Tyler Shough, the oldest rookie in the 2025 NFL Draft class, will be 26 years old on September 28. Shough’s story has been a blessing, playing seven collegiate seasons at three different schools: Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville. These days, he’s thrilled to be preparing to make his mark at the NFL level now. He had to deal with a lot – three different career-altering injuries that ended his playing career early and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. He still feels good about his future with the New Orleans Saints despite these setbacks.
Though Shough’s college career has been marked by chaos, his journey has been driven by grit and tenacity. In 2021, he broke his collarbone only four games into the season. He had a second-straight blow when he re-injured it during the 2022 opener. More recently, he was the victim of a broken fibula from a hip-drop tackle in the 2023 season. These injuries would have broken a lesser player’s spirit, but it’s Shough’s tenacity and competitive streak that ultimately define him. When it gets hard, that’s when you have to reach into yourself and find some grit. A fighter’s mentality as we refer to it, ” Dana, a person intimately familiar with Shough’s path to tent, told FootballScoop.
The story of his journey hasn’t just been about him, it’s been about his support system. Shough made fast work of that with a deep shot to tight end Juwan Johnson. Johnson, an Oregon former teammate of his, has grown into this mentor-like figure for him. Johnson’s experience, both on and off the field, has been crucial in helping Shough through the many pressures of the NFL. “Once I first got here … he set up a lot of events and invited me to come to dinner with the tight ends or going to a movie,” Shough noted.
In addition to his football aspirations, Shough has a personal dream of opening a pet hotel or dog shelter to help animals in need. This lofty ambition is illustrative of his caring personality and commitment to making a difference outside of the gridiron. “I just want to be known as a guy that worked hard and was a good dude in the locker room,” Shough expressed.
Through and through, Shough’s dedication to his tea and the city of New Orleans is clear. He even took a trip to New Orleans right after the draft in April to start fostering relationships with his new teammates. He pours all that into his city and into his teammates. … and most importantly, he knows that without teamwork, he won’t succeed. “If you fall in love with each day of going into work and having fun with that, then usually the results are good,” he stated.
To prepare for his role with the Saints, Shough and his wife, Jordan, have immersed themselves in studying defensive coverages and throwing mechanics by watching videos featuring iconic quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Brett Favre, and Aaron Rodgers. This dedication would be an indication of his commitment to improvement while he continues to compete to win the starting role. “Obviously, it’s mandatory to be together inside the building, but when you can show that brotherhood, that camaraderie outside the building, I think that shows that you care about one another,” said Brandin Cooks, highlighting the importance of team dynamics.
As Shough continues down this new path of his career, he understands the obstacles that lie in his immediate future. He knows he’s got to show up every day at practice and prove himself if he wants a chance to start with the Saints. “Everyone wants to be out there on Sundays as a starting quarterback in the NFL,” noted Kellen Moore, reflecting the competitive nature of the league.
Even in light of the challenges he’s faced, Shough approaches each day, overflowing with optimism and appreciation for the chance he has been afforded. “I had that perspective of just gratitude to be in this position, and it kind of lit a fire underneath me,” he shared.
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