Cameron Jordan has had many roles with the New Orleans Saints, but one thing for sure is that he's been a star through all of it. Heading into his 14th year in the National Football League, the future hall of famer has become a mentor for the rest of the defensive line.
Chase Young, who was selected with the second overall pick by the Washington Commanders back in 2020, is entering his second season with the Saints. He says that he is always picking the veteran's brain. "He's always trying to give nuggets on certain things, even in a conversation where we're just talking pass rush," Young said on the Jim Rome show. "If you get over a hundred sacks, that's hard to do. You have to be doing something right."
Asked if the retirements of former Safety Tryann Mathieu and former tight end Jimmy Graham caused him to contemplate his own, Jordan gave a definitive no. "I say more power to 'em, congrats to 'em, but I still got people I want to hit." He said to the media back at the start of training camp. "So until this gets out of my blood, I can't go home with this type of energy."
Cam Jordan and his many roles on the New Orleans Saints
Cam Jordan has been with the Saints his entire career ever since the team drafted him in the first round back in 2011. In the time since, he has gone from a rookie who had a slow start to the face of the star of the defense. Jordan's cemented in the Saints record books, as the franchise leader in sacks with 121.5. Nationally, he has been recognized as an all-pro three times and a pro-bowler eight times.
Jordan is no longer the star of the defense, or even the lead pass rusher. He's firmly behind Young and Carl Granderson in the edge rusher room. Young spoke about the advice he receives from Jordan.
That's a big part of the role Jordan plays in addition to what he does on the field. He'll once again be a team captain for the tenth time. More than just a captain, Jordan is a mentor for players like Young. As the elder statesman, this is essentially Jordan passing the torch to hopefully, the next generation of Saints edge defenders.
Jordan's leadership shows up off the field too. Last year, he won the Bart Starr Award, which is given annually in the NFL to a player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership at home, on the field, and in the community.
After accepting the award, he made sure to shout out his family and his foundation. "I'd be real by bringing up my family and how important they are to me, but the Cam Jordan Foundation has done phenomenal work over the years." He said to the media. "They're creating a positive impact, whether that's programming over Crescent City, doing the backpack drives, the shoe drives, the givebacks, the teacher supplies, or our legacy scholarship program."