4 most likeable Saints players in 2022
By Kristen Wong
With the Deshaun Watson controversy disappearing further and further in the rearview mirror, the New Orleans Saints can boast not only a talented 2022 squad, but a respectable one as well.
Gone are the days of Bountygate — the Dennis Allen era may not promise immediate Super Bowl-winning success, but the team at least appears to be on the right track to getting back to relevance.
The most likable player in Saints history stands alone above the pack: Drew Brees. No past or current player can reach what Brees accomplished both on and off the field, and though he had his very brief scandalous moments, he remains NOLA’s most endearing figure of all time.
Which players possess the qualities to take that flaming torch of allure and charm from Brees in 2022?
Jameis Winston had quite a few controversial run-ins in his past, Alvin Kamara is facing a potential suspension, and the Michael Thomas ghosting saga isn’t so easily forgotten. Those three may not be in the running for the “Most Likable” superlative in 2022, but plenty other players on the roster have a shot.
Here are four of the most likable players on the Saints right now.
Likeable Saints player No. 4: Cam Jordan
Defensive end Cameron Jordan didn’t smile his way to become the franchise’s second all-time leader in sacks. He worked, hustled, and delivered the goods year after year for the past decade to notch 107 sacks and counting, and that’s what makes him one of the most lovable Saints players in 2022.
A first-round pick in 2011, the seven-time Pro Bowler is on the wrong side of 30 yet has stayed productive in recent years, ranking as one of the team’s most prolific sack artists and most lethal pass-rushers.
Jordan became a reliable starter from Day 1 in New Orleans, starting 16 games each season for the last ten years. Now that’s the definition of consistent. Marcus Davenport, take notes.
Jordan’s storied career includes emotional moments from his historic sacks on former Falcons QB Matt Ryan to taking Sean Payton’s retirement extremely “personal.” He recently hosted a youth football camp in which he had kids tackle a dummy dressed in a Tom Brady jersey, if it wasn’t already clear where his loyalties lie.
Any enemy of Tom Brady is our friend. Hopefully, Cam takes Brady down a few times this upcoming season.