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Former Saints special teams icon Steve Gleason said Tuesday via his foundation’s Facebook page that he accepted the apologizes of three Atlanta sports radio talk-show hosts that mocked his incurable and fatal disease. Their on-air skit one day earlier centered around a mock interview of Gleason, 36, who suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou … Continue reading →
Even in the wacky world of sports talk radio, some jokes just aren’t funny. Three former employees of an Atlanta station were suspended Monday then fired hours later for poking fun earlier in the day at former Saints special teams icon Steve Gleason, who uses a wheelchair as he battles for his life. Gleason, … Continue reading →
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A contrite Chad Johnson apologized Monday for disrespecting a judge when the former NFL star slapped his attorney on the backside in court last week and was released from jail after only a week instead of 30 days. Broward County Circuit Judge Kathleen McHugh accepted Johnson’s apology and cut back … Continue reading →
Next man up. Those three words have become part of the everyday sports vernacular. One player goes down; another steps up. It certainly applies to the Saints, who suffered a crack in their newly-poured defensive foundation under first-year coordinator Rob Ryan. That said, the unexpected and potentially season-ending loss of recently acquired outside linebacker … Continue reading →
Many fathers in south Louisiana bond with their children in duck blinds or fishing holes. For Jerry Delhomme, quality time with his two sons often meant teaching them to help train his horses. “That was just something we always loved,” said Jake Delhomme, the younger of Jerry and Marcia Delhomme’s two boys. “We didn’t really hunt … Continue reading →
Luke and Katy McCown don’t intend to become the NFL’s version of the Duggars. But they’re almost a third of the way there. McCown, who is vying for the backup quarterback job with the New Orleans Saints, and his wife are expecting their sixth child, a girl, on Oct. 1. With the oldest, Jonah … Continue reading →
NEW YORK — The patriarchs of the NFL’s first families of quarterbacks and coaches are anything but interfering dads. In fact, Archie Manning and Jack Harbaugh are just as influenced by their successful sons as their boys are by them. That’s a special quality they cherish on Father’s Day and every day. “They make … Continue reading →
No Saints player knows Rob Ryan’s 3-4 scheme better than outside linebacker Victor Butler, who this offseason followed his defensive coordinator from Dallas to New Orleans. Still, Butler’s impact with the Saints has been minimized, now that he’s expected to miss most — if not all — of the 2013 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament … Continue reading →
IRVING, Texas — DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer have much simpler job descriptions in the new Dallas defense: Go get the quarterback. The pass-rushing ends for the Cowboys’ return to the 4-3 won’t carry out their new marching orders together until training camp starts next month in California, with Ware still recovering from shoulder surgery … Continue reading →
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Victor Butler is likely out for the season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament during Tuesday’s light-contact practice, player agent Jack Scharf confirmed Wednesday morning. It’s a devastating injury for the former Cowboys linebacker, who was expected to help lead the Saints out of the infamous NFL record books. The … Continue reading →
With the Saints about to start their last vacation until training camp opens in late July, they’re relishing the sense of normalcy that has defined this offseason. They talk of spirited, productive workouts in the weight room and on the field, and about strong leadership from reinstated coach Sean Payton. They also appear confident that they have … Continue reading →
TAMPA, Fla. — Doug Martin doesn’t believe in the so-called sophomore jinx. Tampa Bay’s second-year running back rushed for 1,454 yards and scored 12 touchdowns as a rookie, and the Buccaneers believe he’s capable of performing even better in 2013. Especially with two of the team’s best players — guards Carl Nicks and … Continue reading →
The media buzz Tuesday afternoon at Saints headquarters in Metairie centered around the franchise’s chance of returning to its former greatness. After all, the problems that plagued the Saints last season — from the field to the courtroom — appear to be resolved. Coach Sean Payton, who nearly four seasons ago guided the Saints to … Continue reading →
In this video, Saints coach Sean Payton talks about the during its organized team activities and how it can be better and must be better than it was last season. Continue reading →
In this video taken by Advocate contributor Gary Estwick, Saints linebacker Curtis Lofton talks about the team's defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Continue reading →
In this video, taken by Advocate contributor Gary Estwick, Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins talks about the team returning ot its former level of greatness. Continue reading →
“Man of Steel,” the new Superman movie, debuts on Friday. Who do the Saints’ players think would be the best of their teammates to play Superman? QB Ryan Griffin — Jimmy Graham. He’s big and athletic. You’ve got some guy on defense, too, but Jimmy has everything you’re looking for. He’s a … Continue reading →
New Orleans Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis said the Saints have signed veteran free agent cornerback and return man Chris Carr to a one-year contract. The 5-foot-10, 181-pound Carr has played eight NFL seasons. Last year, he was a reserve defensive back and special teams regular with San Diego. The former Boise State player entered the … Continue reading →
On paper, signing veteran free agent Ben Watson seems to be just what the doctor ordered for the tight end-friendly New Orleans Saints offense. Now, all Watson has to do is get medical clearance to play. Watson, 32, missed Tuesday’s Organized Team Activity (OTA) with an undisclosed health issue/injury just as he has all … Continue reading →
Finding the right 53 players for his team, Saints coach Sean Payton admits, keeps him up nights. “You’ve got to make sure you’re not missing somebody really good who winds up somewhere else,” he said. “It’s been something we’ve been pretty good at over the years, but shaping your roster is the most important element of training … Continue reading →
Tim Tebow may have a future in the NFL after all. The New England Patriots seem to think so and plan to sign him Tuesday if he passes a physical. He won’t be a starting quarterback, of course, with Tom Brady on hand. But certainly he’s an intriguing reclamation project — another chance for coach Bill Belichick … Continue reading →
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Former NFL star Chad Johnson was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail for a probation violation in a domestic violence case by a judge who angrily rejected a no-jail plea deal after Johnson playfully slapped his attorney on the backside in court. Johnson, known as Chad Ochocinco for … Continue reading →
Rob Ryan denies he’s coaching with a chip on his shoulder. Perhaps the Saints’ new defensive coordinator should check under his long gray locks. He’d likely find a very big one there. A combination of Ryan’s naturally aggressive style and lingering hurt feelings over what he considers an unjustified firing after just two seasons in Dallas … Continue reading →
Two seasons. That’s how long it took defensive guru Bill Parcells to assemble enough talent to switch to a 3-4 after becoming head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 2003. His teams continued to play a 4-3 until he officially pulled the plug after the ’04 season. By comparison, Saints coach Sean Payton is changing defensive … Continue reading →
Kathleen Walsh is eager to use her recently earned medical coding degree from Delgado Community College. But before looking for a job last week, the Kenner resident had other priorities — attending the three days of Saints minicamp with her mother Becky. Never mind that it was nearly 90 degrees during the three sessions which were … Continue reading →
CHICAGO — In spring 2007, Jermon Bushrod was the 19th offensive lineman chosen in the NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints. Among those chosen ahead of him were offensive tackle Tony Ugoh, guard Arron Sears, tackle James Marten, guard Andy Alleman and center Leroy Harris. The Bears took guard Josh Beekman five picks … Continue reading →
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ray Lewis wore a Super Bowl ring on his right hand and another on his left. On his face was the broad smile of a champion. Lewis and the rest of the 2012 Baltimore Ravens received their Super Bowl rings Friday night during a private ceremony at the team’s training complex. … Continue reading →
Marques Colston is a Saints receiver known for his long frame, sure hands and black visor, a vital component of the NFL’s top-ranked passing
offense from last season. When Colston takes his helmet off and flies back to his hometown, his skill set transforms into sales, marketing and gameday operations — whatever grunt work needs to be … Continue reading →
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The progression of Cam Newton this spring is one reason coach Ron Rivera is budding with optimism as the Panthers continue preparation for the 2013 season. The return of three starters from injuries doesn’t hurt his enthusiasm either. Rivera said along with Newton’s steady improvement and the return of Ryan Kalil, … Continue reading →
Drew Brees smiles when he discusses his rapport with his receivers. How he knows Marques Colston and Lance Moore will break off or alter routes without verbal communication, how a glance at Jimmy Graham on what is supposed to be a running play transforms into a first-down reception. During offseason workouts, younger receivers marvel at this NFL … Continue reading →
Ryan Griffin led running back Travaris Cadet perfectly on a short throw that turned into a long gain Tuesday on the opening day of Saints minicamp. A day later, he found wide receiver Jarred Fayson deep down the sideline for what would have been a touchdown in a live drill. Griffin, a rookie undrafted free agent … Continue reading →
If it weren’t for JaMarcus Russell, Jason Smith might be in contention for biggest draft bust of the 21st century. The No. 2 overall pick in 2009 by the St. Louis Rams, Smith, a tackle from Baylor, looked to be the kind of player who fills a team’s needs at the position for a decade. Continue reading →
Darren Sproles received unwanted attention last season, the kind that lessens the impact of a dynamic record-breaker. The kind Sproles wants to shed this fall. Defenses last season opted to bracket Sproles, the NFL’s record-breaking single-season all-purpose playmaker. When he ran routes across the middle of the field, he was followed by a cornerback or linebacker. … Continue reading →
Born nine months after Vince Lombardi died in 1970, Saints quarterback coach Joe Lombardi never knew his legendary grandfather. So over the years he’s absorbed everything he could about the man whose Green Bay Packers won five NFL championships. But ESPN’s Seth Markman believes Joe — and the rest of us — will hear something new … Continue reading →
Offensive guard Ben Grubbs had no idea what he was getting into when he left the Baltimore Ravens for the Saints last year, but he remains confident his story will have a happy ending. A week after Grubbs came to terms with New Orleans on a five-year $36 million deal, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended coach … Continue reading →
In this video, Saints receiver Lance Moore talks about how he and his teammates really appreciate the team's fans for braving the heat and humidity to watch the team practice on Wednesday Continue reading →
In this video, Saints coach Sean Payton talks to the media at the team's practice facility about the way the defensive players performed during the workout on Wednesday morning. Continue reading →
In this video, Saints coach Sean Payton talks about how the team would like to utilize multi-purpose back Darren Sproles during its OTA 's at its practice facility in Metairie. Continue reading →
Cornerback Keenan Lewis was back for the second day of minicamp Wednesday after having spent Monday night in a local hospital for treatment of a stomach condition that caused him to miss Tuesday’s sessions. “It’s something I had to pay attention to,” said Lewis, who offered no other details, including which hospital he was admitted to. … Continue reading →
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger underwent what coach Mike Tomlin called “minor” surgery Wednesday to deal with lingering discomfort in his right knee. The 31-year-old Roethlisberger, who will miss next week’s minicamp, is expected to return when Pittsburgh opens training camp in July. “This surgery will have no long-term … Continue reading →
After extenuating circumstances turned him into a mere football coach last season, grizzled defensive assistant Joe Vitt finally is back to coaching football again for the New Orleans Saints. There’s a huge difference in the two. Saints defensive line coach Bill Johnson explains. “You cut Joe Vitt up, all you’re going to find is a … Continue reading →
The gigantic “Do Your Job” poster is gone. In its place, figuratively, is one of Saints coach Sean Payton saying, “Learn Your Job.” At least that was the message delivered Tuesday as the team opened its three-day minicamp at its Metairie training facility, especially to the 26 undrafted free agents hopeful of finding a place on … Continue reading →
Tight end Jimmy Graham has yet to overcome the injuries that last season minimized his playmaking ability. But he’s getting close, and expects to be ready for Saints training camp in late July. “Everything is going well,” he said after participating in Tuesday morning’s minicamp practice. “I’ve been in rehab, and I’ve been getting stronger. … Continue reading →
In this "Advocate Sports: Saints" podcast, Advocate sportswriter Ted Lewis talks to Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff about the rookies, coach Sean Payton, the fans, and the other sites and sounds, during the Saints workouts on Wednesday at their practice facility in Metairie. Continue reading →
A full-color impression of Sean Payton watched over the Saints last season from high above the indoor practice facility. Tagged with a motto of “DO YOUR JOB,” the facsimile marked the franchise’s attempt to remind everyone at Saints headquarters of Payton’s importance and presence, even if he was far away, serving a yearlong suspension for … Continue reading →