PLUS
CHRIS OLAVE
BENJAMIN WATSON FORMER SAINTS TIGHT END REFLECTS ON HIS TIME IN NEW ORLEANS
EYES ON THE BALL JUWAN JOHNSON SET HIMSELF UP TO REIN IN A NINE-YARD TOUCHDOWN PASS FROM QB TYLER SHOUGH
After establishing himself
as one of the Saints’ top playmakers, Chris Olave is ready for more.
09.27.26 // WEEK 03 // VS. LAS VEGAS R AIDERS
CONTENTS 09.27.26 // WEEK 03 // VS. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
14 | Today's Entertainment Pre-game and In-game entertainment includes Gumbo, Sir Saint, Storyville Jazz Band and others. 16 | Cam's Corner For his final NFL season, Cameron Jordan is giving back to the city he has called home through 16 weeks of community engagement and charitable initiatives. 18 | Legend of the Game Former Saints tight end reflects on his time in New Orleans, relationship with Drew Brees and memories from his four seasons in Black and Gold.
56 | Cheer Krewe Spotlight Meet Krewe Simba and Krewe Sophia. 58 | By The Numbers The stats, stories and surprising facts behind the Black and Gold. 60 | Photo Gallery From kickoff to the final whistle, revisit the moments that captured the spirit of the team.
22 | Owner Gayle Benson Since assuming ownership of the Saints and Pelicans, Gayle Benson has led with vision, generosity and a steadfast commitment to the city she calls home.
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26 | Executive Staff From football operations to business strategy, these leaders help keep the Saints moving forward. 28 | Head Coach Kellen Moore The Saints' 19th head coach brings championship experience, quarterback expertise and a proven offensive philosophy to New Orleans. 32 | Coaching Staff From the headset to the huddle, meet the coaches leading the Saints in every phase of the game. 44 | Player Personnel Long before players take the field, this department is traveling, evaluating and analyzing the talent that builds the Saints roster.
64 | Final Frame Juwan Johnson set himself up to rein in a nine-yard touchdown pass from QB Tyler Shough.
SAINTS
FEATURED PLAYER
46 | Players Before kickoff, get familiar with New Orleans’ roster, from recognizable faces to the numbers they wear.
CHRIS OLAVE
50 | Alpha Roster
RAIDERS 52 | Key Players The players to know and the numbers to watch as the Raiders take the field
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54 | Alpha Roster
After establishing himself as one of the Saints’ top playmakers, Chris Olave is ready for more.
EDITORIAL
Editor Justin Macione Managing Editor Erika Hahne Contributors Davis Friend, Grant Segar, Elizabeth Johnston, William Dillon, Deondre Jones ART
Art Director Sarah E.G. Majeste Photography Michael C. Hebert ADVERTISING
Associate Publisher Kate Henry 504-830-7216 // Kate@myneworleans.com Account Director Meggie Aune 504-830-7220 // Meggie@MyNewOrleans.com Senior Account Executive Brooke LeBlanc Genusa 504-830-7242 // Brooke@MyNewOrleans.com
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Office Manager Emily Ruiz Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne All information current as of September 22, 2026.
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To sell or purchase programs call Emily Ruiz at 504-830-7231. The 2026 New Orleans Saints Gameday is produced for the New Orleans Saints by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, 110 Veterans Boulevard, Suite 123, Metairie, LA, 70005, 504-828-1380, MyNewOrleans.com, BizNewOrleans.com The New Orleans 500, an annual publication from Biz New Orleans magazine, profiles the business leaders who are driving the greater New Orleans economy today and making decisions that will shape the region’s future.
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Copyright 2026 New Orleans Saints and Renaissance Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher.
TODAY'S ENTERTAINMENT NATIONAL ANTHEM
GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE Enjoy In-Game Entertainment including Gumbo, Sir Saint, Storyville Jazz Band and the Saints Cheer Krewe. Special Presentations by People's Health Champion, Entergy Lineman: Powering Saints Nation and Community Coffee Military Moment. Color Guard by Tulane University Naval ROTC Unit
JOR D A N A NDER SON At the core of soul music is a vibrant, embracing spirit, one aimed at connecting the dots of humanity that reside on both sides of the microphone. In a serendipitous sequence of events, J & The Causeways was formed at the legendary Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans. A juggernaut soul/R&B ensemble, the group is filled with heavy backbeats and a soaring horn section, all swirling around the magnetic vocal stylings of Jordan Anderson. As a kid, Anderson was first exposed to the power of music from his grandmother, a piano teacher in his small rural Louisiana hometown. It was her backroom record collection that mesmerized Anderson. That's where he found himself thumbing through the vinyl and discovering the likes of Otis Redding, Al Green, Queen and Aretha Franklin. “With soul music, it’s those live moments where you feel truly elevated, and you’re bringing the audience along with you to that higher place,” Anderson says. “And you’re creating this space of inclusivity and connectivity — there’s no way you’re leaving that stage without a smile on your face.”
CHAMPIONS SQUARE
GALACTIC FEATURING JELLY JOSEPH Galactic has spent over three decades shaping the sound of New Orleans funk, blending genres and pushing boundaries with every release. The band tours and records with powerhouse vocalist Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, and also owns the legendary Tipitina’s venue. Their latest album, Audience With the Queen, is a bold, full-length collaboration with Irma Thomas, celebrating the enduring soul of New Orleans through fresh, original songs.
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For J & The Causeways, it’s about bringing forth a communal sense of self within the greater universe of knowns and unknowns — we’re all in this together, so let’s share in the depths of our raw, honest emotions through the sound and spectacle that is live music.
HALFTIME
DJ DIESEL Shaquille O'Neal, one of the most dominant figures in NBA history, has seamlessly transitioned into the electronic music world as DJ DIESEL. Standing at 7'1" and 325 pounds, his larger-than-life presence and passion for bass music have made him a force in the scene. His love for music began in his teenage years when he saved up to buy turntables, later leading to his platinumselling rap album Shaq Diesel. With a relentless drive and deep passion for the bass scene, DJ DIESEL is more than just a celebrity DJ. He's a true powerhouse in EDM. Whether igniting festival crowds, producing heavy-hitting tracks, or curating his own events, Shaq continues to push boundaries, proving that no stage is too big for Diesel.
New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation -The New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation supports public safety initiatives, officer wellness programs and community-building efforts throughout the city. By investing in resources, training and partnerships, the Foundation works to strengthen collaboration between law enforcement and the city.
CAM'S CORNER
THANK YOU, NOLA For his final NFL season, Cameron Jordan is giving back to the city he has called home through 16 weeks of community engagement and charitable initiatives.
O N E O F T H E T E A M ’S L E A D I N G P H I L A N T H R O P I S T S,
Cameron Jordan has been recognized as a threetime team nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Jordan is a weekly visitor to a local schools during the season to discuss topics such as literacy, academics and physical fitness. CAM JORDAN FOUNDATION
Entering his 16th NFL season in 2026, Cameron Jordan, through his “Cam Jordan Foundation” is launching “Thank You NOLA,” a season-long initiative dedicated to celebrating the city, people and communities that have been part of his journey since first arriving in New Orleans in 2011. Throughout the 2026 season, Jordan will combine his final year on the field with an expanded commitment to community impact, creating opportunities to recognize local heroes, invest in young people and strengthen programs that will continue serving Louisiana Families for years to come. The ‘Thank You NOLA’ campaign will feature 16 weeks of community engagement, surprise activations, service projects, fan experiences and charitable initiatives designed to celebrate the City while investing in his future. HOSPITAL VISITS
In kicking off his ‘Thank You NOLA’ campaign of 16 weeks of activations, following a prior school visit, Jordan visited Ochsner Medical Center’s Children’s Pediatric unit. Giving attention and putting a smile on the face of young patients is always a priority when Jordan visits those who have medical challenges, young and old. This “community Tuesday” was no different as Jordan made his way to the pediatric unit and with the assistance of Ochsner’s staff who identified a group of young Saints fans and their families for him to visit with. Jordan did not arrive emptyhanded though as he signed numerous Saints items for him to hand out on this well-wishing mission, also taking the time to get to know the patients and their families and provide encouragment in their recovery.
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C A M YOU BEL IE V E IT? Fast facts about the Saints legend
2 Jordan and Houston’s Danielle Hunter are the only two NFL defenders since 2017 with at least 450 tackles, 75 sacks, 75 tackles for loss and 130 QB hits.
6 Jordan’s 111 tackles for loss since 2017 are ranked sixth in the NFL over the period.
9 Jordan is one of just nine NFL players with 17-plus sacks against two opponents: 17 vs. Tampa Bay and 26 vs. Atlanta.
23 Jordan’s 23 sacks of Matt Ryan are the most by any NFL player against one quarterback.
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BY ELIZABETH JOHNSTON
LEGEND OF THE GAME
WATSON COMES HOME Former Saints tight end reflects on his time in New Orleans, relationship with Drew Brees and memories from his four seasons in Black and Gold
FORMER NEW ORLEANS SAINTS tight end Benjamin Watson will return to the Caesars Superdome today, as the team’s “Legend of the Game” for the home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. Watson spent four seasons with the Saints across two separate runs, playing for New Orleans from 201315 before returning in 2018. His initial stay included the most productive season of his 16-year NFL journey. In 2015, Watson set career highs with 74 receptions and 825 receiving yards while matching his career high with six touchdown receptions. That season, he was also named the Saints’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and became one of three f inalists for the league-wide honor. Now a college football analyst with ESPN and SEC Network, Watson remains a major voice in football, and his return to New Orleans offers a meaningful chance to reconnect with the city and organization that anchored both his career and his family’s life. Recently, Watson reflected on his favorite memories in New Orleans and what it means to return as the team’s Legend of the Game.
What does it mean to you to come back and be recognized as the Saints’ Legend of the Game for the home opener?
“It’s a distinct honor. I look back at my time professionally in New Orleans, and I got so much better as a player. I’m so grateful for my time there. Coach Payton, Drew Brees, watching Jimmy Graham — I just grew tremendously as a football player during those first three years, and that propelled me into the second part of my career, where I was able to play for an extra four years late into my 30s. Much of that was because of my time there. “It’s also an honor because of the community. We made so many friends, whether it was in the neighborhood, at church or on the team. We always felt embraced by that community, and it was always an honor to wear the Black and Gold and represent them. I’m excited to come back and just be in that city. Three of our kids were born there.” When you look back on your four seasons with the Saints, what stands out most about your time in New Orleans?
“When we moved there the f irst time in 2013, my wife had family down there. Her grandfather was the band director at Southern University for 40 years, and her grandparents and cousins were from
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Louisiana. It was fun for her to get back into her element, going to the parades, seeing the bands, and experiencing all the things she would talk about from growing up and visiting her family. “I remember when we moved in, people started dropping food off at our house. I was thoroughly confused as to why they were bringing us food when they didn’t even know us. She reassured me that it was okay to eat it and said, 'They’re just welcoming us to the city. That’s just how they are.’ That was my first real welcome-to-New Orleans moment. “Playing in the Dome also stands out. Those Falcons games were always contentious, and the crowd was crazy. That was probably my favorite rivalry to play in. The atmosphere in the Dome for those games really stood out. “Some of my most meaningful memories were away from the field. Our fifth child was born during training camp in 2015. We had just played a preseason game in Baltimore when Kirsten told me her water had broken. Mr. and Mrs. Benson brought me back to New Orleans so I could be there for the birth. Their kindness will always stick out to me. Then, the second time we were there, our twins were born. It was just a very memorable time for our family.” Is there one on-field memory from your time with the Saints that stands out as the most special?
“The most special game is usually, as a tight end, when you get the ball the most. For me, it was a Thursday night game against the Falcons. It was one of those games where you felt like you had a connection with the quarterback and nothing could go wrong. “Some of the throws Drew made, the calls Sean made and the way we played collectively as an offense — it all came together. Individually, I was able to make a lot of plays to help us get the win. That game really sticks out.” One memorable moment came in 2018 when you caught Drew Brees’ 500th career touchdown pass in Baltimore. What do you
remember about that play and what it meant given your relationship with Drew?
“I definitely remember that for a couple of reasons. We practiced those goal-line pass plays ad nauseam every single week, and you might only get two or three calls for them in an entire season. Coach Payton could have called a run or a pass, and that time he called the pass. It worked. “I had also played in Baltimore the year before, so to come back and catch Number 500 there was really special. “Then there was the conversation Drew and I had afterward. Usually, the receiver keeps the football after a touchdown. I told him, 'No, you’re going to keep this ball. It’s Number 500.’ He told me, 'No, you keep it.’ I said, 'Dude, no, I’m not keeping it. Just keep the football. It’s Number 500. That’s a big deal.’ That was memorable as well.” What does life look like for you now with your family and work with the SEC Network?
“Life is very kid-focused, but it always has been. Even when I was playing, I prided myself on being as available as I could, doing dad time and being there to put them to bed. “Now, there are so many different directions my wife and I have to go in. The kids are involved in different things, and we’re still doing a lot of school pickup and drop-off. I also just f inished my master’s, so that took up a lot of time. “During college football season, I’m really heavy into SEC football. It’s preparing for the weekend shows, watching f ilm, production meetings and then being in the studio. My wife and I also do philanthropic work, and I do some podcasting. “Life is full. It’s busy in a different way than it was when I was playing.” For Watson, returning as a Saints Legend of the Game represents much more than four seasons of football. It is a return to an organization that helped extend his career and a New Orleans community that embraced his family during a memorable chapter of their lives.
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FEATURED PLAYER
CHRIS OLAVE After establishing himself as one of the Saints’ top playmakers, Chris Olave is ready for more.
CHRIS OLAVE ISN’T GOING ANYWHERE. The Saints made sure of that with a new deal for their star wide receiver. Olave signed a multi-year contract extension that will tie him to New Orleans for years to come. The deal comes as no surprise, considering the Saints traded up to select him 11th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, laying the foundation for Olave’s highly successful career. “It meant a lot to me to stay here for a long time, especially with the momentum we started to build…,” Olave said while discussing his contract extension. Now, after the most productive season of his career, Olave plans to keep building in the Big Easy, where his NFL career first began. Olave finished the 2025 season with 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns, earning second-team AP All-Pro honors. In doing so, he further established himself as the Saints’ leading receiving threat. Even after a career year and new contract, Olave has shown no signs of easing up. His work throughout the off-season and training camp shows he is still looking for ways to improve and expand his role. That role looks different as he enters his f ifth season with the Saints. When Olave arrived in New Orleans back in 2022, he was a rookie entering a veteran-heavy receiver room. Four seasons later, Olave has become the longest-tenured wide receiver on the Saints roster. Olave entered the league with Rashid Shaheed in 2022, but with Shaheed no longer in New Orleans, Olave is the example young rookie receivers can look to. Quarterback Tyler Shough has seen Olave’s transition first-hand. “I’m excited to see what he can do, f lat out. He has kind of taken that leadership role as well, stepped up in the room,”
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BY ELIZABETH JOHNSTON
100 The second Saint ever to catch 100 passes in a season, joining Michael Thomas.
30 Olave recorded 30 thirddown receptions in 2025, ranking third in the NFL.
13 Olave has recorded 13 100-yard receiving games, currently tied with Jimmy Graham for fifth in franchise history.
3 Olave has now recorded three 1,000-yard seasons, joining Marques Colston, Michael Thomas, Eric Martin and Joe Horn as Saints with three or more.
Shough said during the offseason. “I think he’s going to be really somebody that we can rely on the whole year.” Olave’s leadership does not come from being the loudest player in the room. Instead, Olave leads through preparation and dynamic playmaking. His play has remained consistent since his arrival. As a rookie, Olave recorded 72 receptions for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns. To top that, he had another 1,000-yard season in 2023, making himself one of the Saints’ most dependable weapons once again. Now in his fifth NFL season, Olave has recorded 301 receptions for 3,910 yards and 19 touchdowns, including a standout effort of ten grabs for a career-high 182 yards in the 2026 season opener against Detroit. Moving into his career-best season in 2025, Olave took his success one step higher. Not only did he have 100 receptions, but he became the second player in franchise history to reach the century mark in catches in a single season. As he begins his fifth campaign, Olave is building his frame and strength for the purpose of helping him win more battles without compromising speed. “Since I’ve been in the league, I’ve been on the smaller side,” Olave said during off-season workouts. “But it’s every year, consistently, trying to get in the weight room, trying to get bigger. I work on my weaknesses.” This physical approach has shown up on the practice field, where Olave has consistently shown his speed, precise routes and dynamic playmaking, putting him once again at the eye of the Saints’ passing game, just like last season. During an August 6 training camp practice, Olave scored three touchdowns during team drills, showcasing his and Shough’s connection on the field. Shough and Olave’s connection created excitement and hope during the 2025 season, especially as the Saints gained momentum towards the end of the season. That now carries over with another year together. Olave mentions this special player connection when discussing why New Orleans feels so important to him. The feeling is mutual with Shough, who has mentioned the promise Olave has shown him in the offseason. “I’ve been working with him this whole offseason, and he’s looking better than I’ve ever seen him,” Shough said. “His speed, his change of direction, his conditioning– it’s been amazing so far.” The contract extension reinforced the organization’s belief that Olave will remain a very important part of the Saints’ future. The new deal and career-best season aren’t endpoints; they’re a foundation to build on. Four years after the Saints traded up to bring him into the Big Easy, Olave has become one of the central players in the team’s offense. With his future secure, his focus is now on continuing to grow and seeing what he can accomplish next.
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OWNER AND CEO
THE WOMAN AT THE HELM Since assuming ownership of the Saints and Pelicans, Gayle Benson has led with vision, generosity and a steadfast commitment to the city she calls home.
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-theart 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 195147 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 eight seasons of ownership, New Orleans has posted five winning campaigns, three consecutive NFC South division titles (201820) and reached the 2018 NFC Championship. 15 different Saints players have received a combined 34 Pro Bowl selections and ten separate players over the past eight seasons have received Associated Press AllPro 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. Mrs. Benson contributed $180 million to the fiveyear, $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 202 consecutive sellouts for contests played at the venue. The team’s Ochsner Sports Performance Center completed the construction of a brand-new cafeteria and a complete
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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. In 2025, Mrs. Benson was appointed by Commissioner Roger Goodell to serve as Co-Chair of the NFL Legislative Committee, leading efforts to build a sustainable government relations strategy. In this role, Mrs. Benson is committed to ensuring the League re-
mains at the forefront of policy discussions and legislative developments that impact its operations and long-term interests. Mrs. Benson also 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. Mrs. Benson has also played a pivotal role in expanding the Saints’ global presence through the NFL’s Global Markets Program, helping secure international marketing rights for both France and Italy. Under her leadership, the Saints became the first and only NFL club awarded marketing rights in France in 2023, building upon the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between Louisiana and France. These efforts culminated in the NFL selecting the Saints to host the league’s first-ever regular season game in Paris on October 25, 2026, a milestone that further strengthens the connection between New Orleans and one of its most important international partners. Mrs. Benson has worked closely with NFL leadership, international government officials, Louisiana Economic Development, and local civic leaders to leverage the program as a platform for economic development, tourism promotion, cultural exchange, and youth sports initiatives. The Saints’ subsequent designation as a Global Markets Program club in Italy in 2026 further reflects Mrs. Benson’s vision for international growth, recognizing the strong cultural connections
between Italy, Louisiana, and the United States while creating new opportunities to expand the Saints brand, engage fans, and foster business and community partnerships abroad. Immediately upon Mr. and Mrs. Benson’s purchase of the former Hornets franchise from the NBA in 2012, construction began on a state-of-the-art 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 center-hung HD scoreboard, which debuted in 2015, along with several additional fan upgrades. Through this commitment, NBA AllStar 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 hired 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 and highly respected executive, the three-time NBA champion and newly hired Head Coach Jamahl Mosley 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 faith-based 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 address conditions that adversely affect the local community. 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 was 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 academic institution’s mission to educate the mind and heart. She was the TimesPicayune’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 award, 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 a career fair for both players and HBCU students, and which attracts over 100 re-
gional and national employers to help provide opportunities and networking. 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. She 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. The award recognized her continuous philanthropic efforts throughout New Orleans, the state of Louisiana, and the Gulf South. In November of 2024, Mr. Benson (posthumously) 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 which have brought 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 and introduced Mrs. Benson with the honor. In 2025, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and 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. Mrs. Benson also led the Saints’ effort in October of 2025 to finalize the Caesars Superdome lease extension agreement, a landmark initiative that secures the team’s presence in New Orleans for decades and exemplifies her unwavering commitment to long-term investment, collaboration, and partnership with the city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana.
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OWNER
In June of 2026, Mrs. Benson’s impact was also recognized nationally through her selection as the recipient of the 2026 Corporate Leadership Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation, presented during the Celebration of Service to America Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. The prestigious honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional corporate citizenship, philanthropy, and community leadership. Mrs. Benson was recognized for her longstanding commitment to charitable initiatives throughout the Gulf South and her dedication to expanding access to local sports broadcasting for fans across the region. Through her support of the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network (GCSEN), the broadcast television regional sports network serving Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, Mrs. Benson has helped strengthen the connection between fans and their teams by increasing access to New Orleans Saints and Pelicans programming, including live game coverage, analysis, gameday updates, and comprehensive postgame content, displaying her commitment to leveraging media and sports as platforms for community engagement, accessibility and regional growth. 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 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 layperson. 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 of 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 jew-
eler. She was responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations 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’ 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 area. 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 Laurel 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, a 1,000-acre farm with nearly 50 horses, in Paris, Ky. 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 eight 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, and Corporate Realty, and is 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 in San Antonio, Texas.
EXECUTIVE STAFF
INSIDE THE FRONT OFFICE
GREG BENSEL
Senior VP of Communications, Broadcast, Community Relations & Governmental Relations
From football operations to business strategy, these leaders help keep the Saints moving forward
DAVID CHAIX
Senior Vice President / Chief Financial Officer
BEN HALES
Senior Vice President /Chief Operating Officer
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT / GENERAL MANAGER
PRESIDENT
MICKEY LOOMIS
DENNIS LAUSCHA
MICKEY LOOMIS enters his 25th season in his current position, 27th
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, 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 the Saints and Pelicans in 2012. 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 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 Owner & CEO Mrs. Gayle 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), three collision centers, Benson Capital Partners, Corporate Realty, and GMB Racing. Lauscha’s collaborative style, financial acumen and long-term view has played a key role as a member of a contingent that has negotiated agreements for 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.
with the Saints, and his 40th NFL campaign. During his time in New Orleans, Loomis has been honored with some of the most prestigious awards presented to a league executive, yet the most satisfying achievement of his career has come in helping mold a roster that has produced many of the franchise’s finest moments, including the Super Bowl XLIV championship. In 2006, after being the key figure in the hiring of Head Coach Sean Payton, the signing of Pro Football Hall of Fame QB Drew Brees and overseeing the rebuild of a team that would advance to the NFC Championship, Loomis was voted the NFL Executive of the Year by Pro Football Weekly/PFWA and as the Sporting News George Young Executive of the Year, an award voted on annually by NFL front-office executives and owners. Loomis has built on the success of 2006, with nine postseason appearances, seven division titles, three NFC Championship berths and the Super Bowl win. He’s brought aboard a group of players who have played a key role in New Orleans posting a 214175 regular season record since 2002. This makes him just the ninth person in the 106-year history of the NFL to oversee 200 regular season career wins as the official acting General Manager. In 2025, Loomis conducted an extensive head coaching search from which Kellen Moore was hired, presiding over a draft that found several significant contributors who helped the team win four of their last five games, including PFWA All-Rookie selections in T Kelvin Banks Jr. and QB Tyler Shough. Prior to arriving in New Orleans, Loomis spent 15 years with the Seattle Seahawks, including as executive vice president from 1992-98. The Eugene, Ore. native has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Oregon and a master’s in sports administration from Wichita State.
VICKY NEUMEYER
Senior Vice President / General Counsel
GREG ROUCHELL
Senior Vice President of Human Resources
MICHAEL STANFIELD Senior Vice President of Sales
ED LANG
Senior Financial Advisor to Gayle Benson
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COACHING STAFF // HEAD COACH
MOORE TO BUILD ON The Saints' 19th head coach has brought championship experience, quarterback expertise and a proven offensive philosophy to New Orleans.
cord 3,048 yards (sixth-best in NFL history) and finTHE SAINTS NAMED KELLEN MOORE as the 19th head ished second in the league in rushing (179.3 ypg.). The coach in franchise history on Feb. 11, 2025. Moore Eagles were only the second team in NFL history to joined the Black and Gold after serving as the offenrush for 3,000-plus yards and at least 25 touchdowns sive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2024 (29). The passing attack also flourished under Moore’s World Championship campaign. Moore, a 14-year tutelage, setting a club record with a 103.4 passer ratNFL veteran, played quarterback for six seasons (2012ing, led by QB Jalen Hurts’ career-high 103.7 ranked 17) and entered the coaching ranks in 2018, serving as fifth-best in the league. an offensive coordinator for six campaigns (2019-24). In the NFC Divisional Playoff victory over the In his first season at the helm in New Orleans, L.A. Rams, the Eagles' run game gained a teamMoore rallied the team to win four of the final five playoff-record 285 yards on 34 carries (8.4 avg.) games. The Saints went 4-0 in the month of December, with three touchdowns. In the Eagles’ 55-23 NFC going undefeated in the month for the first time since Championship victory over Washington, they had 2011 and for only the third time in franchise history. Moore put his imprint on the team in year one on offense, mixing a combination of rookie QB Tyler Shough, protected by a pair of promising young tackles in Kelvin Banks Jr. and Taliese Fuaga and WR Chris Olave and TE Juwan Johnson. A scheme was implemented behind Shough that accentuated his abilities and allowed the team to finish the season 5-4 with him as the starter. Shough completed 221of-327 passes (67.6 pct.) for 2,384 yards, ten touchdowns and a 91.3 passer rating, leading the team in rushing touchdowns to accentuate his athleticism and earn PFWA All-Rookie honors. By season’s end, the Saints had two players with at least 850 receiving yards – Olave, who earned AP All-Pro honors as only the second Saint with 100 receptions, and Johnson - for the first time since the 2016 season. PLAYING CAREER: Boise State, 2007Including Shough and Banks, 11; Detroit Lions, whose 1,066 snaps on offense 2012-14; Dallas was a club-high to earn PFWA Cowboys, 2015-17. All-Rookie, Moore and his staff COACHING CAREER: successfully integrated five rookDallas Cowboys, 2018-22; Los ies into the starting lineup and Angeles Chargers, important rotational roles. Two 2023; Philadelphia defensive draft picks, CB Quincy Eagles, 2024; New Riley and S Jonas Sanker, earned Orleans Saints, 2025- (Head Coach). All-Rookie, while injecting youth into a promising group that finished the season ranked ninth in total defense (299.8 ypg.), fourth in pass defense (179.2 ypg.) and sixth in opponent rushing yards per play (3.97). In 2024, Moore was part of a staff that led the Eagles to a 14-3 regular season record, which tied a franchise-mark for wins, an NFC East Division title and the NFC’s number two playoff seed, culminating with a Super Bowl LIX championship. Eighth in net yards per game (367.2) and seventh in points per game (27.2), Philadelphia rushed for a single-season club re-
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their second-highest 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 Super Bowl LIX MVP 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, 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, 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 addition, Hurts tied for the fifth-most rushing touchdowns (14) in the league (first among quarterbacks). In the postseason, Hurts completed 65-of-91
COACHING STAFF // HEAD COACH
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 fourthhighest 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. Up front, all five of the Eagles offensive line starters received AP All-Pro votes, 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 (2019-22), 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 two NFC East titles and three playoff appearances. 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, the Dallas of fense featured both 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 rushing yards. 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 ypg.) and scoring offense (31.2 ppg.). 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, thirdbest by any passer in the NFL and the fourth-highest in a single season in franchise history at the time. Elliott recorded his fifth 1,000-yards rushing campaign and added ten touchdowns. Lamb led the Cowboys with 79 receptions for 1,102 yards and six scores. 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 2020, 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 Dallas had at least four different quarterbacks start at least one game in a season since 2015. The line saw a shuffling
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of eight different starting lineup combinations due to injuries. Despite the injuries, Moore’s unit finished 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 grabs. During his first season as coordinator in 2019, Moore’s unit led the league with 431.5 net yards per game, which was the tenth-best single-season performance in NFL history and best by any offense since Denver’s 2013 record-setting unit (457.3). Prescott finished second in the NFL with a careerhigh 4,902 yards passing, second in team history, and 30 passing touchdowns. Elliott ranked second in the league with 1,777 yards from scrimmage, as Cooper recorded eight touchdowns and a careerhigh 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 seasons for the Detroit Lions (2012-14) and Cowboys (2015-17). Moore appeared in three games, including two starts for the Cowboys in 2015, throwing 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. The following season, Moore broke his leg in training camp, but remained a mainstay in Dallas’ quarterbacks room, working closely with then-rookie Prescott as the Cowboys tied a franchise-record with 13 wins in the regular season, including an 11-game win streak. The Prosser, Wash. native 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 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 FWAA first-team All-American in 2010, twice being named Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year (2009-10) and earning 2011 Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year. The Broncos finished in the top-five in scoring in each of Moore’s final three seasons, including a first-place finish in 2009 and second in 2010. Moore and his wife, Julie, have two daughters, Halle and Madelyn, and two sons, Kyler and Beckham.
COACHING STAFF // OFFENSE
CALLING THE SHOTS From the headset to the huddle, meet the coaches leading the Saints in every phase of the game.
PLAYING CAREER: Idaho, 198993; 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, 2012-13; Michigan, 2014; Florida, 2015-17; Dallas Cowboys, 2018-22, Los Angeles Chargers, 2023; Philadelphia Eagles, 2024; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
DOUG NUSSMEIER DOUG NUSSMEIER enters his second season as New Orleans’ offensive coordinator in 2026, marking his 11th campaign in the NFL coaching ranks and 12th overall as an offensive coordinator at the NFL and collegiate levels. A 25-year coaching veteran, Nussmeier returned to New Orleans in 2025 after originally being a fourth round pick (116th overall) of the Saints in the 1994 NFL Draft out of Idaho, play-
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ing four seasons at quarterback with the Black and Gold. He re-joined the Saints after spending the 2024 season as quarterbacks coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. In his first season with the Saints coaching staff in 2025, Nussmeier helped the offensive improve steadily throughout the season. Head Coach Kellen Moore and Nussmeier devised a scheme behind rookie signal-caller
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Tyler Shough that accentuated his abilities and helped the Black and Gold finish the season 5-4. Despite having only nine starts, Shough completed 221-of-327 passes (67.6 pct.) for 2,384 yards with ten touchdowns and a 91.3 passer rating, while leading the team in rushing touchdowns to accentuate his athleticism and earn PFWA AllRookie. By season’s end, the Saints had a pair of players with at least 850 receiving yards – WR Chris Olave and TE Juwan Johnson - for the first time since the 2016 season. In 2024, Nussmeier was a key piece of the Eagles Super Bowl LIX Champion offensive coaching staff. With Philadelphia ranked eighth overall in the NFL in net yards per game (367.2) and seventh in points per game (27.2), Jalen Hurts f lourished under Nuss-
meier’s tutelage, posting a career-high 103.7 passer rating, fifth in the league. Hurts also ranked among the top eight in the league in yards per attempt (fourth, 8.0), completion percentage (eighth, career-high 68.7) and total touchdowns (eighth, 32). In addition, Hurts tied 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 in 2006 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 f irst 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 10,824 career passing yards over five years (1989-93). 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 program-record 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 played quarterback at LSU from 2021-2025 and was a seventh round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2026 NFL Draft.
OFFENSIVE ASSISTANT
TIGHT ENDS
W ILL CL A PP
CH A SE H A SLE T T
PLAYING CAREER: LSU, 2014-17; New Orleans Saints, 2018-21, 2025; Los Angeles Chargers, 2022-23; Buffalo Bills 2024.
PLAYING CAREER: Illinois, 201113; Indiana (PA), 2014-15.
COACHING CAREER: New Orleans Saints, 2026-.
Will Clapp enters his first season on the Saints coaching staff and will assist the club with the offensive line, in addition to weekly preparation and day-to-day operations for the offensive coaching staff.
ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH/RUNNING BACKS
JOEL THOMAS
JOEL THOMAS, a 26-year coaching
veteran, has tutored the Saints running backs for ten seasons (2015-23 and 2025-). After spending the 2024 season coaching the New York Giants running backs, the Port Angeles, Wash. native returned to New Orleans in 2025 with the additional title of associate head coach. In Thomas’ ten seasons presiding over the Saints running backs, New Orleans tailbacks have led a balanced attack on the ground and through the air. The Saints’ 170 rushing touchdowns are tied for fifth in the NFL and their 18,649 rushing yards rank 13th. A Saints tailback has ranked in the top ten in the NFL in receiving at the posiPLAYING CAREER: Idaho, 1993-98. COACHING CAREER: Purdue, 2000-01, 2006-08; Louisville, 2002-03; Idaho, 2004-05; University of Washington, 2009-12; Arkansas, 2013-14; New Orleans Saints, 2015-23, New York Giants, 2024; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.
tion in eight of the ten campaigns of Thomas’ Black and Gold tenure, with the 1,084 receptions by Saints running backs the most in the league at the position. Thomas has helped his running backs earn six Pro Bowl selections – Alvin Kamara (2017-21) and Mark Ingram II (2017). Thomas lettered at running back at Idaho from 1993-98, where he was a two-time first-team All-Big West selection and conference Player of the Year as a senior 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. He served as the head coach for the victorious American team for the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl. Thomas and his wife, Ebbie, are the parents of two boys, Teyo and Niko.
Clapp, 30, is in his first year as a coach after an eight-year playing career. He was originally selected by New Orleans in the seventh round (245th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft out of LSU. The New Orleans native appeared in 66 career regular season games with 22 starts at guard, center and as a jumbo offensive lineman for the Saints (2018-21, 2025), Los Angeles Chargers (2022-23) and Buffalo Bills (2024). He also played in four postseason contests for the Saints, Chargers and Bills. The former Brother Martin High School standout was a three-year starter on the LSU offensive line (2015-17), opening all 36 games he appeared in at all three interior positions, earning first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors at both guard and center. During his final two high school seasons (2012-13), Clapp earned Louisiana 5A All-State honors while starring for the Crusaders. Clapp and his wife, Elizabeth, have two children, Cooper and Olivia.
COACHING CAREER: Nebraska, 2016-17; Mississippi State, 2018; Mercer, 2019; Dallas Cowboys, 202024; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.
Chase Haslett enters his second season as the Saints tight ends coach after joining New Orleans in 2025. In his first campaign with the Saints, Haslett helped guide Juwan Johnson to his most productive season as a professional, finishing with careerhighs in receptions (77) and receiving yards (889) to go with three touchdowns, ranked fifth in receptions and third in receiving yards and third down grabs (21) in the NFL among tight ends. An eleven-year coaching veteran, including six in the National Football League, Haslett came to New Orleans after serving five seasons on the Dallas Cowboys offensive coaching staff. Prior to Dallas, Haslett spent four years in the college ranks. After growing 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 (199596) and as Saints head coach (2000-05), earning NFL Coach of the Year in 2000 in guiding the franchise to their first playoff win, Chase Haslett earned his first foray into the NFL coaching ranks after spending time on the staffs at Nebraska as a graduate assistant/ quarterbacks (2016-17), Mississippi State as quality control/offense (2018) and Mercer as tight ends coach (2019). 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.
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COACHING STAFF // OFFENSE
ASSISTANT TIGHT ENDS
ASSISTANT OFFENSIVE LINE
SENIOR OFFENSIVE ASSISTANT
OFFENSIVE LINE
JOSH HILL
T OB I JA H HUGHLE Y
SCO T T L INEH A N
BR END A N NUGEN T
PLAYING CAREER: Idaho State, 200812; New Orleans Saints, 2013-20.
PLAYING CAREER: Louisville, 2012-16.
PLAYING CAREER: Idaho, 1982-86.
COACHING CAREER: Kentucky State, 2017-18; Florida Tech, 2018; Florida, 2018-19; Houston Texans, 2022; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.
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, 2002-04; 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-.
PLAYING CAREER: Catholic University of America, 2001-03.
Tobijah (Toe-BYE-uh) Hughley enters his second season with the Saints and first as assistant offensive line coach after joining the club as an offensive assistant in 2025. Hughley arrived in New Orleans after spending over five years in college and professional coaching staffs and front offices.
Scott Linehan enters his second season as a senior offensive assistant with the Saints and his 19th campaign as an NFL coach.
COACHING CAREER: New Orleans Saints, 2026-.
Josh Hill is entering his 11th season with the New Orleans Saints and his first as a member of the coaching staff after serving as a pro scout for the past three campaigns. Hill, who played tight end for New Orleans from 2013-20, joins the Saints coaching staff full-time, where he will assist Tight Ends Coach Chase Haslett, after working with the position group in practice in 2025. Hill joined the Saints player personnel staff in 2023, as a pro scout. During his playing career, the versatile Hill filled various roles as a receiver, blocker, fullback and special teams contributor for the Saints. Signed by the team as a free agent following the 2013 NFL Draft out of Idaho State, the Blackfoot, Idaho native appeared in 117 regular season games with 62 starts for the Black and Gold, posting career totals of 116 receptions for 1,071 yards with 15 touchdowns and recorded 27 special teams tackles. In nine postseason contests with four starts, he finished with 15 receptions for 166 yards. Hill, who first worked in the strength and conditioning field following his retirement from his NFL playing career, had career college totals of 152 receptions for 1,338 yards with nine touchdown grabs at Idaho State and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports management.
Before joining the Saints in 2025, Hughley served as a Bill Walsh Fellowship offensive line assistant with the Miami Dolphins in the 2024 offseason and interned with the Philadelphia Eagles for 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 Florida (2018-19) and coached at Florida Tech (2018) and Kentucky State (2017-18). The Lexington, Ken. 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 before being awarded a scholarship in 2014. Hughley and his wife, Carla, have two sons, Shiloh and Seth.
Hill and his wife, Courtney, have four children.
A Sunnyside, Wash. native, the 37-year coaching veteran was previously 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). Before joining the Saints, Linehan had spent the prior 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 37 years of coaching football, Linehan has served 24 years as either an offensive coordinator or head coach, including serving as head coach of the St. Louis Rams from 200-08. Linehan was a quarterback at the University of Idaho (1982-86), winning the 1985 Big Sky Championship and earning Division I-AA playoff appearances three straight times. He and his wife, Kristen, have three sons, Matthew, Michael and Marcus.
COACHING CAREER: Archbishop Stepinac HS, 2004; Iowa, 2005-06; William & Mary, 2007-11; Montreal Alouettes (CFL), 2012; Chicago Bears, 2013-14; Los Angeles Chargers, 2022-23; Seattle Seahawks, 2024, New Orleans Saints, 2015-21, 2025-.
Brendan Nugent enters his second season under Head Coach Kellen Moore as offensive line coach for New Orleans in 2026, his second stint with the club. A 22-year coaching veteran, including the last 13 seasons in the NFL, he previously served as the Saints’ offensive line coach in 2021. In 2025, Nugent helped the offensive line overcome injuries to improve in both pass protection and run blocking. The line was anchored on the outside by rookie LT Kelvin Banks Jr. and second-year RT Taliese Fuaga. Banks, the team’s first round draft pick, who was a consensus All-Rookie selection after leading the Saints offense with 1,066 snaps played, surrendered only four sacks, the fewest takedowns given up for rookie tackles who started at least 16 contests. Nugent returned to New Orleans after serving as assistant offensive line coach of the Seattle Seahawks in 2024. 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). In that five-season period, 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). The White Plains, N.Y. native played linebacker at The Catholic University of America. After his college playing career, he tutored tight ends at his high school alma mater, Archbishop Stepinac High, before coaching at Iowa, where he earned his degree in political science. Nugent and his wife, Jenny, have four children: Addelynn, Declan, Maelie and Nolan.
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NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA MED AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
COACHING STAFF // OFFENSE
RUN GAME COORDINATOR
QUARTERBACKS
WIDE RECEIVERS
ASSISTANT WIDE RECEIVERS
T. J. PA G A NE T T I
SCO T T T OL Z IEN
K E I T H W ILL I A MS
K Y LE VA LER O
COACHING CAREER: Oregon, 2009-12, 2015-16; Philadelphia Eagles, 2013-14, 2017-24; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.
PLAYING CAREER: Wisconsin, 2006-10; San Francisco 49ers, 2011-12; Green Bay Packers, 201315; Indianapolis Colts, 2016-17.
PLAYING CAREER: San Diego State, 1991-93; Frankfurt Galaxy (WLAF) 1995; Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL), 1995-96.
COACHING CAREER: Florida State, 2008-09; Detroit Lions, 2010-13; Dallas Cowboys, 2014-22; Philadelphia Eagles, 2024; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.
COACHING CAREER: Dallas Cowboys, 2020-24; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.
T.J. Paganetti enters his second campaign as the Saints’ run game coordinator. The Bedford, Mass. native has 19 years of coaching experience, including 11 seasons in the NFL. In his first season with the Saints coaching staff in 2025 that implemented a new scheme, Paganetti helped the run game improve its production in the latter part of the season, overcoming injuries at tailback, tight end and on the offensive line. As New Orleans finished the season 4-1, they increased their rushing yards per game by nearly 13 yards and tied for ninth in the NFL over the period with six rushing touchdowns. Up front in helping engineer the rushing attack, rookie left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., the team’s first round pick, was a consensus All-Rookie selection. Paganetti arrived in New Orleans from the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served ten seasons (2013-14, 2017-24) on their offensive coaching staff. In 2024, he served as the team’s run game specialist/assistant offensive line coach. Up front, all five of the Eagles offensive line starters received All-Pro votes from the Associated Press, with Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata earning All-Pro honors. In addition to Johnson, guard Landon Dickerson and center Cam Jurgens earned Pro Bowl recognition. Pagnetti originally began his coaching career as an undergraduate offensive intern (2007-08) with Oregon, where he also coached from 2015-16 and earned his bachelor’s degree in political science in 2012.
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Scott Tolzien (pronounced Toll-ZEEN) enters his second season as quarterbacks coach for the Saints in 2026. Working with New Orleans’ quarterbacks in 2025, Tolzien was instrumental in Tyler Shough’s development. In his rookie campaign, Shough completed 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 yards (10 TDs & 6 INT – 91.3 rating) in his nine starts (5-4 as a starter with four consecutive victories). Shough was a consensus All-Rookie selection, breaking all team rookie passing records. Tolzien also played a key role in the development of quarterback Spencer Rattler in his second season, when he completed 174-of-257 passes (club-best 67.7 pct.) for 1,586 yards with eight touchdowns, only five interceptions and added 167 rushing yards on 31 carries (5.4 avg.) in eight starts. Tolzien joined the Saints after spending the previous five years with the Dallas Cowboys, including the last two years as the team’s quarterbacks coach and three years as an offensive assistant. Tolzien enjoyed a seven-year NFL playing career, originally signing with the San Diego Chargers as a rookie free agent in 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 (2013-15), 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.
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA ME D AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
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, 2012-14; Nebraska, 2015-17; San Antonio Commanders (AAF), 2019; Baltimore Ravens, 2021-23; New Orleans Saints 2024-.
Keith Williams is in his third year as wide receivers coach in 2026 after joining New Orleans in 2024. The Stockton, Calif. native has five years of NFL coaching experience, 19 years at the collegiate level, and has also served as a personal coach for several top NFL wide receivers, including former All-Pros Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill. In 2025, Williams coached fourthyear wide receiver Chris Olave to his first career Associated Press All-Pro selection after leading the team with 100 receptions for 1,163 yards with nine touchdowns, setting career-highs in all three categories. Olave was only the third Saints wideout to be voted as an AP All-Pro. After being moved into the starting lineup, Devaughn Vele, who Williams was instrumental in developing, had 19 receptions for 239 yards in his last four games. In three years with the Baltimore 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.
Kyle Valero enters his second season as the Saints assistant wide receivers coach. He arrived in New Orleans after working under Saints Head Coach Kellen Moore with the Philadelphia Eagles as an offensive assistant. During the 2025 season, Valero worked alongside Saints wide receivers coach Keith Williams in developing a young group of receivers. Valero helped tutor fourth-year wideout Chris Olave to his first career Associated Press All-Pro selection, after leading the Black and Gold with 100 catches for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns, setting career-highs in all three categories. Olave was only the third Saints wideout to be voted as an AP All-Pro. After being moved into the starting lineup, Devaughn Vele had 19 receptions for 239 yards in his last four games. With the Super Bowl LIX Champion Eagles, Valero contributed to an offense ranked eighth in the NFL in net yards per game (367.2) and seventh in points per game (27.2). The Eagles passing attack flourished under a club-record 103.4 passer rating, with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith forming one of the league’s most dynamic receiver duos. From 2020-22, Valero served as the Dallas Cowboys’ quality control/ analytics coach while working directly with the team’s wide receivers. 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 STAFF // DEFENSE
ASSISTANT DEFENSIVE BACKS
R OBER T BL A N T ON 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-.
Robert Blanton, a six-year NFL veteran in the playing ranks, enters his second season as assistant defensive backs coach for the Saints and his seventh campaign as a coach.
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
BRANDON STALEY
PLAYING CAREER: Dayton, 200104; 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, 201718; Denver Broncos, 2019; Los Angeles Rams, 2020; Los Angeles Chargers (Head Coach), 202123; San Francisco 49ers, 2024; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.
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BRANDON STALEY is in his second season as defensive coordinator for the Saints in 2026. A 20-year coaching veteran, including the last nine in the NFL and three seasons as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, Staley oversaw a Saints unit that made great strides in his first season with New Orleans. In 2025, New Orleans finished the season ranked ninth in opponent net yards per game (299.8), fourth in opponent net passing yards per game (179.2), fifth in forced fumbles (11), sixth in opponent rushing yards per play (3.97) and tenth in opponent red zone touchdown percentage (53.2). The club did not allow a 300-yard passer. The unit was especially stout on third down, ranking third in the NFL in opponent third down conversion rate (34.3). The 2025 Saints were one of eight teams that finished in the league’s top-12 units in EPA (Expected Points Added) against both the run and the pass, including second against the rush. With edge defenders Cameron Jordan (10.5) and Chase Young (career-high 10.0) each reaching double-digit sacks, the Saints were one of only three teams to have two defenders with at least ten
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA MED AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
takedowns. CB Kool-Aid McKinstry led the team with his first three career interceptions and was tied for sixth in the league with 17 pass breakups. Two promising rookies were integrated into the lineup. CB Quincy Riley was named to the CBS Sports and ESPN.com All-Rookie teams after playing in all 17 games (five starts) and totaling 34 tackles, ten passes defensed (tied for fourth in the NFL among rookies), one interception and one forced fumble. S Jonas Sanker entered the starting lineup in Week Two and led the secondary with 78 stops and ranked second among rookie safeties with three takeaways, tied for first on the team, earning ESPN.com All-Rookie. Before becoming an NFL coach, Staley spent 11 seasons coaching at the collegiate level. In 2016, Staley earned National Coordinator of the Year honors for Division III. A native of Perry, Ohio, Staley played collegiately as a quarterback at the University of Dayton for four seasons (2001-04) before finishing at Division II Mercyhurst College in 2005. He and his wife, Amy, have three sons, Colin, Will and Grant.
In 2025, Blanton assisted the defensive backs in finishing with a top five passing defense, allowing only 179.2 net passing yards per game. The group also helped lead New Orleans to allow the ninthfewest yards per game in the NFL. During a five-year tenure at Miami (Ohio) prior to joining the Saints in 2025, including serving as the defensive pass game coordinator and safeties coach in 2024, five of Blanton’s players earned All-Mid American Conference honors. In 2024, Miami rebounded from a 1-4 start to finish 9-5, securing their first bowl victory since 2021. Blanton was part of a defensive staff that finished third in the MAC in scoring defense (18.8), total defense (331.4), rushing defense (137.1) and pass defense (194.3). 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 specialteams 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.
CORNERBACKS
DEFENSIVE LINE
SENIOR DEFENSIVE ASSISTANT
ASSISTANT LINEBACKERS
GR A DY BR O W N
BO D AV I S
PE T ER G IUN TA
A D A M GR I S T I CK
PLAYING CAREER: Alabama A&M, 199598; Tennessee Valley Vipers (af2), 1999.
PLAYING CAREER: LSU, 1990-92.
PLAYING CAREER: Northeastern, 1974-77.
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 CAREER: Swampscott (Mass.) High School, 1978-80; Penn State, 198183; 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-.
PLAYING CAREER: Eastern Illinois 2010-14.
Bo Davis is in his second season as the Saints defensive line coach. Under Davis’s supervision up front in the team’s implementation to a 3-4 defense, veteran linemen Nathan Shepherd (tied) and Jonah Williams had a career-high three sacks apiece, while Bryan Bresee finished with 2.5 takedowns and a forced fumble. Davon Godchaux posted 45 tackles in the middle, as the Black and Gold improved from ranking 31st in opponent rushing yards per play in 2024 to sixth in 2025.
Peter Giunta (pronounced GEN-ta) enters his 11th season as a Saints senior defensive assistant in 2026. He's a 47-year coaching veteran, including 35 years of experience in the NFL with three Super Bowl Championships.
Adam Gristick enters his second season as assistant linebackers coach and fourth season with New Orleans, where spent his first two years as a defensive assistant (2023-24) before being elevated to assistant linebackers coach in 2025.
Working with Cornerbacks Coach Grady Brown and a position group with both youth and veteran leadership, Giunta and the defensive staff helped Kool-Aid McKinstry to a breakout season in his second campaign. McKinstry tied for sixth in the league in pass breakups (16) and was one-of-five-players to record 15-plus pass breakups and three-plus interceptions this season. He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors following his Week Five performance, when he recorded his first two career interceptions. Alontae Taylor’s 83 tackles ranked seventh among cornerbacks, while his seven stops for loss were tied for third at the position in 2025. Quincy Riley was named to the CBS Sports and ESPN.com All-Rookie teams after playing in all 17 games (five starts) and totaling 34 tackles, ten pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble. Riley’s ten pass breakups were tied for fourth in the NFL among rookies.
During his third season on staff, Gristick and Linebackers Coach Peter Sirmon helped the team’s linebackers adjust to an alignment change from a 4-3 to 3-4, with the team ranking ninth in the NFL in opponent net yards per game. Demario Davis finished with 143 tackles, his highest total as a Saint. Pete Werner finished with 81 stops (50 solo), two sacks, and careerhighs in pass breakups (five) and fumble recoveries (three), tying for the league lead in the latter. With player development at a premium, fourth round draft pick Danny Stutsman had 40 tackles in spot duty and Isaiah Stalbird led the linebackers with two sacks in his second season.
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-.
Grady Brown enters his 27th season of coaching and sixth in the NFL, returning for his second campaign as the Saints’ cornerbacks coach. Prior to arriving in New Orleans, he spent four seasons as the defensive backs coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2025, Brown helped Kool-Aid McKinstry to a breakout season in his second campaign. McKinstry tied for sixth in the league in passes defensed (16) and was one of five players to record 15-plus passes defensed and three-plus interceptions. He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week following his Week Five performance against the New York Giants, when he recorded the first two interceptions of his career. Alontae Taylor’s 83 tackles ranked seventh in the NFL among cornerbacks, while his seven stops for loss were tied for third at the position. Quincy Riley was named to the CBS Sports and ESPN.com All-Rookie teams after playing in all 17 games (five starts) and totaling 34 tackles, ten passes defensed, tied for fourth among NFL rookies, one interception and one forced fumble. Several individual contributors in the Pittsburgh secondary developed and shined under Brown’s tutelage. During his Steelers tenure, Pittsburgh snared 66 interceptions, tied for third in the NFL over that four-season period. FS Minkah Fitzpatrick was voted an AP first-team All-Pro, named to the Pro Bowl three times, and led the NFL in interceptions in 2022 under Brown’s watch. The Birmingham Ala. native, who played defensive back at Alabama A&M and graduated with a degree in mathematics education, is married to Rashidah Brown and has one son, Asher-Grey Brown.
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Davis, who holds 31 years of coaching experience, including six in the NFL, joined 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 All-Americans. He coached players who have won the Outland Trophy, Defensive Player of the Year in the Big 12 and Conference USA, along with 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 Crimson Tide defensive line coach. 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). The Magee, Miss. native, who was a standout nose guard at LSU (1990-92), earning All-SEC honors as a senior, spent the 2024 season as the defensive line coach at his alma mater, also serving as a strength and conditioning graduate assistant from 1995-97. Davis and his wife, Omeika, have two sons, Beau and Jackson, and a daughter, Juliana.
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA MED AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
The Salem, Mass., native had a four-year playing career as a defensive back and running back at Northeastern (1974-77).
COACHING CAREER: Missouri State, 2015; Syracuse, 201617; Eastern Illinois, 2018-22; New Orleans Saints, 2023-.
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.
COACHING STAFF // DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE PASS GAME COORDINATOR
EDGES
LINEBACKERS
ASSISTANT DEFENSIVE LINE
T ER R Y JOSEPH
JAY R ODGER S
PE T ER S IR MON
BR I A N YOUNG
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-.
PLAYING CAREER: Indiana, 199698; Missouri State, 1999.
PLAYING CAREER: Oregon (1996–99); Tennessee Titans (2000–06).
COACHING CAREER: LSU, 2001-02; Dodge City (Kan.) Community College, 2003; Missouri State, 2004; Stephen F. Austin, 200506; 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 CAREER: Central Washington, 2008; Oregon, 2009; Tennessee, 2010-11; Washington, 2012-13; USC, 2014-15; Mississippi State, 2016; Louisville, 2017; California, 201824; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.
PLAYING CAREER: Texas El-Paso, 1996-99; St. Louis Rams, 2000-03; New Orleans Saints, 2004-08.
A 20-year coaching veteran, including 19 in the collegiate ranks, Terry Joseph enters his second season as the Saints defensive pass game coordinator.
Jay Rodgers enters his second season as edges coach for New Orleans in 2026. A 25-year coaching veteran with 17 years of NFL experience, Rodgers has been a defensive line coach, outside linebackers/edges coach or defensive run game coordinator in each of the last 14 seasons in the NFL. Prior to coming to New Orleans, the Austin, Texas native spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons as defensive line coach.
Peter Sirmon (pronounced Sermon) enters his second season as linebackers coach with the Saints in 2026. Sirmon made his NFL coaching debut after 17 years on the collegiate level, but is no stranger to the NFL, having played seven seasons (2000-06) as a linebacker with the Tennessee Titans.
Working with the safeties, the New Orleans native helped usher two new starters into New Orleans’ lineup in 2025, forming a productive duo as the back end for a defense that finished fourth in the NFL in opponent net passing yards per game. Justin Reid anchored the secondary, finishing with 72 tackles, despite missing two contests and returning an interception 49 yards for a touchdown. Rookie Jonas Sanker entered the lineup in Week Two and led the secondary with 78 stops and ranked second among rookie safeties with three takeaways, tied for first on the team, earning ESPN.com All-Rookie honors. Joseph arrived in New Orleans after spending four seasons as the defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach at Texas (2021-24). In 2024, Joseph helped lead the Longhorns defense to an impressive campaign, ranking seventh nationally in opponent passing yards per game (173.8) and tied for first in interceptions (22). He was key in the development of Jim Thorpe Award winner Jahdae Barron, who also earned consensus All-American honors, when he made 67 tackles, five interceptions, 11 pass breakups and a fumble recovery and was a first round pick of the Denver Broncos. 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 and his wife, Amanda, have two daughters, Taylor and Lynleigh.
42
In 2025, Rodgers played an important role in helping the team implement a 3-4 base defensive scheme. Edge defenders Cameron Jordan (10.5) and Chase Young (career-high 10.0) each reached double-digit sacks, with the Saints being one of only three teams to have two defenders with at least ten takedowns. Carl Granderson led the edge group with 57 tackles (35 solo), while adding six sacks, 11 stops for loss, one interception and four pass breakups. Granderson and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt were the only two NFL edge players with at least 55 stops, six takedowns and one pick. The Austin, Texas native started 15 games at quarterback at Indiana University from 1996-98, before transferring to Missouri State in 1999. Rodgers was named team captain and the team's 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 in 2000. Rodgers and his wife, Melissa, have three children. His brother, Jeff, is the special teams coordinator for the Buffalo Bills. The two coached together for four seasons (2011-14) with Denver and three seasons (2015-17) with Chicago.
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA MED AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
In 2025, Sirmon helped lead a unit that helped power the Saints to ranking ninth in the NFL in total defense (299.8 ypg). Demario Davis led the team in tackles (143) for the eighth consecutive season. Pete Werner finished with 81 tackles, two sacks, five pass breakups and three fumble recoveries, tied for first in the NFL. Rookie Danny Stutsman tallied 40 tackles, all in the final 12 contests. The Walla Walla, Wash. native arrived in New Orleans in 2025 after serving on the University of California coaching staff for seven seasons, coaching inside linebackers during his entire stint and serving as defensive coordinator the last five campaigns. 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.
COACHING CAREER: New Orleans Saints, 2009-.
Brian Young enters his second season as the New Orleans Saints’ assistant defensive line coach and his 17th campaign as a valued member of the coaching staff. Young has worked with all of the club’s front seven position groups after first breaking into the ranks as a coaching assistant in 2009 following the conclusion of a nine-year playing career along the defensive line in the National Football League. In 2025, Young worked with Defensive Line Coach Bo Davis up front in the team’s implementation to a 3-4 defense. Veteran linemen Nathan Shepherd (tied) and Jonah Williams had a career-high three sacks apiece, while Bryan Bresee finished with 2.5 takedowns and a forced fumble in 15 games. Davon Godchaux posted 45 tackles in the middle, as the Black and Gold improved from ranking 31st in opponent rushing yards per play in 2024 to sixth in 2025. Young joined the Saints coaching staff following a nine-year NFL playing career, where he appeared in 124 games and had 22.5 sacks along with eight fumble recoveries for the St. Louis 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 El Paso, 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.
COACHING STAFF // SPECIAL TEAMS & ADMINISTRATION
PLAYER PERSONNEL
ASSISTANT SPECIAL TEAMS
ASSISTANT TO THE HEAD COACH/ GAME MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
K Y LE W ILBER
MIK E M A R T INE Z
PLAYING CAREER: Wake Forest, 2008-11; Dallas Cowboys 2012-17; Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders 2018-21.
COACHING CAREER: New Orleans Saints, 2023-.
PHIL GALIANO PHIL GALIANO is in his second full season as the Saints’ special teams coordinator. A coaching veteran with 26 years of experience, including ten in the NFL, Galiano spent six seasons (201924) as New Orleans’ assistant special teams coach before taking over coordinator duties on a fulltime basis in 2025. In Galiano’s first full season leading the Saints special teams, defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd was named the Week Ten recipient of NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors, after he blocked Carolina’s 48-yard game-tying field goal attempt. Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee had the team’s first blocked field goal in Week One against Arizona. Galiano retooled a coverage unit that had their top six tacklers new to the Saints leaderboard from 2024 into 2025, led by linebacker Isaiah Stalbird, who led the club with 16 stops. Kicker Charlie Smyth, a native of Ireland, who was originally signed as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program in 2024, kicked in the last six games of the season and made 12 field goals and all 13 extra points, including the second-longest field goal by a player on their first career attempt (56 yards). Smyth also tied the club record by making five field goals in the team’s Dec. 21 win over the New York Jets. 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-.
44
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA MED AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
Wilber enters his second season as an assistant special teams coach for New Orleans. A veteran linebacker and special teams contributor for ten seasons in the NFL (2012-21), Wilber spent two seasons (2023-24) as a special teams quality control coach for the Green Bay Packers prior to joining the Saints in 2025. In 2025, Nathan Shepherd was named the Week Ten recipient of NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after he blocked Carolina’s 48-yard game-tying field goal attempt. DT Bryan Bresee had the team’s first blocked field goal in Week One against Arizona. Wilbur assisted Special Teams Coordinator Phil Galiano in retooling a coverage unit that had their top six tacklers new to the Saints leaderboard from 2024 into 2025, led by LB Isaiah Stalbird, who led the club with 16 stops. Wilber joined the coaching ranks after a ten-year playing career with the Dallas Cowboys (2012-17) and the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2018-21). Selected Dallas in the fourth round 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), 3.5 sacks, 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.
Senior Vice President / Assistant General Manager - College Personnel Jeff Ireland Senior Vice President of Football Operations / Assistant General Manager Khai Harley
COACHING CAREER: Green Bay Packers 2023-24; New Orleans Saints, 2025-.
SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR
Long before players take the field, this department is traveling, evaluating and analyzing the talent that builds the Saints roster.
Mike Martinez enters his fourth season on the Saints coaching staff as assistant to the head coach and his first as game management coordinator after serving as a football operations/scouting assistant for three seasons (2020-22). In his role as game management coordinator, Martinez assists Head Coach Kellen Moore in providing analytical research and support to the coaching staff, advising on game management situations and serves as the team’s officiating expert on rule changes, points of emphasis, penalty trends and replay reviews. Since 2023, Martinez has served as the primary organizer for the club’s football operations, including the organization of the Saints’ meeting 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 football operations staff. The Boise, Idaho native played basketball at Dordt (Sioux Center, Iowa) University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication and sports management in 2020. Martinez and his wife, Sophie, have one son, Miles.
Vice President of Pro Personnel Michael Parenton Senior Personnel Advisors Randy Mueller, Thomas Dimitroff Director of Football Administration Scott Kuhn Director of Analytics Zach Stuart Assistant Director of Player Personnel Justin Matthews Pro Scouts Tosan Eyetsemitan, Harry Piper National Scouts Mike Baugh, Terry Wooden, Ryan Powell Area Scouts Jon Sandusky, Casey Talley, Joey Vitt Jr., Mike DiJulio, Paul Zimmer, C.J. Leak, Matt Phillips Combine Scout Will Martinez College Scouting Coordinator Ziad Qubti Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President / General Manager Debbie Gallagher
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS // NUMERICAL ROSTER
FLEUR THE RECORD Before kickoff, get familiar with New Orleans’ roster, from recognizable faces to the numbers they wear.
4
OSCAR DELP
5
12
CHRIS OLAVE
14
21
JUSTIN REID
31
JORDAN HOWDEN
46
TIGHT END
WIDE RECEIVER
SAFETY
DEFENSIVE BACK
1
KOOL-AID McKINSTRY
2
SPENCER RATTLER
3
TRAVIS ETIENNE JR.
CORNERBACK
QUARTERBACK
RUNNING BACK
6
TYLER SHOUGH
7
JONAS SANKER
10
DANIEL CARLSON
11
ZACH WILSON
DEVAUGHN VELE
17
RYAN WRIGHT
18
BRYCE LANCE
WIDE RECEIVER
19
BARION BROWN
20
PETE WERNER
22
MARTIN EMERSON JR.
23
JULIAN BLACKMON
25
DECAMERION RICHARDSON
28
DANNY STUTSMAN
29
QUINCY RILEY
33
ANFERNEE JENNINGS
38
JAYDEN PRICE
41
ALVIN KAMARA
42
MIKE REID
43
CJ DONALDSON
KENDRE MILLER RUNNING BACK
WIDE RECEIVER
CORNERBACK
EDGE
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA MED AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
QUARTERBACK
PUNTER
SAFETY
CORNERBACK
SAFETY
CORNERBACK
RUNNING BACK
KICKER
WR/RS
LINEBACKER
SAFETY
QUARTERBACK
LINEBACKER
CORNERBACK
RUNNING BACK
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS // NUMERICAL ROSTER
44
ISAIAH STALBIRD
50
COLBY WOODEN
51
CESAR RUIZ
52
CHRISTEN MILLER
55
KADEN ELLISS
58
CHRIS RUMPH II
65
JEREMIAH WRIGHT
66
WILLIAM SHERMAN
71
KELVIN BANKS JR.
72
ASIM RICHARDS
74
MASON MURPHY
75
TALIESE FUAGA
76
DAVID EDWARDS
78
ERIK MCCOY
82
TREYTON WELCH
83
JUWAN JOHNSON
87
NOAH FANT
91
VERNON BROUGHTON
92
DAVON GODCHAUX
93
NATHAN SHEPHERD
94
CAMERON JORDAN
95
JOHN RIDGEWAY III
96
CARL GRANDERSON
97
KHRISTIAN BOYD
98
TYREE WILSON
99
CHASE YOUNG
48
LINEBACKER
GUARD
GUARD
DEFENSIVE LINE
GUARD
CENTER/GUARD
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA MED AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
CENTER/GUARD
TACKLE
TIGHT END
DEFENSIVE LINE
EDGE
DEFENSIVE LINE
OFFENSIVE LINE
TIGHT END
DEFENSIVE LINE
DEFENSIVE LINE
LINEBACKER
TACKLE
TIGHT END
EDGE
EDGE
LINEBACKER
TACKLE
DEFENSIVE LINE
DEFENSIVE LINE
EDGE
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS // ALPHA ROSTER NO.
NAME
POS.
HT./WT.
BORN
EXP.
COLLEGE
H.S., HOMETOWN
71
Banks Jr., Kelvin
23
Blackmon, Julian
T
6-5/315
03/10/04
2
Texas
Humble, Texas
S
6-0/202
08/24/98
7
Utah
Layton, Utah
97
Boyd, Khristian
91
Broughton, Vernon
DL
6-2/320
02/23/00
3
Northern Iowa
Blue Springs, Mo.
DL
6-5/311
07/15/01
2
Texas
Cypress, Texas
19
Brown, Barion
10
Carlson, Daniel
WR/RS
5-11/177
12/12/03
R
LSU
Nashville, Tenn.
K
6-5/222
01/23/95
9
Auburn
4
Delp, Oscar
TE
Colorado Springs, Colo.
6-4/245
08/04/03
R
Georgia
Cumming, Ga.
43
Donaldson, CJ
RB
76
Edwards, David
G
6-1/230
07/09/04
R
Ohio State
Miami, Fla.
6-6/308
03/20/97
8
Wisconsin
Downers Grove, Ill.
55
Elliss, Kaden
LB
22
Emerson Jr., Martin
CB
6-2/238
06/10/95
8
Idaho
Salt Lake City, Utah
6-2/201
09/27/00
5
Mississippi State
3
Etienne Jr., Travis
RB
Pensacola, Fla.
5-10/215
01/26/99
6
Clemson
Jennings, La.
87
Fant, Noah
TE
6-4/249
11/20/97
8
Iowa
Omaha, Neb.
75
Fuaga, Taliese
T
6-6/324
04/05/02
3
Oregon State
Tacoma, Wash.
92
Godchaux, Davon
DL
6-3/330
11/11/94
10
LSU
Plaquemine, La.
96
Granderson, Carl
EDGE
6-5/261
12/18/96
8
Wyoming
Sacramento, Calif.
31
Howden, Jordan
DB
6-0/209
05/14/00
4
Minnesota
San Diego, Calif.
33
Jennings, Anfernee
EDGE
6-2/255
05/01/97
7
Alabama
Dadeville, Ala.
83
Johnson, Juwan
TE
6-4/245
09/13/96
7
Oregon
Glassboro, N.J.
94
Jordan, Cameron
EDGE
6-4/287
07/10/89
16
California
Chandler, Ariz.
41
Kamara, Alvin
RB
5-10/215
07/25/95
10
Tennessee
Atlanta, Ga.
18
Lance, Bryce
WR
6-3/204
08/20/02
R
North Dakota State
Marshall, Minn.
78
McCoy, Erik
C/G
6-4/303
08/27/97
8
Texas A&M
Lufkin, Texas
1
McKinstry, Kool-Aid
CB
5-11/199
09/30/02
3
Alabama
Pinson, Ala.
52
Miller, Christen
DL
6-3/321
08/05/04
R
Georgia
Ellenwood, Ga.
5
Miller, Kendre
RB
6-0/220
06/11/02
4
TCU
Mount Enterprise, Texas
74
Murphy, Mason
T
6-5/315
06/21/02
R
Auburn
Riverside, Calif.
12
Olave, Chris
WR
6-0/187
06/27/00
5
Ohio State
San Marcos, Calif.
38
Price, Jayden
CB
5-11/185
04/05/00
1
North Dakota State
Derby, Kansas
2
Rattler, Spencer
QB
6-0/211
09/28/00
3
South Carolina
Phoenix, Ariz.
21
Reid, Justin
S
6-1/207
02/15/97
9
Stanford
Prairieville, La.
42
Reid, Mike
S
6-2/200
05/24/02
1
South Dakota
Owings Mills, Md.
72
Richards, Asim
OL
6-4/307
10/02/00
4
North Carolina
Haverford, Pa.
25
Richardson, Decamerion
CB
6-2/192
03/16/01
3
Mississippi State
Cullen, La.
95
Ridgeway III, John
DL
6-5/321
05/07/99
5
Arkansas
Bloomington, Ill.
29
Riley, Quincy
CB
5-11/195
05/26/01
2
Louisville
Columbia, S.C.
51
Ruiz, Cesar
C/G
6-4/316
06/14/99
7
Michigan
Camden, N.J.
58
Rumph II, Chris
LB
6-2/244
10/19/98
6
Duke
Gainesville, Fla.
7
Sanker, Jonas
S
6-1/211
11/23/02
2
Virginia
Charlottesville, Va.
93
Shepherd, Nathan
DL
6-4/315
10/09/93
9
Fort Hays State
Ajax, Ontario, Canada
66
Sherman, William
G
6-4/300
05/27/99
2
Colorado
Allen, Texas
6
Shough, Tyler
QB
6-5/219
09/28/99
2
Louisville
Chandler, Ariz.
44
Stalbird, Isaiah
LB
6-1/215
07/18/00
2
South Dakota State
Kearney, Neb.
28
Stutsman, Danny
LB
6-3/233
03/10/03
2
Oklahoma
Winter Garden, Fla.
14
Vele, Devaughn
WR
6-5/210
12/12/97
3
Utah
San Diego, Calif.
82
Welch, Treyton
TE
6-4/240
01/10/01
1
Wyoming
Buffalo, Minn. Indianapolis, Ind.
20
Werner, Pete
LB
6-3/242
06/05/98
6
Ohio State
98
Wilson, Tyree
EDGE
6-5/263
05/20/00
4
Texas Tech
New London, Texas
11
Wilson, Zach
QB
6-2/214
08/03/99
6
BYU
Draper, Utah
50
Wooden, Colby
DL
6-4/273
12/21/00
4
Auburn
Lawrenceville, Ga.
65
Wright, Jeremiah
G
6-5/331
09/05/01
R
Auburn
Selma, Ala.
17
Wright, Ryan
P
6-3/245
06/01/00
5
Tulane
San Ramon, Calif.
99
Young, Chase
EDGE
6-5/265
04/14/99
7
Ohio State
Hyattsville, Md.
50
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA ME D AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS // KEY PLAYERS
RAIDERS ON THE RADAR
1
TRE TUCKER
2
ASHTON JEANTY
3
TARON JOHNSON
5
ERIC STOKES
6
AJ COLE
7
QUAY WALKER
8
KIRK COUSINS
9
JALEN NAILOR
WIDE RECEIVER
RUNNING BACK
CORNERBACK
CORNERBACK
Before kickoff, get Las Vegas’ roster on your radar with a look at the players, faces and numbers to know.
PUNTER
LINEBACKER
QUARTERBACK
WIDE RECEIVER
11
JEREMY CHINN
14
MATT GAY
15
FERNANDO MENDOZA QUARTERBACK
17
NAKOBE DEAN
18
JACK BECH
26
DARIEN PORTER
34
CONNOR HEYWARD
47
ALEX WARD
58
JACKSON POWERSJOHNSON
65
TYLER LINDERBAUM
70
SPENCER BURFORD
71
DJ GLAZE
74
KOLTON MILLER
87
MICHAEL MAYER
89
BROCK BOWERS
95
KWITY PAYE
97
TONKA HEMINGWAY
98
MAXX CROSBY
52
SAFETY
FULLBACK
TACKLE
KICKER
LONGSNAPPER
TIGHT END
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA MED AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
GUARD/CENTER
TIGHTEND
LINEBACKER
CENTER
DEFENSIVE END
WIDE RECEIVER
GUARD
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
CORNERBACK
TACKLE
DEFENSIVE END
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS // ALPHA ROSTER NO.
NAME
18
Bech, Jack
WR
6-1/213
12-18-02
19
Benson, Malik
WR
6-0/189
10-17-02
99
Booker IV, Thomas
DT
6-3/303
11-11-99
4
Stanford
Baltimore, Md.
89
Bowers, Brock
TE
6-3/237
12-13-02
3
Georgia
Napa, Calif.
70
Burford, Spencer
G
6-4/304
07-19-00
5
UTSA
San Antonio, Texas
69
Butler, Adam
DT
6-4/300
04-12-94
9
Vanderbilt
Duncanville, Texas
77
Cabeldue, Bryce
G
6-4/308
09-04-01
2
Kansas
Clovis, N.M.
11
Chinn, Jeremy
S
6-3/216
02-26-98
7
Southern Illinois
Fishers, Ind.
6
Cole, AJ
P
6-4/223
11-27-95
8
North Carolina State
College Park, Ga.
8
Cousins, Kirk
QB
6-2/214
08-19-88
15
Michigan State
Holland, Mich.
98
Crosby, Maxx
DE
6-5/256
08-22-97
8
Eastern Michigan
Colleyville, Texas
17
Dean, Nakobe
LB
5-11/229
12-13-00
5
Georgia
Horn Lake, Miss.
44
Eichenberg, Tommy
LB
6-2/235
01-11-01
3
Ohio State
Cleveland, Ohio
94
Fatukasi, Folorunso
DT
6-4/318
03-04-95
9
Connecticut
Far Rockaway, N.Y.
14
Gay, Matt
K
6-0/239
03-15-94
8
Utah
Orem, Utah
71
Glaze, DJ
T
6-4/327
08-04-02
3
Maryland
Charlotte, N.C.
60
Grant, Charles
T
6-5/300
03-22-02
2
William & Mary
Portsmouth, Va.
97
Hemingway, Tonka
DT
6-3/288
10-31-01
2
South Carolina
Conway, S.C.
34
Heyward, Connor
FB
5-11/233
01-22-99
5
Michigan State
Duluth, Ga.
2
Jeanty, Ashton
RB
5-8/208
12-02-03
2
Boise State
Jacksonville, Fla.
43
Johnson, Dalton
S
5-11/192
04-15-03
R
Arizona
Katy, Texas
93
Johnson, Patrick
DE
6-2/248
01-10-98
6
Tulane
Chattanooga, Tenn.
3
Johnson, Taron
CB
5-11/192
07-27-96
9
Weber State
Sacramento, Calif.
51
Koonce, Malcolm
DE
6-2/243
06-06-98
6
Buffalo
Peekskill, N.Y.
23
Laube, Dylan
RB
5-10/206
12-14-99
3
New Hampshire
Westhampton, N.Y.
96
Laulu, Jonah
DT
6-5/289
06-30-00
3
Oklahoma
Las Vegas, Nev.
55
Lindenberg, Cody
LB
6-2/236
01-15-02
2
Minnesota
Anoka, Minn.
65
Linderbaum, Tyler
C
6-2/296
04-07-00
5
Iowa
Solon, Iowa
25
Luter Jr., Darrell
CB
6-0/190
04-24-00
4
South Alabama
Hattiesburg, Miss.
35
Masses, Hezekiah
CB
6-0/179
06-30-04
R
California
Deerfield Beach, Fla.
87
Mayer, Michael
TE
6-4/258
07-06-01
4
Notre Dame
Edgewood, Ky.
27
McCollum, Tristin
S
6-0/197
05-03-99
3
Sam Houston State
Galveston, Texas
28
McCoy, Jermod
CB
6-1/192
08-16-05
R
Tennessee
Whitehouse, Texas
15
Mendoza, Fernando
QB
6-5/236
10-01-03
R
Indiana
Miami, Fla.
74
Miller, Kolton
T
6-8/310
10-09-95
9
UCLA
Roseville, Calif.
9
Nailor, Jalen
WR
5-11/186
03-02-99
5
Michigan State
Palmdale, Calif.
12
O'Connell, Aidan
QB
6-3/211
09-01-98
4
Purdue
Long Grove, Ill.
50
Olubi, Segun
LB
6-0/225
11-01-99
4
San Diego State
Corona, Calif.
95
Paye, Kwity
DE
6-2/261
11-19-98
6
Michigan
Providence, R.I.
92
Pegues, JJ
DT
6-2/314
11-25-01
2
Mississippi
Oxford, Miss.
20
Pola-Mao, Isaiah
S
6-3/210
06-30-99
5
USC
Phoenix, Ariz.
26
Porter, Darien
CB
6-3/196
01-06-01
2
Iowa State
Bettendorf, Iowa
58
Powers-Johnson, Jackson
G/C
6-3/321
01-23-03
3
Oregon
Draper, Utah
76
Rogers, Caleb
G
6-4/306
10-03-01
2
Texas Tech
Mansfield, Texas
5
Stokes, Eric
CB
6-0/193
03-01-99
6
Georgia
Covington, Ga.
31
Stukes, Treydan
S
6-0/190
09-11-01
R
Arizona
Litchfield Park, Ariz.
80
Thomas, Ian
TE
6-3/249
06-06-96
9
Indiana
Baltimore, Md.
1
Tucker, Tre
WR
5-8/177
03-08-01
4
Cincinnati
Akron, Ohio
7
Walker, Quay
LB
6-4/241
05-08-00
5
Georgia
Cordele, Ga.
47
Ward, Alex
LS
6-4/242
04-24-99
4
Central Florida
Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
4
Washington Jr., Mike
RB
6-1/223
07-03-03
R
Arkansas
Utica, N.Y.
81
Young, Dareke
WR
6-2/223
06-04-99
5
Lenoir-Rhyne
Raleigh, N.C.
66
Zuhn III, Trey
G
6-6/311
10-12-02
R
Texas A&M
Fort Collins, Colo.
54
POS.
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA MED AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
HT./WT.
BORN
EXP.
COLLEGE
H.S., HOMETOWN
2
TCU
Lafayette, La.
R
Oregon
Lansing, Kan.
MEET THE CHEER KREWE
56
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA ME D AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
BY THE NUMBERS
SAINTS & FIGURES
27
The stats, stories and surprising facts behind the Black and Gold.
Saints QB Tyler Shough will turn 27 years old tomorrow (September 28).
16
22
TE Juwan Johnson’s 22 career touchdown receptions are the most for a Saint who was originally signed by the team as an undrafted free agent. Johnson was signed by the Black and Gold following the 2020 NFL Draft out of Oregon.
58
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA MED AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
Now in his 16th season as a Saint, after being a firstround pick of the club in 2011 out of California, Cameron Jordan has played the most seasons for the Black and Gold in the club’s 60-season history
PHOTO GALLERY
SNAP SHOTS From kickoff to the final whistle, revisit the moments that capture the spirit of the team.
60
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA ME D AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
PHOTO GALLERY
62
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA MED AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
FINAL FRAME
EYES ON THE BALL
64
NE W ORL E A NS SA IN T S // GA MED AY M AGA Z INE 2 6 -2 7
In the Saints' 2026 season opener at Detroit, TE Juwan Johnson set himself up to rein in a nine-yard touchdown pass from QB Tyler Shough with 1:07 left in regulation to tie the score at 24-24. Johnson's scoring grab was the final in regulation for the Saints, who sent the game to overtime in a contest they eventually lost 31-30.