Saints Head Coach Sean Payton Creates Foundation

Mon, 12 May 2008 07:13:26 GMT

NEW ORLEANS, LA. --- New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton, and wife, Beth, proudly announced today the formation and launch of the Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation.

The goal of Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation is to raise funds and awareness to help families and children in need in the areas of health, education and social welfare.

“Beth and I have proudly called New Orleans home for the past two years and being able to begin Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation is something we are extremely proud to do,” said Payton. “Our goals and desires are to help New Orleans return to prominence as one of the greatest cities in the world. However, at this time, work still needs to be done on a number of different levels to help people regain their footing and we have every intention on playing our part.”

Payton, 2006 NFL Coach of the Year, has guided the New Orleans Saints to an 18-16 record in his two seasons as the head coach, and owns the distinction of guiding the team to their first-ever appearance in an NFC Championship game (2007).

Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation will serve as a catalyst and fund-raising vehicle for various non-profit organizations to build and support their infrastructures, extend their reach, and bring effective programs to scale. These multiple approaches shall serve to advance the mission of enriching lives and strengthening the New Orleans community and the Gulf South region.

Payton also announced that the Foundation will hold their first annual Black & Gold Gala fundraiser on Friday, October 10 at the Louisiana Superdome. ESPN’s Chris Berman will serve as the Gala’s master of ceremonies. In addition, Payton cited three of the main benefactors for this year’s Gala; Brad Pitt’s Make It Right NOLA, Blaine Kern’s First Responders Fund and the Dr. Phil Foundation, benefiting children in need in Louisiana. It was also announced that the Foundation will open up a limited number of individual tickets to the October 10th Gala for $250/each.

As will become tradition with Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation, Sean and Beth will identify honorary chairs for the Black & Gold Gala. This year, the Foundation is proud to honor Irma Thomas and Jimmy Buffett.

“Beth and I both feel that it is important to honor someone that has had a positive impact on this community in one way or another,” said Payton. “I felt that both Irma and Jimmy not only exemplify that but they are also two people that bring joy to so many people through their music and their love for this city.”

One of the main fund raising aspects of the foundation will be a commemorative line of jewelry being designed specifically for Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation and will be available to be purchased exclusively at Friend & Company Fine Jewelers on Maple St., in New Orleans.

“We felt our partnership with Ken Friend and his staff at Friend & Company Fine Jewelers would be unique and beneficial for everyone,” said Payton. “They produce high quality jewelry, we value their expertise and we appreciate our relationship with them, and on top of it, we are designing a specific line of jewelry that when purchased benefits the foundation, so it is a win-win.”

For more information about Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation and the Black & Gold Gala please log onto www.paytonsplayitforwardfoundation.com.

Sean Payton Discusses Rookie Camp and More

Sat, 10 May 2008 23:23:31 GMT

New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton

Rookie Minicamp – Saturday, May 10, 2008

Opening Statement:

“We’re three practices in to this rookie camp, having gone two yesterday. We still have a practice this afternoon and then one tomorrow morning. I would say that both of the morning practices that we’ve had were pretty sharp. We have a little bit larger number than we had a year ago; when you start counting bodies, we’re a little bit above 60. There are quite a few guys that are here on a three-day tryout basis. If you look at the total group of players and you want to categorize who all is here, certainly our draft picks are here, the free agents that we signed after the draft are here, there are some of our current players that don’t have a league year accrued that are on our roster that are here, and then there are the guys that are here on a three-day workout. There are about four or five of our own guys that have been going through our offseason that are allowed to be here, and that’s the makeup of who’s here. I think both morning practices have been pretty good. Yesterday’s afternoon practice was a little bit sluggish – I think the heat got to them a little bit and they hit a wall. But this afternoon we’re going to go inside and get some work indoors.”

Where do you see this draft class in comparison with those of years past at this stage?

“It’s early. The first thing you look for is looking to find out if they’re in shape and if they are picking things up pretty quickly. Usually you get a pretty good indication of that after the first or second day. From that standpoint, I’ve been pleased. I think they’re in good shape by and large, I think they’re working at it and they’re pretty conscientious. I like their approach so far, and that has been good. The key for them – and we talked about this in the meeting two nights ago – is that they’re really 32 workouts behind. Our players that have been here in the offseason program have finished eight weeks of four days a week, so they have to find a way to slowly catch up and get acclimated to what we’re doing and get in shape and up to speed with their peers so that they have a chance to compete in the fall and push for playing time. But the encouraging thing just after a day and a half is that they are in shape and I think they’ve been working hard. This second day’s afternoon practice is always a tough one, and we’ll see how they respond to it. I think they’ve handled it pretty well.”

Have there been any players that have really turned some heads out there?

“It’s hard to tell because you have such a mixed group. You have to mindful of who (Tracy) Porter is covering, or who (Sedrick) Ellis is beating on a double-team or who (Carl) Nicks is blocking. I think you get a better indication of more specifically how they’re doing when they’re with the veteran players, but overall I’ve been encouraged with what I’ve seen from the class in general. Nicks has done a good job of stepping in and when you look at Ellis, he’s been a pain in the rear for a couple days now with splitting some double-teams and getting in the backfield. Porter has showed some of the cover skills that we were anticipating that we’d see and (Adrian) Arrington has done a good job of handling the assignments. He’s a pretty sharp kid. Overall, I’ve been encouraged.”

Was the kicker Taylor Mehlhaff so good that he merited a draft choice, or were you afraid that someone else was going to take him?

“The last thing we did a week before the draft was that we went back and worked out the two guys that we felt like were the best kickers in this draft. We went and worked out our guy at Wisconsin and the guy at Georgia, and after we came back and made some decisions, Mickey and I felt like if we got into the later rounds that it would be wise for us to identify if there was a kicker worthy of a draft selection. When Greg McMahon and Mike Mallory came back from the workouts, they felt that there was a gap and a clear separation. Interestingly, Coach Chuck Preifer – who has been in this league a long time – was at practice yesterday, and he made a comment about how impressed he was with his leg strength. He has good technique, we saw him at the combine, and our plan was that it would be nice to come out of the second day having drafted a kicker. What you start doing then is you start doing some research about each year what kickers have been drafted and when they have gone, and you start seeing that maybe fifth round or sixth or seventh round, and it assures an opportunity to have one. The key is not just creating that. We were prepared to go the route of signing a free agent if we needed to, but I’m glad it worked out that way. He’s doing well and he kicked well yesterday. He’s a lefty, so now we have left-handed quarterbacks and left-footed kickers.”

What have your first impressions of Sedrick Ellis been?

“In this process, you become familiar with players in going through the evaluations; you see them at the combine, you bring them in on visits and you go to their workouts. Certainly when you talk about the players that are in those first or second rounds, you might become a little bit more familiar with them than guys that are taken later in the draft. I think he has a lot of the things that we’re looking for. He’s an explosive player. I think he has a “want-to”. He’s been a part of a winning program. I like him and I like what I’ve seen. He’s another player that you’ll be impressed with off the field and just as important as that is how he plays. I think it’s important to him and I think he’ll bring a presence to us. He’ll have to work and earn his spot and earn his reps as all these guys will, but I think it won’t be too big for him.”

What are your early thoughts on Carl Nicks?

“Carl was a guy that we saw at the combine and at the Senior Bowl and I’m a little more familiar with his situation. I was at a clinic at Nebraska a year ago and I know his old coach, Bill Callahan, very well. We got into the second day of the draft and there was a graded player that was sitting ahead of a lot of other players. I had a chance to visit with him on the phone a round before we drafted him, and I just wanted to go through some questions with him. I think the key for him is realizing his abilities and having the same vision that we have for him. If he can do that, he’ll have a chance because he’s big, he has quick feet, he’s athletic, and he’s strong. I think it was a good selection on our part at that time and we’re excited about watching his development. I think it’s important that he’s coming into a locker room that has good leadership and we have that.”

Strictly on talent, did have second-round-type grades?

“I don’t want to speak for other clubs, but I’d be surprised if his playing grades weren’t that of a second-rounder or better. There are some inconsistencies and there are some questions about why he didn’t play at a high level more consistently. He’s a guy that has some maturing to do and is going to need to take on some responsibilities. Whether he missed class or showed up at a party – he had some of those incidents in college that concern you and you pay attention to them, but I don’t think we’re drafting a bad guy. I think we’re drafting a guy that needs work and we have to provide him an environment to give him a chance to be successful, and I think he has some of the tools that you look for when you look at his size and athleticism.”

What were you looking for out of him in that conversation you had on draft day?

“I was anxious to hear his response and who was coming with him if we drafted him. We had a little visit about that and then I spent some time with his girlfriend and had a chance to visit with her, and I thought it went well.”

Most of the talk has been about Sedrick Ellis. Where do you see DeMario Pressley fitting in?

“I think Ellis will start and he’s been taking reps at the nose with Pressley taking reps at the three-technique. You have two defensive tackles and to make it real simple, one of them typically lines up tilted or over the center and the other one lines up over the guard. We initially bring them into those positions because that’s what they played in college and Ellis is more familiar with the nose and Pressley the three. I think Ellis has flexibility and we’ll want to be able to work him over at the three-technique as well. With Pressley, it’s just the consistency and staying healthy and some of those things. He’s going to be able to get stronger in our program and I think that’s going to be important for him. I think he can improve in that area and we talked a little bit about that yesterday. But he has athleticism and some of the twitch that you’re looking for. His body of work probably isn’t as long as Ellis’, but he’s a young talent that we’re encouraged about and excited to work with.”

What specifically have you seen from Tracy Porter?

“He has good ball skills. When a corner doesn’t have good ball skills, it’s a small league and there’s no downside to throwing in the direction of a corner who can’t catch the ball real well. It’s either going to be complete or incomplete; there’s no negative things that can happen. When a corner does have good ball skills, your location has to be a little bit more exact because of the fact that he’s capable of picking off a bad throw. I’m encouraged with how he catches the ball; you see him return punts and catch the ball in the punt drills. He gets his hands on a lot of balls and I think that he has good cover skills. He’s very comfortable in his backpedal and he has pretty good football awareness, which I think helps especially when you’re playing in the secondary. I do like his ball skills and he’s very comfortable right now in some of the things that we’re asking him to do. We’ll see once we get the pads on and these guys get a chance to get more work. For him, I think he’s one of the guys that I talked about in that when he gets a chance to work against some of the front-line receivers, he’ll be challenged more than he has been in the last day and a half.”

You have some LSU players in here for this camp. What have you seen out of them?

“They’re all working through it right now. Half of this battle for these guys is staying on the track and not being on a pit stop. Each of the first two years here, we’d go through about two or three of these workouts and then there were five or six guys getting IVs and not practicing. For us to evaluate them, we need to be able to see them practice, so I think the numbers that we’re at this year – a little bit above 60 – has helped a little bit because in years past with the numbers not quite that high, a guy is going maybe more than you’d want and the next thing you know he can’t go anymore. You guys can remember two years ago that Marques Colston was laying on his stomach in that first practice and really couldn’t finish. I’ve been encouraged that that really hasn’t been the case in this camp and really it’s been as warm, if not warmer than the prior two years, so that’s been encouraging.

“Those guys that come from a program like LSU, they come in with a swagger that they’re good enough to make this team and that’s a good thing. They’ve been coached extremely well, they’re used to winning and being successful, and when you can bring guys like that in to compete for positions on your team, I think it’s important that the player has a vision for himself and it’s clear and they know right where they want to go. Generally those guys have the best chance of making it – those guys that have the understanding that there’s going to be some bumps in the road, but they have a clear vision as to how they see their career going. It’s when that vision gets blurred and the perception from some players is different than reality is when they really run into trouble, but they’ve been impressive.”

Has there been anyone that hasn’t been able to make it through the practices?

“No. We didn’t have anyone drop out like a year ago. We told the story, so maybe that’s why.”

Do you have any Billy Miller-types of NFL veterans in for this tryout camp?

“One of the things that we talked about in our meeting, and I think it’s important that everyone in the locker room knows that we’re truly looking for the best players. The business starts with the acquisition of these players. Some would say there’s a skill or an art to it, but at the end of the day, you’re trying to acquire these players as best you can through the draft or through free agency. Once that side of it has taken place, it doesn’t really matter how you got them, they’re here and they’re yours, so what’s more important now is the evaluation as to what vision do we have for the player and if he can help us. Let’s not worry about how he got here; let’s worry about where he’s going. When you give them that talk, you can just tell them that, but it’s important that they can see examples of it like Jamal Jones from a couple years ago or Billy Miller or Tyler Palko or Pierre Thomas, and I could keep going on and on. These are guys that have had that vision and have maybe been able to beat the odds a little bit and they’ve done it on production. We’re rooting for all of these guys to do well and we want them to be successful. One of the things that we told them the first night we gathered was that you start with the video department, the trainers, the P.R. department, the assistant coaches, you can go on and on and all of the people that are employed here are here to help these players get better. We want to see them be successful. What’s most important is trust what we’re seeing and not get swayed by how they got here. I’ve been at places where that hasn’t always been the case. I think once you establish that with your own players, I think there’s some credibility in the locker room in regards to how guys make the team.

“That doesn’t ease the pressure of selecting the right 53; that’s still a difficult challenge and they’re tough decisions, even in this camp with guys that are just here for three days on a workout basis. It’s hard for them because they’re not in pads, but we’re trying to have a tempo and they’re doing something to try to catch someone’s eye. They’re trying to do something in three days that they can put on tape that we would notice and sign them to a contract. That’s admirable and I have a lot of those guys that have flown in here with their own shoes and are really ready to work for three days and try to make it.”

Could you see yourself backing off of Sedrick Ellis with this current group?

“The good news is that because our numbers are in that 60s range – I’ve been at rookie camps where you have 33 guys and then he would be in there all the time. We have depth in this camp so you don’t have guys that are taking 12 straight plays. They’re taking four and then they’re out for eight. Yesterday, a few guys cramped up so I backed off some of the workload a little bit, but I think it’s important that we’re trying to bring them up to speed but we’re not trying to completely run them in to the ground.”

How was your visit this week with Shaun Alexander?

“It went well. He had a chance to come in here for an afternoon and spend some time with Mickey and myself and then our coaching staff. What you try to do is look at the different options and try to become familiar with more players than what you just see on tape. It was really just that. He’s had a long, successful career and he still has some good years ahead of him, so we’ll see where it takes him.”

Are you intent on bringing in a veteran running back before training camp?

“I think it’s just going to depend on who’s available and it has to be the right fit. A lot of times what happens between now and the middle of June is that there will be some players waived after teams have had a chance to look at their draft picks and offseason additions, so you try to monitor that and monitor some of the rosters that might be heavy at that position. That’s what we do, and it wouldn’t just be for running back. But the key is really Deuce’s health and where he’s at and just making sure that you have all your bases covered there.”

How has Adrian Arrington looked so far in camp?

“Terry Malone, our tight ends coach, recruited him when he was at Michigan, so we had a little background on the player. I’m not talking about his ability, I’m talking more about his home life, where he’s from, what kind of kid he is, is he a good learner, is he stubborn, is he flexible, does he want to become a good player. The challenge of scouting when you deal with so many players is gathering as much information as you can to improve your odds on making the right decisions.

“He’s a guy that we felt had ability. I like his size and he’s a guy that we felt comfortable with, character-wise, clearly, so we gave him an opportunity. They’ve all had a chance to hear me talk about the expectations that we have for our team and what we value and what’s important, so they have that opportunity and we go from there.”

Sedrick Ellis Q and A

Sat, 10 May 2008 14:01:24 GMT

What are your first impressions of the heat?

“It’s a little humid down here compared to California, a different kind of heat, but I’m dealing with it and getting acclimated.”

Was your first practice what you expected, had you talked to Reggie Bush about what was coming?

“I talked to Reggie a little bit before the practices, it was very high-tempo, kind of what I expected. All in all, I think it went very well. I’m with a coach (defensive line coach Ed Orgeron) that I’ve worked with before, so I kind of knew what to expect.”

What was your excitement/anticipation level like coming in?

“Well, being a first-round pick, you have a level of pressure, you want to make a good impression. The tempo was very high, everyone wants to come out and be seen. Everything was very fast-paced.”

You seem to be at a position where there is a need, where they expect you to make a contribution right away. Do you feel that way?

“Right now, you don’t know, that’s up to the coaches. I’m going to work my hardest to put my stamp on this team and work my hard. I’m going to compete for everything I can get.”

In the past, defensive tackles have come to New Orleans and really enjoyed the food. Do you have to work to control your weight?

“It’s always a concern for a big guy, but as a professional now, you have to be disciplined, get your workouts in and watch your eating habits.”

Are you looking forward to visiting some of the famous restaurants in town?

“I haven’t ever been to New Orleans, this is my first time, so I think maybe I will give Reggie (Bush) a call and hit the spots, see what is good down here.”

Are you excited to be reunited with Coach Orgeron?

“Yes, definitely. Coach O is a hard coach, you know he’s going to work to get you better, you know he isn’t going to take it easy on you or anything like that. In that aspect, you are always getting better with Coach Orgeron. I think that’s a good thing.”

Does it help that you know what to expect out of Coach Orgeron, and also knowing Reggie Bush?

“I definitely know what to expect from Coach O, he’s been the same since the first day I met him until now. He knows my strengths and weaknesses, so I think that’s a good combination. And I’ve also talked to Reggie a few times, and he’s doing the things he needs to handle. Once camp’s over and everything calms down, maybe then we’ll hang out a little bit. As of now I’m just trying to get on the team and handle my business.”

How have you handled the conditions the first couple of days of practice?

“It’s different. Even when you work out in California and you think you are in shape, the air is a little different here and you have to get acclimated. The first day was a lot more difficult than today. My body is getting used to it and we’re working it out. I think I came in here in pretty good shape. We did the Combine and it’s been back to back things. I think I did alright.”

Have any of the other defensive linemen on the Saints called you?

“No, other defensive lineman have not called me.”

What is it that you’ve done in the first three practices that you are happy with?

“I think you can always improve. But I’m very happy with how fast I’m catching on to the system, the plays they’ve put in, the stunts – I’ve been able grasp them pretty quickly and to apply them to the field. You can always get better, but that’s the stuff I’m working on. I haven’t been able to play football in awhile, but that’s the kind of things I’m working on.”

Saints Welcome Pair from Indiana on Friday

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:44:49 GMT

The New Orleans Saints welcomed Justin Ulmer, an eighth-grader from Lafayette, Indiana, to the team’s rookie mini-camp on Friday.

Ulmer, decked out in his #25 Reggie Bush jersey, made his first-ever trip to New Orleans as part of a special program associated with Indianapolis’ bid to host the 2012 Super Bowl. 32 middle school students throughout 16 Indiana districts were selected by principals to serve as ambassadors for the Indianapolis bid and to personally deliver the official Indianapolis Super Bowl 2012 bid documents to each NFL team.

Ulmer, an Honor Roll student and standout athlete at Lafayette Tecumseh Junior High School, set his school’s record in the low hurdles on Thursday afternoon, according to principal Brett Gruetzmacher, who accompanied Ulmer on the trip.

“Justin is a tremendous young man who takes great pride in his school work, his of the field activities and is a gentleman in all respects,” said Gruetzmacher.

Ulmer and Gruetzmacher arrived in Metairie shortly after the team took to the field and watched as the rookies went through their initial practice session. Ulmer then met Saints’ Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis and delivered the documents promoting Indy’s bid.

The two watched the majority of practice and then enjoyed lunch with the team’s staff members and took a tour of the locker room, weight room and training facility before departing back to Louis Armstrong International Airport in preparation for their flight back to Indianapolis.

NewOrleansSaints.com will have a photo gallery this afternoon and complete coverage and a new video on Saturday of the morning mini-camp practice session.

Competition for Roster Spots To Be Fierce

Fri, 09 May 2008 12:55:19 GMT

On the eve of the New Orleans Saints’ three-day rookie mini-camp in Metairie, the Black-and-Gold currently has 86 players on their roster.

Or six more players than the team will be able to take training camp in late July.

Competition will be fierce when the 64 players invited to the rookie camp don their uniforms for the first time on Friday morning, as the team’s six 2008 draftees join 16 undrafted free agents that have agreed to terms with the team, as well as 36 non-roster tryout invitees and six other first-year players currently on the roster.

The NFL’s mandated training camp roster size of 80 players under contract means that the team will have to pare down the roster before heading to training camp. So the question that many will have is why the team currently has 86 players under contract.

The answer is that unsigned players do not count against the roster size, and since the draft picks have not yet signed their contracts, the team is able to get to a better look at the rookie free agents that have signed, as well as the tryout players.

Once the draft picks begin signing contracts, the Saints will have to make corresponding roster reductions.

In past seasons, roster sizes were increased during training camp due to the caveat that the NFL granted players exemptions that were allocated by the team to NFL Europe. However, since the league discontinued operations following the 2007 season, those exemptions simply no longer exist.

While there have been some discussions in league circles about expanding the training camp roster to 86 players, the measure wasn't voted on at the NFL's annual meetings in April. According to some in the know, the topic could once up at the league's meetings later this month.

Thus it would hardly be a surprise to see some of the tryout players make a name for themselves and open eyes this weekend and perhaps garner a coveted spot on 86-man roster, but it will almost assuredly mean that a player currently under contract will be subjected to the waiver wire.

Saints Visit Local Boys and Girls Club

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:26:01 GMT

Three members of the New Orleans Saints, CB Mike McKenzie, TE Ronnie Ghent and LB Marvin Mitchell, spent time this week interacting with the children of the Boys and Girls Club located in the Iberville Housing Development near downtown New Orleans.

The Iberville Center of the Boys & Girls Club opened for the very first time less than one month ago. Parents and caregivers in the housing development have been pleading to establish a safe haven for their children. With so many distractions within their immediate environment, the club allows the children to engage in indoor activities like foosball, Pop-a-Shot, and air hockey, as well as educational computer games.

On this day, they had the opportunity to challenge (and dominate in some instances) Saints players in what has become a few of their areas of social expertise.

With almost fifty kids in attendance, McKenzie, Ghent and Mitchell stressed the importance of receiving a good education and embodying a true sense of self-confidence. Each player took some time to share stories of their quest in becoming an NFL player, while honing in on the need to be their own leader and not succumbing to negative peer pressure during the process. They also encouraged the children to take their studies seriously and to not be ashamed to ask for help when they need it.

“Those guys hit the nail on the head,” said Darrell Guy, Director of the Iberville Boys & Girls Club. “Often times, these kids get so wrapped up in seeing the glitz and glamour of celebrities and professional athletes that they don’t realize the hard work that was put in to get to that point. And none of it could have been done without receiving a good education and being confident in themselves to know that they could excel to that next level. Getting a good education is definitely key, just like they said. Without it, you can’t do anything”, he said.

For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana, visit www.bgcsela.org.

Saturday TV and Photo Availability

Thu, 08 May 2008 07:41:25 GMT

Media Alert: All media and photographers will be allowed access to the start of Saturday’s morning rookie camp practice at approximately 10:00 a.m. photography and video will be allowed during the session. Please meet in the media workroom at 9:45 a.m. and a Saints PR representative will escort media to the practice fields and back to the media workroom at the conclusion of this open period. This open period will be brief. It’s purpose is solely to gather images of the players on the field before practice.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

· 10:00 a.m.-10:30 (est.) --Practice open to TV and photographers.

12:00 p.m.-12:30 p.m. – Credentials Issued to Approved Media in Media Workroom

· 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. – Open locker room for media interviews

· 1:30 p.m. – Head Coach Sean Payton available in media workroom

For more information and credentials, please email Ricky Zeller at ricky.zeller@saints.nfl.com