New Orleans Saints’ wide receiver corps dismantles opposing secondaries with impressive finesse and guile. Finally, they are known for their colorful nicknames, which promote team spirit and community pride. As the team gears up for the upcoming season, the players reflect on their past experiences, injuries, and the close bond they share.
Chris Olave, aka “The ninja with the smoke bombs” had a rough go of it. He was limited to just eight games from two separate concussions. So at the end of the season, he went and had multiple doctors look at him. He openly discussed how difficult it was to be out for long stretches.
“I ain’t never really sat out that long or been able to not play football, so that was really my first major injury,” Olave explained. I could not sit out eight or nine games like that. That was the toughest part missing practice and team meetings with my teammates. Now, I’m all settled, and I want to help you get started again! I was still squatting and deadlifting and training in general really hard in December, so I think I’m good.
Rashid Shaheed, known fondly by fans and teammates as “Sheed,” is another foundational piece to New Orleans’ skill position set. He began last season strong with three touchdowns but faced adversity when he tore his meniscus in Week 6, leading to his placement on injured reserve. Even with that mistake, Shaheed has emerged as the team’s most dangerous kick returner. His talents as a deep threat open up a whole new dimension to the offense.
Cedrick Wilson Jr., a veteran presence in the group, brings experience and leadership as they prepare for a fresh start this offseason. On the other side, Dante Pettis has the delightfully awesome moniker “Harry Potter,” for his knack of running routes “like a wizard.” Creativity in nicknames isn’t just a testament to their character, but creates a brotherhood between players that makes each other feel accepted.
The camaraderie extends beyond Olave and Shaheed. Mason Tipton is nicknamed “Attorney Tipton” for his quick wits and Yale Law School background. His moniker is indicative of the collective’s unique talent roster. Cooks has been dealt a tough hand after tough hand these past months. A painful knee infection sidelined him for all but 10 games last season and resulted in career lows of just 26 catches – and a mere 29 yards.
“It don’t matter what you did the previous year,” Cooks stated, emphasizing the need for a fresh start as they enter the new season. He posed a critical question about performance: “Can you break your guy in front of you?” This mentality reflects a serious mentality on the part of the receivers as they get ready to come hit you right between the eyes.
Keith “Dub” Williams encapsulated the essence of their teamwork by highlighting their strong bond: “You’re next to him and then he throws a smoke bomb and it clears and he’s five steps ahead of you.” His words reflect not only Olave’s agility on the field but the mutual respect and love that exists among the wide receivers.
Now that the offseason is officially underway, the Saints’ wide receivers are buzzing. They are poised to overcome the mistakes of yesteryear and sharpen their craft. Each player has something different to offer and that’s their strength. They are loaded with excitement about stepping into these new roles and helping each other out as they chase their personal goals in this 2022-23 winter season ahead.
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