More than a punter

 The Saints have released their punter today.  Whats the big deal right. That happens all the time. He’s just a punter?!  But he’s so much more. 

For the past 12 years Thomas Morstead had been something special to Saints fans and New Orleans. It all started the magical year of the Saints Super Bowl run, when a then new Head coach asked a rookie punter who was handling kick offs to do the impossible.  Run “Ambush”. The onsides kick to start halftime of the Super Bowl. Morstead ran the play successfully. 30 football minutes and some NOLA magic later the Saints had their first Super Bowl. 

Ever since that day Thomas Morstead has done more and meant more to New Orleans.  Forget the fact he’s one of the greatest punters to play the game statistically.  But over the years he’s done what a lot of players haven’t been able to... he’s embraced and become New Orleans. 

From the parade antics in the French quarter to the “Business Trip” social media posts before games he’s been amazing. Embracing New Orleans. From fundraising to community work the man had been everywhere.  Becoming one of the faces of the Team and a captain for as long as I like to remember. 

He’s never not been there to help. Pretty much trained his replacement for next year. Helped the young “big nutz” Wil Lutz be one the best kickers in the league. Always seeming to be one of the most reliable weapons on the team. 

I understand this is a business but it sucks. And anyone else looking in is saying “he’s just a punter” but he isn’t.  He’s so much more.  Something non-Saints fans will never know. And that’s ok. Morstead was just for us Saints fans.  He is a special player and a special human.  Something we all got to experience for the past 12 years and I’m happy we did. 

Quick story... a few years ago I was tailgating at a preseason Jets/Saints game with my family and a friend. A car rolls up next to us and a couple get out of the car. They are wearing Thomas Morstead Jerseys. He was and still is my wife’s favorite player so I immediately point it out. I mean not only did a couple of Saints fans pull up next to us in New York, but they were fans of the punter!  We introduce ourselves and ask “you guys Morstead fans. We love Thomas Morstead!”  The woman says “oh we love him too.... he’s our son!”  In total disbelieve we say no way and she proceeds to pull out her id to show us she is in fact a Morstead and his mom. We hung out for a few minutes, shared season ticket info and some tailgate snacks and then they proceeded to leave for the gate. I never thought I would be star struck to meet someone’s parents. 

After the game Thomas came over to say hi to his parents and his kids (who were with them) and we happened to be a section over. 11 years in the league and I don’t know who was prouder, his parents of him of him of his parents and kids. 

I’m thankful for all you did. And grateful for the memories I have.  If you keep playing I hope you’re happy. If you decide to retire or when you decide to retire, I hope the team has a coaching spot ready for you. New Orleans is where you belong. We love you as much as you love us

Thomas Morstead ... all the feels. 

"I love this city and they've loved me back 100 times more."

- Thomas Morstead