Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
Making it as an NFL player in the city of New Orleans isn’t just about producing on the football field. As many examples have shown in the past, embracing the community and embedding oneself in the city is a vital step for any New Orleans newcomer. New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough is proving, once again, that principle to be true.
Shough could easily spend the offseason being low-key. He earned the trust and confidence of his fanbase over his nine-start rookie year wherein he led the team to five wins, including the franchise’s third-ever undefeated December. He also set numerous rookie franchise passing records.
However, the quarterback has decided to not rest on those laurels and instead continue to meet his fanbase where they are. A strong strategy, and it’s working.
While appearances on national shows, speaking to a national audience are nice, Shough’s gone a step further. He’s taking time to engage on local platforms, including visiting fan-favorite shows. He’s made appearances on former Saints players’ shows like The Set with Terron Armstead as well as In the Bayou with Tyrann Mathieu have garnered over 50,000 YouTube views and ample interaction and conversation on social media.
He’s shared details about his offseason plans, his connection with former quarterback Drew Brees, who established the gold standard of connecting with the New Orleans fanbase, and much more.
Still less than one year ago, Saints fans were wondering where their favorite team’s starting quarterback was after his was a ghost during Carnival Season in the city, as well as throughout Super Bowl Radio Row, which was hosted in New Orleans.
Shough, on the other hand, has continued a well-curated and intentional media tour and instead of disappearing as Mardi Gras nears, he’ll instead be the Grand Marshal for the Krewe of Pygmalion’s parade on Saturday, Feb. 7, days after he could potentially win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
The second-year passer has made it a point to connect with his community and it’s helping to further establish him as the face of the franchise moving forward. And that’s before games kick off again in September.
Make no mistake about it, Shough is still putting in work, organizing throwing sessions and getting ready for the season. But, in the most uniquely connected team and community relationship in sports, he’s not missing the opportunity to remain tethered to the fans and is making it a point to go where they are and speak directly to them.
