The New Orleans Saints have begun to stack results and appear to have found their groove down the stretch of the 2025 season, and it’s hard not to point to the recent success of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough as a major reason why.
Shough and the Saints surged to their third consecutive victory on Sunday, cruising to a 29–6 blowout win over the lowly New York Jets. The rookie second-round pick threw for a touchdown and a career-high 308 passing yards, completing 65 percent of his passes while going a second straight game without a turnover.
Shough is now 4-3 as a starter in New Orleans and is responsible for 80% of his team's wins this season. Head coach Kellen Moore spoke glowingly about his quarterback after the game, but an even more important voice shared their thoughts on Shough earlier last week.
Saints owner Gayle Benson appeared at a local Raising Cane’s charity event in Baton Rouge last Wednesday, where she was asked about her team’s rookie quarterback, and she didn’t hold back when sharing her thoughts.
"I love the quarterback. He is great. He’s awesome."Tyler Shough
Saints owner Gayle Benson shows support for rookie QB Tyler Shough
Benson partnered with Raising Cane’s for the company’s sixth annual Holiday Bike Giveaway, which also included a $50,000 personal donation toward a newly renovated YMCA locker room. Each child received a custom Raising Cane’s-branded bike and helmet, while mascots and cheerleaders from both the Saints and New Orleans Pelicans filled the gym.
Just two months earlier, Benson had been named Forbes’ Most Powerful Woman in Sports. She shared with FanSided’s Justin Fried what she believes defines a professional sports team’s success off the field.
"It’s how much you give and your activity in the community. Anyone can give money, but it’s what you do in the community and how you treat people. It’s about the people’s lives you touch. I believe you touch so many people’s lives by doing events like this."Gayle Benson
Benson’s words undoubtedly carry weight, which is why her comments about Shough stood out as particularly significant. The Saints have been impressed with the Louisville product’s poise and confidence this season, and it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the organization intends to keep him as its starter moving forward.
Shough has the support of his coaches, teammates, and now ownership. New Orleans may still end up with a top-10 pick in this year’s draft, but the team appears poised to use that selection to build around its quarterback, not replace him.
Tyler Shough is here to stay, and he has the backing of his team's ownership group.