Nick Toon returns to the Saints for his second season in 2013 after being drafted in the fourth round (122nd overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. The former University of Wisconsin standout appeared in two preseason contests for the Black and Gold in 2012 before suffering a season-ending foot injury. The tall, sure-handed target will compete for a spot in the New Orleans receiver rotation after a standout college career, where he followed in his father’s footsteps, who left as the school’s leading receiver in 1985 and became a three-time Pro Bowl wideout for the New York Jets. In his time at Wisconsin, Nick surpassed his father, Al, by recording 171 catches for 2,447 yards and 18 touchdowns to finish ranked in the top five in all three categories.
NFL CAREER – Nick Toon returns to the Saints for his second season in 2013 after being drafted in the fourth round (122nd overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. The former University of Wisconsin standout appeared in two preseason contests for the Black and Gold in 2012 before suffering a season-ending foot injury. The tall, sure-handed target will compete for a spot in the New Orleans receiver rotation after a standout college career, where he followed in his father’s footsteps, who left as the school’s leading receiver in 1985 and became a three-time Pro Bowl wideout for the New York Jets. In his time at Wisconsin, Nick surpassed his father, Al, by recording 171 catches for 2,447 yards and 18 touchdowns to finish ranked in the top five in all three categories.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Placed on Injured Reserve, 8/31/12; Signed to a four-year contract, 7/16/12; Selected in the fourth round (122nd overall) of 2012 NFL Draft.
2012 – Appeared in two preseason contests, recording two receptions for six yards, before suffering a foot injury and being placed on Injured Reserve.
COLLEGE – Appeared in 47 games with 31 starts, recording 171 catches for 2,447 yards and 18 touchdowns, finishing his career ranked in the top five in Wisconsin history in all three categories…Earned second-team All-Big Ten Conference accolades from the league’s coaches and honorable mention from the media as he started all 13 games, recording a team-high 64 receptions for 926 yards (14.5 avg.) with 10 touchdowns as a redshirt senior…2011 catch total tied for third on the school season-record list, yardage ranked fifth and receiving touchdown total ranked second…Played in nine games as a redshirt junior, starting seven contests at split end, as he finished second on the team in receiving with 36 catches for 459 yards (12.8 avg.) and three touchdowns. Added 10 yards on two carries...Received All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention honors as he played in 13 games with 11 starts as a redshirt sophomore while leading the team with 54 receptions for 805 yards and four touchdowns…Appeared in 12 games and recorded 17 receptions for 257 yards with one touchdown as redshirt freshman in 2008 after sitting out the 2007 campaign. Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in community leadership & non-profit management.
PERSONAL –Prepped at Middleton (Wisc.) HS…As a senior, was a first-team All-State Choice and finished with 51 receptions for 799 yards, 17 kickoff returns for 430 yards, scored 13 TDs and picked off two passes…Father, Al, was inducted into Wisconsin’s Hall of Fame in 1995, where he starred as a wide receiver and with the track team from 1982-85, leaving as the school’s then record-holder with 131 receptions for 2,103 yards and 19 TDs…After graduating, Al was selected tenth overall in the 1985 NFL Draft by the New York Jets and went on to become a three-time Pro Bowl receiver who played his entire career with the Jets from 1985-92…Born November 4, 1988.
