Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough continues to win the hearts of his new fanbase.
The second-round pick appeared on the St. Brown Podcast, hosted by NFL receivers and brothers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Equanimeous St. Brown. During the appearance, Shough discussed his adversity-filled pathway to the NFL, the opportunity that’s ahead of him in New Orleans following the retirement of former quarterback Derek Carr and even won over some more of the fanbase after a well-delivered quip targeted at one of the St. Brown brothers following a terrible food take.
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But where Shough shined the most in the interview was in his handling of the oft-cited age conversation that loomed over him throughout the draft process.
“For those of you guys that don’t know,” Amon-Ra St. Brown said. “We’re in the same class of high school. I’m going into my fifth year in the league and he’s a rookie.”
St. Brown went on to add that Shough is just a month older than him and credited the quarterback for his maturity. “I feel like mentally, you’re mature. You’re ready,” he said. And Shough immediately put that maturity on full display with a detailed response about how he views age, development and the unpredictable nature of the NFL.
“I think the biggest thing from that, is just like, high school kids, college kids watching, don’t compare yourselves to others,” Shough said. “Do it from a competitive standpoint but don’t let it shut you down. I always thought I was better than the guys in my class coming out at the Opening. That’s innate, my innate belief. You see guys like (Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback) Trevor Lawrence: three-year career, wins a national championship. And I’m like, ‘Man that would’ve been sick.’ And year after year you see guys get drafted like, ‘Man I’m better than this dude, I’m better than this dude.’”
Shough’s age has been a constant part of the narrative used to criticize the former Louisville passer. After St. Brown’s comment, the quarterback did a good job making it clear that progress looks different for everyone. Using Lawrence as a comparison, maybe Shough didn’t have the collegiate success the former Clemson passer did, but that doesn’t mean that his best isn’t still on the horizon.
“But you kind of have to go through your own circumstance and opportunity to grow as a person and a player,” he said. “Because if I would have had (a) three-year, four-year career, who knows? I may be entitled or I may be out of the league at this point,”
This was a very impressive showing for Shough, who stood out throughout the interview as someone that is in control of his future and working hard to showcase his progress. He celebrated St. Brown’s development in the league while also highlighting that he feels that he can have a similar path. The receiver returned in kind, illustrating that things are indeed looking up for Shough.
“In my opinion,” the Lions receiver said. “You might be in the best situation of all the quarterbacks that got drafted.”
