Saints QB1 or not, Tyler Shough believes in his NFL future

Editor’s be aware: The Saints introduced Tuesday that they will begin rookie quarterback Tyler Shough towards the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9 Sunday. This story was initially printed on Aug. 4, 2025.

METAIRIE, La. — Tyler Shough has acquired a number of textual content messages of encouragement for the reason that New Orleans Saints chosen him with the fortieth choose in April’s NFL draft.

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees provided help after Shough was drafted. One other message was from 76-year-old Archie Manning, who repeatedly reaches out to quarterbacks who attended the Manning Passing Academy.

Manning is without doubt one of the few individuals who actually understands the excessive expectations positioned on the rookie’s shoulders in New Orleans. Shough is the Saints’ earliest quarterback choice since Manning was picked No. 2 out of Ole Miss in 1971.

When New Orleans opens the season Sept. 7 towards the Arizona Cardinals, Shough may turn into the seventh rookie quarterback to start out a recreation for the Saints, following teammate Spencer Rattler, who made his debut final season when Derek Carr was injured.

And if Shough wins the competitors with Rattler and Jake Haener, he’ll buck conference in different methods. Shough, who turns 26 on Sept. 28, is the oldest rookie within the draft class, and he arrives in New Orleans after seven school seasons spent at three universities (Oregon, Texas Tech and Louisville). He performed by way of three main accidents (two of which ended his seasons in 2021 and 2023) and the COVID-19 pandemic.

If Shough feels the load of NFL expectations, he would not present it.

He stated it could be simple to check himself to friends reminiscent of Brock Purdy, a former highschool competitor in Chandler, Arizona, who’s going into his fourth season with the San Francisco 49ers. The Jacksonville Jaguars‘ Trevor Lawrence and the New York Jets‘ Justin Fields, 2021 first-round picks, have been additionally school freshmen similtaneously Shough, and are examples he cited as comparable quarterbacks who had early success.

“Who is aware of who I’d be or the place I’d be if every little thing had labored out [differently],” Shough stated. “It labored out the way in which it was imagined to as a result of now I am in [this] alternative with a terrific group and type of a recent begin with a brand new workers.”

Shough, who celebrated his one-year anniversary with spouse Jordan in April, stated he’s settled at this level in his life.

Now he simply needs an opportunity.

“That is why I really feel so, a lot extra prepared to come back into this case and due to these earlier experiences, simply understanding what it seems to be like from a failure perspective, from having success, making an attempt to earn the respect of your teammates and simply being in a brand new metropolis,” he advised ESPN throughout an unique interview this summer season.

“It is sensible why some guys do not final that lengthy. … Some issues are out of your management, however you have to be ready for change.”

AFTER TWO SEASONS of backing up Justin Herbert at Oregon and one pandemic-shortened 12 months in 2020, he entered the switch portal in February 2021, enrolling at Texas Tech, the place he handled vital accidents for the primary time in his profession.

He broke his collarbone 4 video games into the 2021 season (lacking the remainder of the 12 months), after which rebroke it within the 2022 opener. He got here again for the ultimate 5 video games of the 2022 common season and was named MVP of the Texas Bowl after a 42-25 win towards Ole Miss.

Shough stated seeing then-fiancée Jordan, who performed soccer at Oregon the place they met, and his household after that win was one among his finest school reminiscences.

“It was lots of feelings as a result of every little thing that [happened] … like, ‘Man, you caught it out and also you noticed some good come out of it,'” Shough stated.

The highs of that second made the next 12 months tougher to bear. 4 video games into the 2023 season, Shough was carted off the sphere with an air forged on after a hip-drop sort out by a West Virginia defender resulted in a damaged fibula.

“It was simply lots of true ups and downs to the place at that time you type of perceive, ‘Man, my time right here might be achieved at Texas Tech,'” Shough stated.

Jordan stated the accidents have been “emotionally draining” on Shough, however he saved perspective through the therapeutic course of. Jordan stated he’d present as much as the center college the place she taught and coached a number of sports activities, usually bringing her lunch and inspiring her college students.

“He would present as much as their video games and are available to their practices … with me and simply do something and every little thing that he may very well be at, which was tremendous particular for them as a result of he was type of this individual on this neighborhood at that time,” Jordan stated. “… It was cool for the 12-year-old boys to see this man that they regarded as much as deal with ladies actually respectfully … come and assist out and discuss how he could be goofy, and he could make enjoyable of himself, and it is OK.”

Regardless of the uncertainty round his soccer future, Shough would inform Jordan issues have been going to be all proper. “Jordan, that is going to work out,” he would say.

“It was simply not even a query of, ‘If I am ever going to play soccer once more.’ He was similar to, ‘That is what I like, that is what I will do. I do know it will work out.’ … He simply has this sort of unwavering sense of self about him that’s fairly outstanding,” Jordan stated.

Preserving his dream alive meant contemplating one other college and one other transfer, and Shough questioned if he wanted a backup plan. Texas Tech’s then-offensive coordinator, Zach Kittley, provided to have him be part of the teaching workers if he was prepared to surrender taking part in.

However others advised him he ought to enter the NFL draft instantly.

“You may get signed or picked up. You are sensible, you bought a great arm, however you are too outdated. You are not going to extend your draft inventory,” Shough recalled being advised by some critics.

Landry Klann, Shough’s coach at QB Nation, a quarterback coaching and improvement firm, was amongst those that noticed the advantages of one other collegiate season.

“He was one of many guys that simply believed in me,” Shough stated. “He was like, ‘Screw that: In case you do not play properly otherwise you get harm, then you are going to be in the identical scenario you are actually, which is okay. You may get a possibility, however in the event you play good then you are going to improve your possibilities.'”

Shough entered the switch portal for the second time and signed with Louisville for his remaining school season. He began all 12 video games for the Cardinals and set profession highs for passing touchdowns (23) and passing yards (3,195) earlier than happening to play within the Senior Bowl, take part within the NFL scouting mix and listen to his identify referred to as on Day 2 of the draft.

That seventh season of school grew to become a 12 months of appreciation for Shough.

“I had that perspective of simply gratitude to be on this place, and it type of lit a hearth beneath me,” Shough stated. “I need to give every little thing I can to town of New Orleans and my teammates as a result of I do know what I’ve to supply, and I need to go on the market and work my butt off.”

TYLER WAS BORN right into a household of sports activities fanatics. His dad and mom, Dana and Glenn, each performed three sports activities rising up; his older sisters have been highschool athletes; and his youthful brother, Brady, performed soccer as properly.

Dana advised ESPN that Tyler was “born with a ball in his fingers.” Tyler and Brady spent their summers taking part in a number of sports activities.

“You are working for six hours of baseball, then an hour with soccer, and then you definitely need to come dwelling and also you need to do extra sports activities,” Brady advised ESPN. “And so, it is simply to indicate that he is prepared to do something and every little thing. … Trying again on it now, it type of simply reveals that he is actually the identical approach now.”

Tyler credit his dad and mom for his strategy on life. Dana was identified with Stage 4 metastatic breast most cancers in 2006 and was given a terminal analysis of 9 months, however as of January, it’s going to be 20 years since her most cancers analysis.

Tyler stated the way in which his dad and mom dealt with that difficult time taught him how one can handle his personal struggles in a while.

“Simply lots of stuff the place you’re feeling prefer it’s out of your management, however trusting in God and his plan for you, and I feel that was actually, it confirmed me loads on the younger age the place life’s going to occur, and you bought to reply to it as a result of it will, the way you reply goes to dictate greater than about your personal habits and the folks round you. … It type of paralleled what I’d undergo later in my life,” Tyler stated.

Shough to Jacobson for the TD 🙌 pic.twitter.com/DSUNshiYvP

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 3, 2025

Dana emphasised that 2006 was “most likely the toughest 12 months of our lives,” however recalled a chat that she had with Tyler’s father on the time — they used their village to indicate their kids how one can deal with adversity.

“I had family and friends that stepped up and helped out, and I used to be so appreciative. So Tyler obtained to see that too, that it isn’t simply you going by way of it,” Dana stated.

“What he went by way of [with the injuries], his canine helped him; his spouse, Jordan, helped him; his prolonged household; and his teammates; and the trainers. It takes a village generally to get by way of stuff, however … I really feel like I am a greater individual. I really feel like Tyler is a greater individual. As a mother, would I would like him to undergo all that? No. However I feel it was meant to be.”

By the point Tyler entered highschool in 2014, these round him thought of him an “outdated soul” past his years.

In his senior 12 months at Hamilton Excessive Faculty, head soccer coach Steve Belles was faraway from his place within the spring resulting from a hazing scandal.

Dick Baniszewski stepped in as interim coach for a season, leaning on Tyler and group leaders to get them by way of the autumn. With the media highlight on the group within the wake of the scandal, Baniszewski emphasised that they may not afford to make any off-the-field errors.

When he conveyed that sentiment, Tyler responded: “I am with you coach, I will make everybody perceive.”

“All people anticipated Hamilton to not do good that 12 months, and we had a terrific season, and it was actually loads as a result of we had a child like Tyler who I may speak in confidence to, and he was past his years to have the ability to convey [my message] to the youngsters,” Baniszewski stated.

The group completed 8-4 and misplaced within the 6A quarterfinals. Tyler signed with Oregon in December following the 2017 season, enrolling that January after graduating highschool in 3½ years.

Via all of the adversity for Tyler and his household, Dana remembers a life lesson that also applies for her kids immediately.

“When stuff will get powerful, that is once you obtained to dig deep and get some grit. A fighter’s mentality as we name it,” Dana stated.

JORDAN URGES ANYONE who will hear to not mistake Tyler’s gratitude or sense of self for complacency — he needs the Saints’ No. 1 quarterback job.

“Generally folks hear it too and so they’re similar to, ‘Oh, do you simply not need it unhealthy sufficient?’ And it is like, ‘No.’ It is like we’re nonetheless going to battle to the loss of life to make this work,” Jordan stated. “We would like this greater than something.”

Up to now, Tyler has achieved all the correct issues.

With Jordan’s encouragement, he flew to New Orleans nearly as quickly because the draft led to April, desiring to get to know his teammates instantly. He took recommendation on native eating places to eat his first meal (at Drago’s Seafood Restaurant) within the metropolis and joked to reporters that he had already popped a tire in a New Orleans pothole.

“I really feel like I’ve obtained totally ingrained already,” he quipped in Might.

Tyler stated he sees Brees as somebody he’d wish to emulate, a quarterback who had success however has additionally imprinted an indelible mark on the New Orleans neighborhood.

Tyler began understanding at Tulane with a number of teammates previous to rookie minicamp, with injured tight finish Foster Moreau working as a long-snapper. He rapidly related with tight finish Juwan Johnson, a former teammate at Oregon, who he stated has been like an enormous brother to him.

“I’ve lived it now with him for just a few years, and I perceive how vital the relationships exterior of the soccer facility are,” Jordan stated.

Tyler stated Johnson, an undrafted rookie in 2020 who switched positions within the NFL, was additionally the type of individual he wished to mildew himself after.

“As soon as I first obtained right here … he arrange lots of occasions and invited me to come back to dinner with the tight ends or going to a film or hanging with [him and] his spouse,” Tyler stated. “A number of that stuff appears small, nevertheless it’s actually large in relation to being round folks.”

Tyler additionally reached out to veteran broad receiver Brandin Cooks, who approached him and a bunch of teammates, which included Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave, to work out in Oregon for 3 days through the offseason. Tyler designed the throwing scripts for the periods, and of their downtime, everybody went to the lake.

“Clearly, it is obligatory to be collectively contained in the constructing, however when you possibly can present that brotherhood, that camaraderie exterior the constructing, I feel that reveals that you simply care about each other,” Cooks stated.

TYLER KNOWS THERE are not any ensures of success within the NFL. Even together with his second-round draft standing, he’ll should put collectively persistently good days of practices to win the beginning function. Because the third week of camp begins, not one of the quarterbacks has separated from the pack, though Shough appeared to have his finest day in an intrasquad scrimmage Sunday.

“Everybody needs to be on the market on Sundays as a beginning quarterback within the NFL,” Saints coach Kellen Moore stated. “That is each quarterback’s objective and dream, and that ought to be it. In the end, one’s going to play.”

All of them have one thing to show: Rattler needs his first NFL win after going 0-6 as a starter filling in for an injured Carr in a season wherein coach Dennis Allen obtained fired. Haener needs to wipe away a disastrous begin the place he obtained pulled for Rattler in a 20-19 loss to the Washington Commanders. Wanting it will not merely be sufficient.

The Saints’ three preseason video games will go an extended approach to figuring out who is able to be an NFL starter. And Shough stated he loves the work course of and the nitty-gritty of placing a recreation plan collectively.

Jordan joked that the couple has watched each YouTube video “in existence” of defensive coverages or throwing mechanics from quarterbacks reminiscent of Tom Brady, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.

“In case you fall in love with every day of going into work and having enjoyable with that, then often the outcomes are good,” Tyler stated. “The vast majority of my profession. I used to be rehabbing and understanding and recreation planning off the sphere, and I type of fell in love with that.”

And once they need to get away from soccer, they’ve immersed themselves locally, taking their golden retriever, Murphy, who grew to become a celeb after making the draft-night protection, on lengthy walks. Jordan stated their neighbors have been “wonderful,” bringing them meals and hurricane preparation packets.

If issues work out in New Orleans long run, Tyler stated he’d love to seek out methods to offer again, noting that veteran defensive finish Cameron Jordan set a “very simple blueprint to observe.”

Ideally, he’d love to assist animals, too, Tyler stated.

“Particularly as a result of seeing how a lot Murphy has benefited us,” Tyler stated. “We have talked about it. It is like if we get to a second contract or one thing like that, we need to open up a pet resort or canine shelter. I do not care if it would not make any cash or a single cent. That is actually cool.” He added with a smile: “Shough’s Shelter or one thing like that.”

In some unspecified time in the future the Saints will select from Shough, Rattler and Haener. If Shough is not the winner this season, he will not hand over anytime quickly. It will be only one extra hurdle to beat in what has already been an extended journey.

“I simply need to be referred to as a man that labored onerous and was a great dude within the locker room,” he stated. “I’ve had lots of totally different hats on my head so far as a starter, a backup, an injured man, underdog or no matter. … I feel the best factor that I’ve type of hung my very own hat on is simply being a terrific teammate and a terrific individual and realizing that I am not excellent, however any approach I can, simply have enjoyable and be of service to folks.

“I need to have success on the sphere, however in the event you ask my teammates what they consider me, their response is what I care about, and that simply comes with time and being who you might be day by day.”