) league-wide.

Tolzien enjoyed a seven-year NFL playing career, originally signing with the San Diego Chargers as a rookie free agent in

total touchdowns. Thomas also coached Mark Ingram II, New Orleans’ career rushing leader from 2021-24 (6,500 yards), for six years, including two 1-000-yard campaigns. During his first New Orleans tenure, the Saints ranking in the top six in the NFL in rushing three times (2017, 2018 and 2020).

Thomas lettered as running back at Idaho from 1993-98 and still holds Vandals career records with 3,929 rushing yards and 51 touchdowns on 765 attempts. He was inducted into the University of Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008 and into the North Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022. Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree in public communications in 1998.

Thomas and his wife, Ebbie, have two boys, Teyo and Niko.

PLAYING CAREER: Idaho, 1993-98.

COACHING CAREER: Purdue, 2000-01, 2006-08; Louisville, 2002-03; Idaho, 2004-05; University of Washington, 200912; Arkansas, 2013-14; New Orleans Saints, 2015-23, New York Giants, 2024; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

2011. Following his first two campaigns with the San Francisco 49ers (2011-12), which included two trips to the NFC Championship, he spent three seasons with Green Bay (201315), and then went to the Indianapolis Colts from 2016-17. Tolzien appeared in 29 games with 26 starts at the University of Wisconsin, leaving with the school record for completion percentage (68.1) and efficiency rating (153.2). In his final season, 2010, he won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award, given annually to the top upperclassman quarterback in the nation.

PLAYING CAREER: Wisconsin, 2006-10; San Francisco 49ers, 2011-12; Green Bay Packers, 2013-15; Indianapolis Colts, 2016-17.

COACHING CAREER: Dallas Cowboys, 2020-24; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

Coaching Staff

KYLE VALERO ASSISTANT WIDE RECEIVERS

Kyle Wilber enters his first season as assistant special teams coach for the Saints. A veteran linebacker and special teams contributor from 2012-21 in the NFL, Wilber spent the last two seasons as a special teams quality control coach for the Green Bay Packers.

Valero joins the New Orleans Saints after spending the 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles as an offensive assistant. A coaching veteran with 14 years of experience working in the NFL, Valero previously enjoyed stints with the Dallas Cowboys (2014-22) and Detroit Lions (2010-13).

Valero comes to the Saints after working for Saints Head Coach Kellen Moore as a member of the Super Bowl LIX Champion Eagles offensive staff. The 2024 Eagles were only the second team in NFL history to rush for 3,000-plus yards and at least 25 (29) touchdowns. Their passing attack also flourished with a club-record 103.4 passer rating.

From 2020-22, Valero served as the Cowboys’ quality

control/analytics coach while assisting the wideouts. In 2022, Valero helped Dallas rank fourth in the NFL in scoring (27.5 ppg.), and in 2021, he assisted in the offensive gameplanning that helped produce the No. 1-ranked total offense (407.0 ypg.) and scoring offense (31.2 ppg.) in the league. Before starting his NFL coaching career, Valero spent two seasons as a student assistant at Florida State (2008-09), where he earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Valero and his wife, Ali, have a daughter, Ava.

COACHING CAREER: Florida State, 2008-09; Detroit Lions, 2010-13; Dallas Cowboys, 2014-22; Philadelphia Eagles, 2024; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

In 2024, with Wilber as part of their special teams coaching staff, the Packers’ 28.8 opponent starting field position after kickoffs ranked second in the NFL. Green Bay kicker Brandon McManus made 20-of-21 field goal attempts after being signed in Week Seven, ranked second in the league in field goal percentage (95.2).

Wilber joined the coaching ranks after a ten-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys (2012-17) and the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2018-21). Originally selected by the Cowboys in the fourth round (113th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Wake Forest, he appeared in 135

regular-season games as a defensive end/linebacker with 17 starts and registered 104 tackles (70 solo), six tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, seven QB hits, four pass breakups, a forced fumble and four fumble recoveries on defense. On special teams, he recorded 58 tackles, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

At Wake Forest, the Orlando, Fla. native appeared in 43 games with 36 starts in his four seasons (2008-11). He registered 195 tackles (117 solo), 35.5 stops for a loss, 13.5 sacks, six QB pressures, six pass breakups, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries while adding four blocked kicks.

PLAYING CAREER: Wake Forest, 2008-11; Dallas Cowboys 2012-17; Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders 2018-21.

COACHING CAREER: Green Bay Packers 2023-24; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.

KYLE WILBER ASSISTANT SPECIAL TEAMS

BRIAN YOUNG ASSISTANT DEFENSIVE LINE

KEITH WILLIAMS WIDE RECEIVERS

Keith Williams enters his second season with the New Orleans Saints, where he will tutor the team’s wideouts after spending the previous three seasons on the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coaching staff. Prior to joining the Ravens in 2021, the Stockton, Calif. native came to the NFL having 18 years of collegiate level coaching experience, while also working as a personal wide receivers coach for top NFL wideouts, including All-Pros Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill.

In 2024, Williams led a wide receiver corps featuring several new faces after the position group’s two starters, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, were sidelined after midseason. Williams quickly integrated midseason acquisition Marquez Valdes-Scantling into the offense, and the veteran responded, recording 17 receptions for 385 yards, while leading the wideouts with four touchdowns. Williams welcomes back a healthy Olave and Shaheed and free agent acquisition Brandin Cooks to the position group in 2025.

Brian Young enters his first season as the team’s assistant defensive line coach and his 16th campaign on the Saints coaching staff. Young has worked with the club’s front seven position groups after becoming a coaching assistant in 2009. In 2024, Young helped trio a pair of Black and Gold defensive linemen to impressive production. Bryan Bresee, the team’s first round draft pick in 2023, continued to blossom under Young’s tutelage with a career-high and team-best 7.5 sacks. Chase Young, an unrestricted free agent acquisition, led the team with 21 quarterback hits and tied for second on the team with fellow end Carl Granderson, with 5.5 takedowns. Young joined the

In his three years with the Ravens, Williams served as assistant wide receivers coach in 2023 and as the team’s pass game specialist from 2021-22, working with the wideouts.

Williams played wideout for San Diego State from 1991-93, including the 1991 Freedom Bowl team, while also competing on the Aztecs’ track & field team, finishing with a bronze medal (10.31) in the 100m at the Western Athletic Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships. He earned his bachelor’s degree in public administration in 1996.

PLAYING CAREER: San Diego State, 1991-93; Frankfurt Galaxy (WLAF) 1995; Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL), 1995-96.

COACHING CAREER: Brookside Christian High School, 1997-99; Solano Community College, 2000; San Jose State, 2001-04; San Jose City College, 2005-08; Fresno State, 2009-11; Tulane, 201214; Nebraska, 2015-17; San Antonio Commanders (AAF), 2019; Baltimore Ravens, 2021-23; New Orleans Saints, 2024-.

Saints coaching staff following a nine-year NFL playing career, where he had 22.5 sacks along with eight fumble recoveries for the Rams (2000-03) and the Saints (2004-08). Young played at Texas-El Paso from 1996-99. He was the Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a senior in 1999. The Texas native graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. In 2016, Young was inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame and the UTEP Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.

PLAYING CAREER: Texas El-Paso, 1996-99; St. Louis Rams, 2000-03; New Orleans Saints, 2004-08.

COACHING CAREER: New Orleans Saints, 2009-.

Player Personnel

JEFF IRELAND Senior Vice President / Assistant General Manager - College Personnel

KHAI HARLEY Senior Vice President of Football Operations / Assistant General Manager

MICHAEL PARENTON ............................................................... Vice President of Pro Personnel

RANDY MUELLER Senior Personnel Advisor

SCOTT KUHN Director of Football Administration

ZACH STUART Director of Analytics

JUSTIN MATTHEWS ................................................................................................... Pro Scout

TOSAN EYETSEMITAN Pro Scout

JOSH HILL Pro Scout

MIKE BAUGH National Scout

TERRY WOODEN National Scout

RYAN POWELL National Scout

JON SANDUSKY Area Scout

CASEY TALLEY Area Scout

JOEY VITT JR. Area Scout

MIKE DIJULIO ........................................................................................................ Area Scout

PAUL ZIMMER Area Scout

C.J. LEAK Area Scout

MATT PHILLIPS Area Scout

WILL MARTINEZ ............................................................................................... Combine Scout

ZIAD QUBTI College Scouting Coordinator

LECHARLES BENTLEY Personnel and Performance Consultant

THOMAS DIMITROFF Consultant

DEBBIE GALLAGHER Executive Assistant. to the Executive Vice President / General Manager

HARRY PIPER Personnel Assistant

RISHI DESAI Scouting Assistant

BRANDON TAMRES Scouting Assistant

NEW YORK GIANTS VS NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

September 30, 2018 Saints 33, Giants 18 at MetLife Stadium

In a Week Four game where Drew Brees didn’t throw for a touchdown, the Saints were able to pull off a 33-18 win at the Giants using RB Alvin Kamara and other weapons. Their defense, which came into the game ranked 30th in the league, also stepped up and were able to contain Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie RB Saquon Barkley. The Giants were the first to score with a two-yard touchdown pass from QB Eli Manning to WR Sterling Shepard on the opening drive, but the Saints bounced back quickly with a surprising fourth-down conversion between backup QB Taysom Hill and CB Justin Hardee on a fake punt. This play set up K Wil Lutz’s first field goal, making the score 7-3. For the remainder of the first half, the Saints’ offense settled for field goals while their defense held the Giants to only 22 yards. Lutz matched four-of-four field goals, connecting from 42, 34, 37 and 26 yards out, making the score 12-7 entering halftime. On the opening possession of the second half, Kamara scored the Saints’ first touchdown and stretched their lead to 19-7 with a nine-yard run that capped a nine-play, 69-yard drive. LB Demario Davis had his second sack of the day on the Giants’ next possession, which gave the ball back to the Saints and resulted in another Kamara touchdown. After Barkley scored a touchdown with just under four minutes to go in the fourth quarter, the Saints

answered back with a 49-yard touchdown from Kamara. As the Giants tried to make a late comeback, Saints DT Tyeler Davison then forced a sack-fumble to seal the game. This third consecutive victory for the Saints put them in first place in the NFC South at 3-1. Kamara ended the game with 19 carries for 134 yards with three touchdowns and five receptions for 47 yards and Davis was selected NFC Defensive Player of the Week with 11 tackles and two sacks.

September 30, 1979

Saints 24, Giants 14 at Louisiana Superdome

The Saints improved to 2-3 following their 24-14 victory over the Giants. The first score of the game came late in the second quarter with just 1:13 left on the clock. RB Chuck Muncie put New Orleans on the board first with a nine-yard touchdown run, and K Garo Yepremian added three points with a 38-yard field goal to give the Saints a 10-0 lead entering halftime. In the third quarter, Saints QB Archie Manning connected with WR Ike Harris for 24-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 17-0. The Giants responded with a 5-yard touchdown run from RB Billy Taylor at the end of the third quarter and a 11-yard touchdown pass from QB Phil Simms to RB Ken Johnson at the beginning of the fourth quarter to close the gap to 17-14. With just 11 seconds remaining in the game, Muncie sealed the Saints victory with a three-yard rushing touchdown, his second score of the day. Muncie and fellow RB Tony Galbreath combined for 161 rushing yards, while Manning threw for 202. Defensively, the Saints held New York to just 285 total net yards and forced three turnovers, including interceptions by CB Eric Felton and LB Pat Hughes who returned his pick for 40 yards to set up a scoring opportunity.

MEET KREWE SOPHIA

HOMETOWN: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

COLLEGE / MAJOR: Louisiana State University and Biological Sciences

OCCUPATION: Medical Student at LSU Health Sciences Center

TEAM TENURE: 2nd Year Veteran

What’s your favorite part of being on Saints Cheer Krewe? My favorite part of being on Saints Cheer Krewe is getting the chance to connect with the people of New Orleans during moments of celebration. Whether it’s game day or a community event, those interactions remind me of the deep spirit and resilience of this city. Being part of those experiences has given me an even greater appreciation for the community, and I feel grateful knowing that one day, as a physician, I’ll have the privilege of serving and giving back to the very people who make New Orleans so special.

If you could have dinner with any Saints player—past or present—who would it be and why? If I could have dinner with any Saints player, it would be Drew Brees. I have always admired his leadership skills and ability to bring out the best in those around him while remaining so humble. I would love the chance to learn more about how he cultivated the relationships on his team that would inspire me to lead and connect with my fellow teammates on SCK.

What’s your favorite pump-up song before a game?

My favorite pump-up song before a game is a classic - Halftime by the Ying Yang Twins!

What message would you share with young fans who dream of being on the Krewe one day? The message I would share with young fans is to work hard and train every day, but also remember that being part of SCK is about more than just dance. Of course, you have to dedicate yourself to being a strong performer, but just as important is the willingness to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and truly connect with the incredible community of New Orleans that SCK so proudly represents.

MEET KREWE MATTHEW

HOMETOWN: Metairie, Louisiana

OCCUPATION: University of Louisiana at Lafayette, BA in Public Relations TEAM TENURE: 4th Year Veteran

What’s your favorite part of being on Saints Cheer Krewe? Getting to interact with fans on gameday. It could be their first game or a life long season ticket holder. They are the reason we do our job and I love seeing the games through their eyes.

If you could have dinner with any Saints player—past or present—who would it be and why? I would have to say the legend that is Rickey Jackson. For one, he is a NFL Hall of Fame lineman and the leader of the iconic Dome Patrol. He was selected 6 times for Pro Bowl, so he has many stories from the 80’s to the 90’s NFL era that’s I’d love to hear about. I also admire him for his many business ventures he has outside the field that I could learn a few things. The man’s a legend!

What’s your favorite pump-up song before a game?

I’ll Make a Man Out of You from Disney’s Mulan

What message would you share with young fans who dream of being on the Krewe one day? You are never too old to have a new dream! I thought my cheerleading days were over after college, but little did I know 6 years later I’d be on the sidelines as an NFL Cheerleader. The journey to get here wasn’t easy, but challenging myself to step back into this role was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Swayze

Kaysville, Utah

98 Davidson, D.J. DL 6-5/320 9/19/97 4 Arizona State Mesa, Ariz.

72 Eluemunor, Jermaine OL 6-4/338 12/13/94 9 Texas A&M London, England

86 Fidone II, Thomas TE 6-6/255 9/20/02 R Nebraska Council Bluffs, Iowa

33 Flannigan-Fowles, Demetrius LB 6-2/210 9/4/96 6 Arizona Tucson, Ariz

28 Flott, Cor’Dale

Gillan, Jamie

Jevón

Hyatt, Jalin WR 6-0/185 9/25/01 3

Irmo, S.C. 84 Johnson, Theo TE 6-6/264 2/26/01 2 Penn State Windsor, Ontario

Jones, Nic CB 6-0/189 10/15/01 2 Ball State Detroit, Mich. 59 Kreiter, Casey LS 6-1/250 8/13/90 10 Iowa DeWitt, Iowa

97 Lawrence II, Dexter DL 6-4/340 11/12/97 7 Clemson Wake Forest, N.C.

85 Manhertz, Chris TE 6-6/235 4/10/92 10 Canisius Bronx, N.Y.

Neal, Evan OL 6-7/340 9/19/00 4

Okeechobee, Fla. 27 Nubin, Tyler S 6-2/210 6/14/01 2 Minnesota St. Charles, Ill.

93 Nuñez-Roches Sr., Rakeem DL 6-2/305 7/3/93 11 Southern Miss Phenix City, Ala. 58 Okereke, Bobby ILB 6-2/235 7/29/96 7

Santa Ana, Calif. 80 Olszewski, Gunner WR 6-0/190 11/26/96 7 Bemidji State Alvin, Texas 22 Phillips, Dru CB 5-11/180 11/30/01 2 Kentucky Mauldin, S.C.

95 Robertson-Harris, Roy DT 6-7/300 7/23/93 9 UTEP Oakland, Calif. 17 Robinson, Wan’Dale WR 5-8/185 1/5/01

65 Schlottmann, Austin OL 6-6/300 9/18/95 7

Brenham, Texas 61 Schmitz Jr., John Michael C 6-4/320 3/19/99 3

26 Singletary, Devin RB 5-7/203 9/3/97 7

Flossmoor, Ill.

Atlantic Deerfield Beach, Fla. 44 Skattebo, Cam RB 5-11/215 2/5/02 R Arizona State Rio Linda, Calif.

18 Slayton, Darius WR 6-1/198 1/12/97 7 Auburn Norcross, Ga.

64 Stinnie, Aaron OL 6-3/312 2/18/94 8 James Madison Charlottesville, Va.

5 Thibodeaux, Kayvon OLB 6-5/258 12/15/00 4

78 Thomas, Andrew T 6-5/315 1/22/99 6

29 Tracy Jr., Tyrone RB 5-11/210 11/23/99 2 Purdue Indianapolis, Ind.

74 Van Roten, Greg G 6-4/295 2/26/90 11 Pennsylvania Mineola, N.Y.

3 Wilson, Russell QB 5-11/206 11/29/88 14 Wisconsin Richmond, Va.

19 Winston, Jameis QB 6-4/231 1/6/94 11

State Bessemer, Ala.

9/28

9/7

9/21

9/28

New Orleans Saints Week 1 Statistics

FUN FACTS

9

ON SUNDAY, VS. BUFFALO, LB DEMARIO DAVIS STARTED HIS 200TH CAREER GAME AS A PROFESSIONAL, BECOMING THE 111TH PLAYER ALL-TIME AND NINTH ACTIVE PLAYER TO START 200 CAREER CONTESTS.

72

AFTER SURPASSING 7,000 CAREER RUSHING YARDS ON SUNDAY AT THE BUFFALO BILLS, RB ALVIN KAMARA, BECAME THE 72ND PLAYER IN NFL HISTORY TO REACH THE MARK.

2

DT BRIAN BRESEE HAS TWO CAREER BLOCKED FIELD GOALS, INCLUDING ONE IN LAST YEAR’S 1411 VICTORY AGAINST THE GIANTS, TODAY’S OPPONENT, ON DECEMBER 8.

BALL SECURITY

In the Saints’ September 14 contest against the San Francisco 49ers at the Caesars Superdome, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed used great fundamentals and ball control to come down with a reception that cornerback Will Johnson was attempting to punch out. Through the Saints’ first four contests, Shaheed has been one of the team’s primary weapons on offense with 18 receptions for 174 yards with one touchdown, two carries for five yards and five punt returns for 91 yards.