When you think about the New Orleans Saints safeties, you’ll think about Tyrann Mathieu and Justin Reid. Your mind may float to 2025 draftee Jonas Sanker as well. It’s J.T. Gray who is the underrated superstar on the roster.
It has nothing to do with his performance in the back end of the Saints defense, though. Gray is a special teams ace and one of the best in the business.
The Saints are 48 days away from their first game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals. You may not even think about Gray during the opener, but that’s where tbe underrated aspect of his superstardom comes into play.
J.T. Gray won’t be a household name due to being a special teamer
Technically, Gray is listed in the Saints roster as a safety, but he rarely plays there. The Saints will play two safeties on most downs. You’d have to see a few players go down for him to become one of the top two safeties, but you never have to wonder if Gray is making the roster.
Being one of the best special teamers doesn’t earn you much recognition among the masses, except for kickers, returners and maybe punters. This is especially true when your team isn’t successful. The Saints haven't been, so you're not going to hear a gunner discussed much.
Gray is similar to a musical artist that isn’t high in sales but is the recipient critical acclaim. He was named a second-team All-Pro after this past season. This was his third time being named an All-Pro. Gray was a first-team All-Pro in 2021 and made his first appearance on the second-team in 2019. He was also recently named to Fox Sports' Half-Decade team, a testament to Gray's consistency.
Gray won’t be on the front of your mind, but his presence will be felt in moments of the game. Gray’s impact can fly under the radar with Saints fans too at times. As a gunner, big hits get a lot of attention. Negating any return is just as impactful, however.
Gray bringing down a returner as he catches the punt or getting down quick enough to force a fair catch helps win the field position battle. Plays like this can go unnoticed, but that's why J.T. Gray is the Saints' underrated superstar.