- A Trip Down Memory Lane with Mike Hoss: Saints Fanhood, Lessons from Jim Henderson, Mike's Goals as the Voice of the Saints
We know New Orleans Saints’ RT Ryan Ramczyk is staying put since the great news of his contract extension broke last week, but the team’s changes in 2021 aren’t limited to just the field. Broadcasting legend Mike Hoss is joining the fold as play-by-play radio broadcaster.
On a new episode of Black and Gold Rush, Mike Hoss recounts his journey with host Rachel Jones - from his days at James Madison University wanting to be a professional golfer, then pivoting to broadcasting and eventually landing at WWL in 1989 after three previous jobs. At WWL, Hoss worked under Jim Henderson, the Voice of the Saints for more than 30 years, including during the team's run to Super Bowl XLIV. Hoss shares the many lessons he learned in his career to this point, his dreams of being a play-by-play announcer, and interviewing for the Saints role not once but twice.
So what can Saints fans expect from him and color analyst Deuce McAllister in the booth? And does Mike have a pump-up song picked out for game days? Don’t miss this conversation with the new Voice of the Saints - Mike Hoss!
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Mike Hoss named play-by-play announcer for New Orleans Saints game day broadcasts on WWL
New Orleans Saints signing RT Ryan Ramczyk to five-year, $96 million extension
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E28 - 54m - Jul 5, 2021 - He Trains Saints' Dogs and Helps Thousands Uncover Purpose Through Pain (Meet Saints Fan Joseph James)
The Who Dat Nation is full of incredible people. On a new episode of Black and Gold Rush, you'll meet Joseph James, whose first client at his dog training business, Professional K9 Solutions, was someone New Orleans Saints know well - Zach Strief.
You'll hear how Joseph became the "unofficial dog trainer of the New Orleans Saints" thanks largely to Zach Strief and Senio Kelemete. A major theme throughout the episode is the power of relationships. The Saints welcomed Joseph and his family, and when Joseph's wife died of cancer in 2019, several players attended her funeral and others sent well-wishes, including Mrs. Gayle Benson.
But Joseph's story doesn't end in tragedy. He and host Rachel Jones discuss how he's coaching others to understand their purpose in life even if they're experiencing crushing pain. This is a wide-ranging episode that touches on grief, loss, love, relationships, and yes, also a lighthearted look at some of your favorite Saints dogs from Sean Payton to Drew Brees and much more.
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Episode 19 - Eroding vs. Growing with Michael James (on Apple Podcasts)
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E27 - 1h 0m - Jun 21, 2021 - Kawaan Baker the Touchdown Maker | Saints Draft Series Part 6
Kawaan Baker, an explosive WR from fledgling football program South Alabama, concludes the New Orleans Saints draft series on Black and Gold Rush. Host Rachel Jones sits down with JT Crabtree, radio voice of the Jaguars, to discuss Baker (or “KB”) the person and the player whom the Saints chose in the seventh round, just three spots behind where they selected legendary WR Marques Colston 15 years ago.
Baker stole the show at South Alabama’s Pro Day with a 4.41 second 40-time and impressive vertical leap and broad jumps, and he became the first Jaguar ever drafted by the Saints in South Alabama’s 13-year football history. Known as Kawaan Baker the Touchdown Maker, Rachel and JT explore the Atlanta native's route to the final roster, his quiet demeanor off the field, and much more.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: New episodes of Black and Gold Rush return June 21, 2021!
TOP 3 TWEETABLE QUOTES
(7:54) “He really opened some eyes late in the game, and I think that’s what got him the 255 spot with the Saints. I know he’s thrilled to have just an opportunity to show what he can do.”
(9:54) “I cannot think of a better spot for Kawaan to land, not just being local, but also I really think he fits into that Saints offense that uses so many different weapons and utilizes them in so many different ways.”
(11:21) “I don’t really remember him posting anything or saying anything pro-Falcons, so I think it’s a pretty easy change for him … you will never see him wearing black, white and red at the same time ever.”
(23:10) Random Round
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Saints Draft Pick Series Part 1 - Payton Turner
Saints Draft Pick Series Part 2 - Pete Werner
Saints Draft Pick Series Part 3 - Paulson Adebo
Saints Draft Pick Series Part 4 - Ian Book
Saints Draft Pick Series Part 5 - Landon Young
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E26 - 28m - Jun 4, 2021 - Landon Young Leaves Places Better Than He Found Them | Saints Draft Series Part 5
No one outworks Landon Young. In football or in life.
On this episode of Black and Gold Rush, you’ll hear from University of Kentucky grad assistant coach Ryan Finck, who took over much of the offensive line coaching duties when longtime Wildcats O-line coach John Schlarman passed away in November 2020. Finck describes how Young led the “Big Blue Wall” as a team captain and left a legacy at Kentucky.
Tune in FRIDAY for the finale of the Saints draft series - all about Saints seventh-round pick Kawaan Baker with South Alabama’s own JT Crabtree!
TOP 3 TWEETABLE QUOTES
(1:27) “He is everything that is the state of Kentucky, Landon is the perfect example.”
(2:54) “You could walk down this hallway right here, and every coach is going to have something different, something new, and something wonderful to say about Landon Young.”
(12:07) “Landon, I think, has a chance to come in and be a guy who plays the right tackle position. When he came back after training for his pro day, he looked like a million bucks, and he said he’d been doing a lot on the right side because he knows all his reps were on the left.”
(17:57) Random Round
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Saints Draft Pick Series Part 1 - Payton Turner
Saints Draft Pick Series Part 2 - Pete Werner
Saints Draft Pick Series Part 3 - Paulson Adebo
Saints Draft Pick Series Part 4 - Ian Book
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E25 - 21m - May 31, 2021 - Ian Book - Future Starting QB or Long-Term Backup? | Saints Draft Series Part 4
Be honest. We're not 100% sure whether the New Orleans Saints will start Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill at quarterback in 2021. Sean Payton also could install a package for the Saints fourth-round draft pick, Notre Dame QB Ian Book.
On a new episode of Black and Gold Rush, Notre Dame football reporter Tyler James is here to break down how Ian Book won the starting job at Notre Dame and why some people insist on calling him "deceptively athletic." Many in Notre Dame circles believe landing with the Saints will give Ian Book time to learn the offense, but what is his NFL future? Can he be a starter one day, or is he a long-term backup?
Tune in MONDAY for Part 5 of the Saints draft series - all about Saints sixth-round pick Landon Young with Kentucky grad assistant coach Ryan Finck!
TOP 3 TWEETABLE QUOTES
(7:15) "Certainly Ian Book has been a guy since his high school playing days who has been doubted a little bit."
(11:25) "He will be willing and certainly prepared to handle a quarterback competition in whatever sort of opportunities and pecking order the Saints put him in."
(15:30) "I think it is a good situation whether or not he plays at all in his rookie year or just sort of waits in the wing and learns what he needs to learn at the NFL level and prepares himself to have a sustainable career, whether that's as a starter or as a long-term backup."
(21:42) Random Round
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Saints Draft Pick Series Part 1 - Payton Turner
Saints Draft Pick Series Part 2 - Pete Werner
Saints Draft Pick Series Part 3 - Paulson Adebo
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E24 - 28m - May 28, 2021 - Why CB Paulson Adebo Should Intrigue You | Saints Draft Series Part 3
Former Stanford cornerback and Saints third-round draft pick Paulson Adebo lets his play speak for itself. He's no quote machine, just shy and straightforward, but very well-respected by teammates and coaches.
On a new episode of Black and Gold Rush, longtime Stanford radio broadcaster and Pac-12 Network reporter Troy Clardy is here to discuss how Adebo can impact the New Orleans Saints' secondary. Get ready for a crash course in the Cardinal football brand too!
Tune in FRIDAY for Part 4 of the Saints draft series - all about Saints fourth-round pick Ian Book with South Bend Tribune reporter Tyler James!
TOP 3 TWEETABLE QUOTES
(5:36) "The physical, the tangibles, the measurables are the one thing that certainly give you the first impression about Paulson Adebo ... but don't forget the ball skills and don't forget the recovery speed as well."
(7:18) "Some numbers that you might not necessarily be aware of and numbers that might not necessarily show up are his ability to show up in big games."
(13:25) "Stanford guys have a bit of a brand as being a bit more readily made to handle some of the rigors you might face in the NFL on and off the field. I'm looking forward to seeing how Paulson can apply some of those with the Saints in the future."
(22:22) Random Round
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Saints Draft Pick Series Part 1 - Payton Turner
Saints Draft Pick Series Part 2 - Pete Werner
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E23 - 28m - May 24, 2021 - Is Pete Werner the Saints' Next Ohio State Success? | Saints Draft Series Part 2
We've all heard the line how the New Orleans Saints must have a satellite office at Ohio State. Linebacker Pete Werner is the fourth Buckeye New Orleans has drafted since 2016.
What skills and personality does the Saints' second-round pick bring to the table? Host Rachel Jones asked Pete Werner's high school coach, Rick Streiff. He said Werner's ability to run and move, along with his intelligence & football savvy, will make him an excellent addition. In other words, he's got the "it" factor.
Tune in MONDAY for Part 3 of the Saints draft series - all about Saints third-round pick Paulson Adebo with Stanford/Pac-12 reporter Troy Clardy!
LISTEN FOR THESE QUOTES
(6:05) "He's a young man who always kept his nose to the grindstone."
(7:15) "Really quiet, fly-under-the-radar kind of guy - you have to kind of pull teeth sometimes to get words of out him. But once on the field, he just plays so hard."
(9:23) "He's seen it all, between his high school experience and then obviously at Ohio State, they play the best of the best."
(10:38) "He even played a little bit of cornerback for us in high school when we played some heavy run teams, we would put him on the tight end side into the boundary, and it was a thing of beauty."
(11:33) "If you go back and watch the Ohio State films, they played him all over the place and it was because of those two things - his ability to run and his ability to grasp the scheme and understand what his responsibilities are."
(15:37) "I watched Sean Payton sling it around as a high schooler ... talk about a guy that had football savvy."
(17:35) Random Round
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Saints Draft Pick Series Part 1 - Payton Turner
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E22 - 22m - May 21, 2021 - Doubt Payton Turner at Your Own Risk | Saints Draft Series Part 1
We kick off our series on the New Orleans Saints' 2021 draft picks spotlighting former Houston DE Payton Turner. Cougars radio broadcaster Jeremy Branham (UH Learfield IMG) explains how he's shined under different coaching staffs and schemes at Houston, why being a multi-sport athlete is so valuable for the first-round pick, why Turner's best football remains in front of him, and much more.
Branham has a unique viewpoint covering the Cougars from the sidelines - you'll hear in the Random Round his most memorable moment covering Turner, the one skill he needs to improve most, and Branham's message for the rookie as he arrives in New Orleans.
A new episode is coming FRIDAY featuring Saints second-round pick Pete Werner's high school coach Rick Streiff from Cathedral in Indianapolis!
LISTEN FOR THESE QUOTES
(4:45) "His stock was roaring up before the start of the draft. When the season ended, was probably considered a 3rd or 4th rounder, and then when people started to watch more film on him and look at all his pro day stuff was when his stock really started climbing."
(7:36) "It wasn't a matter of can he play in the league or would he go in the first, to me it was just find him a good landing spot where the coaches will put him in a spot to excel and succeed. And now that he is a first-rounder, really the Saints have no choice right, because you have to protect your investment. He's a kid that deserves everything he gets. I'm really excited for Payton Turner."
(8:46) "That's the biggest intangible - how much he really enjoys playing."
(12:20) "Not only is he big, but he covers a lot of ground left arm to right arm. But he also has a burst of quickness that allows him to get into the backfield."
(14:33) "The first two years of Payton Turner's career he was in a 3-4, and then when Dana Holgorsen came in he kinda changed it to a 4-2-5. It was a 4-3 base, but they ran a lot of 4-2-5 out of it, and he excelled with that defense."
(15:40) "I think he's going to be more of an edge guy with the ability to move in on pass rushing situations."
(17:10) "That's one thing I would add about Payton Turner - his best football is far from him."
(19:10) Random Round
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Houston Athletics on iHeartMedia
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E21 - 26m - May 17, 2021 - Unpacking the Saints' 2021 Draft with Mike Detillier
The New Orleans Saints selected DE Payton Turner, LB Pete Werner, CB Paulson Adebo, QB Ian Book, OT Landon Young and WR Kawaan Baker in the 2021 NFL Draft. Analyst Mike Detillier joins host Rachel Jones to take you inside the Saints' draft blueprint for intelligent and instinctive players on this week's episode of Black and Gold Rush.
Detillier, an engineer by trade, discusses how each player's skills will translate to the NFL and describes the process behind his annual draft report that he's published for 36 years.
Stay tuned for upcoming episodes that will highlight each of the six newest Saints individually!
LISTEN FOR THESE QUOTES
(8:40) "Buddy Diliberto had the best line for me - 'Don't ever be afraid to be wrong, Mike.'"
(10:27) "I'm old enough now to have a little granddaughter, and she tells me, 'Pop, you still working on that book?' So you know you put some hours in when the little granddaughter tells you that. I would say out of 365 days a year, I work on it about 350."
(11:46) "That's the biggest misconception about the draft, that everybody has the same thoughts. All 32 teams have different thoughts."
(13:01) on Payton Turner - "surprised me ... why I dropped him was he was never dominant in that conference, and secondly is the most important thing, injuries. They may kick him inside to defensive tackle. I just hope he can stay healthy."
(17:37) on Ian Book "mental makeup, toughness ... (Sean Payton) being a quarterback understands about a guy being tough, being a leader, and being a winner ... he's gonna come up with a package to get Ian Book involved."
(24:10) on Pete Werner "He's good against the run, he's good in pass coverage, he runs the field well, he's a good open field tackler, and he makes it up with the intangibles. He understands this game at another level ... in year 2, he'll probably be a starter for this football team."
(27:06) on Paulson Adebo "He's got the best shot of all the rookies to see what I would call significant playing time because the Saints are paper thin at cornerback ... He needs a little bit of work technically, but when the ball is in the air, he thinks it's his."
(30:32) on Landon Young "Landon was probably one of the top 3 tackle prospects in the country when he came out of [high school] ... They don't throw the ball much at Kentucky, so you know right off the bat what he's gonna have to work on - pass blocking. I don't think he's an inside player."
(33:42) on Kawaan Baker "He has a tendency to catch the ball up against his body. I don't think he gets picked without that pro day. I think his pro day got him picked."
(36:30) Random Round
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E20 - 46m - May 10, 2021 - 2021 New Orleans Saints Draft Special (with Maddy Hudak)
NFL Draft Weekend is officially here, and if you're like me, it feels like Christmas.
Don't miss a special New Orleans Saints Draft episode of Black and Gold Rush. Host Rachel Jones and The Saints Wire's Maddy Hudak take one more look at the Saints' top positions of need on offense and defense and analyze the increasing possibility of the Saints trading up from No. 28. After all, they have eight draft picks to work with. What kind of players are the Saints looking for in 2021?
Maddy Hudak is originally from San Mateo, CA, but her mom is from New Orleans, and Maddy remembers first seeing the magic of the Saints when they came to volunteer after Hurricane Katrina. You'll also hear her unique career story - from psychology to legal studies to sports writing.
LISTEN FOR THESE QUOTES
(4:55) "My dad was my soccer coach, and he's really interested in the mental side of things, the football IQ side of football. We're both very analytical in that way, so I found that was a good thing to discuss with my dad, being that there were no sons in the family."
(6:42) "If nothing else, I would l like to serve as a tale of A) it's never too late to change your mind on what you want to do and B) if you think you have an idea of what the five years out of your college experience are going to look like, please don't have that set in stone."
(10:48) "The more that you do mock drafts, one thing I've learned is don't pigeonhole yourself on one player."
(12:02) "While the Saints normally don't draft based on need, the pandemic has put everyone in an unprecedented situation where there's no real ability to retain key talent at positions of need. So their two big positions of need are cornerback and linebacker."
(15:18) "If you're a Saints fan, you have to know the Saints do not ever have a set place that they are picking."
(19:59) "To have eight picks, with a lot of them in the 3rd or 4th round - those are actually picks that people would be interested in getting - that's just so much capital to work with."
(23:07) "What sticks out to me the most is (Zaven Collins) is a linebacker who has the tracking abilities of a safety."
(24:12) "If I could have my dream pick - and it still included a cornerback - then it would be Zaven Collins."
(29:25) Random Round
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2021 NFL Mock Draft - The Saints Wire - Maddy Hudak's first round picks for every team
2021 NFL Draft - The Saints Wire - Seven rounds of Saints mock draft picks, with trades
Who Dat Confessional Podcast on YouTube
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E19 - 34m - Apr 29, 2021 - NFL Draft Evaluations 101 with Randy Mueller
Former New Orleans Saints GM Randy Mueller joins this episode of Black and Gold Rush with the NFL Draft just three days away! Mueller was thrilled to "be back in Saints world" - what he called one of the best times in his career, though it only lasted two years.
Mueller shares his insights on many topics from his 30+ years in football, from drafting the Saints' all-time leading rusher Deuce McAllister in 2001 and how mock drafts played a role, to what the Who Dat Nation is all wondering - where the Saints will go with the 28th overall pick in 2021. Mueller also gets candid about how things ended for him in New Orleans and shares advice for others when life gets turned upside down.
Tune in Thursday, April 29, for a special NFL Draft edition of Black and Gold Rush with The Saints Wire's Maddy Hudak!
LISTEN FOR THESE QUOTES
(3:40) "At age 17, I packed up my belongings and goofy looking permed hairdo and went over to to the Seahawks facility and worked for $44 a week and ended up 20 years later, I was the boss."
(7:10) "I've always been able to use these mock drafts as a tool. And when I say mock drafts, it's anybody's mock drafts, I don't care if it's a guy on the street, if it's a guy from another team, if it's a media guy, I welcomed all of our people to collect these drafts and bring them into our draft room."
(15:02) "My philosophy has always been if you tell me exactly what you want, we'll find it, that's not a problem, we'll find exactly the right fit. So I think it's all about fit."
(21:01) "I have Trevor Lawrence at the top, he has all all the boxes checked. He's a big strong dude who can make all the throws. I think the biggest question I have about him is learning an NFL offense and processing it at a higher rate of speed than he's ever had to do before at Clemson. And then I have Zach Wilson rated second behind him. Zack does so many things inside the pocket and outside the pocket and does more level 2 and level 3 quarterback tasks than any of the ones for me in this year's draft. The other three guys, for me all have some questions."
(23:44) "Picking as late as they do 28, here's what I would say, I would say they'd be less inclined to fill a specific need and more inclined to pick the best player available. Nobody stacks their board the same. So the Saints pick at 28 will probably get somebody on their board that they rank in the top 20."
(27:43) "The two short seasons I spent in New Orleans were the best of my professional life. It was awesome. And it was mainly because of the fans."
(32:58) "Whether it's doing podcasts, whether it's writing, whether it's doing anything you like, just try to stay in as many lanes as you can so you have options. And really, it's all about options. That's what our world is, right? It's about timing and options."
(34:38) Random Round
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The Football GM on Apple Podcasts
The Draft Chronicles Part I: The Value of Mock Drafts
The Draft Chronicles Part II: The Draft is a crap shoot, right?
Deuce McAllister reflects on being drafted by the Saints 20 years ago today
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E18 - 39m - Apr 26, 2021 - New Orleans Saints Draft Primer: What to Watch For (with Luke Johnson)
This episode of Black and Gold Rush is a great mix of behind-the-scenes content and a Saints draft preview!
Host Rachel Jones and Luke Johnson, Saints beat writer at The Times-Picayune & New Orleans Advocate, predict the Saints' strategy for the 2021 NFL Draft during their wide-ranging conversation. Rachel and Luke were on The Daily Reveille sports staff together at LSU - and they reunite to discuss how serving in the U.S. Marine Corps shaped Luke's life, the story behind Luke meeting his wife Chelsea, and much more.
Don't miss next Monday's episode featuring former Saints GM Randy Mueller!
LISTEN FOR THESE QUOTES
(6:05) "First and foremost, my dad was in the Marines for 20 years. I always kind of envied his stories. So that was number one. And number two, 911 happened when I was a sophomore in high school. And then that was pretty formative for a lot of people my age."
(12:30) "(Luke's wife) Chelsea worked in back shop and I worked in the newsroom. So we crossed paths every now and then ... But then randomly we had a class together, and ironically enough the name of the class was Marriage and Family."
(15:40) "I think Caleb Farley is the best corner in this draft."
(18:58) "It just remains to be seen whether the Saints think they can trust (Zach Baun) as an off-ball linebacker."
(23:49) "Everybody should pause this podcast now and go watch like a 5-minute Rondale Moore highlight tape. The guy is just so much fun to watch with the ball in his hands."
(30:29) "Because both Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill are going to be free agents next year, there's no guarantee that either of those guys are going to pan out in this offense. And I think it'd be smart enough to just like, always be keeping their options open with the quarterback position - the Saints should be example number one for how important that position is."
(32:28) Random Round
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Saints beat writer mock draft 2.0: Luke Johnson’s picks
Saints have 8 picks in the NFL Draft - Who are the best ever selected in those spots?
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E17 - 36m - Apr 19, 2021 - Black and Gold in Our Blood | Locked on Saints' Ross Jackson Shares His Story, NFL Draft Insights
We're back talking NFL Draft and so much more on Black and Gold Rush. This week's guest is Ross Jackson, host of Locked on Saints since 2018. As he tells host Rachel Jones, his journey started well before that.
Ross grew up in New Orleans and had New Orleans Saints fandom in his blood from an early age. He has a master's in fine arts from UC Irvine and dreamed of being a SportsCenter production assistant before he found sports writing and podcasting through the website All Saints Considered. Not long afterward, a call from Locked On Network founder David Locke changed his career trajectory - Ross just added partnerships manager to his diverse job roles.
The NFL Draft is Locked On's biggest event of the year, so what are the Saints going to do? Ross and Rachel address their biggest positions of need and discuss Jameis Winston's leadership & how Sam Darnold's trade to Carolina impacts the NFC South.
LISTEN FOR THESE QUOTES
(3:40) "I was born a Saints fan. The way that I like to say it, it wasn't even a learned behavior. I just had it in my blood."
(7:30) "I was always a bit of a performer my entire life. I was always that guy that wanted to make everybody laugh. I wanted to make sure everybody was having a good time - that's who I always have been."
(10:45) "I've always been a believer that don't ever wait for the safety net, just leap. And if you need it, it will appear."
(19:19) "Locked on Saints is not my show. I don't call it my show. It's not my podcast or anything. It's our show. It really is a show that is just as much about the people that are listening as it is about the one person who's lucky enough to sit in front of the microphone."
(24:00) "The best advice that I've ever been given is just go - just do it."
(26:46) "He (CB Asante Samuel Jr.) might be a little small, but he ain't never going to act small, like he'll never be that guy that's going to back down or not get involved in a play or that's going to take a play off or be a 50 percent guy or anything like that. He is somebody that brings a drive, brings in aggressiveness, and that brings a ton of confidence, which we know the Saints love in their DBs."
(29:19) "Sam Darnold is not a quarterback that instills a lot of confidence in me. He's not somebody I've ever been super high on. And we know that he hasn't had the ability yet to live up to his draft expectations, especially considering what the Jets gave up to move up and draft him."
(35:20) Random Round
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New Orleans Saints SB Nation page
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E16 - 38m - Apr 12, 2021 - Who’s Hungry? Jaymee Sire Shares Her Recipes for Overcoming Adversity & Living Joyfully
On this week’s episode of Black and Gold Rush, Rachel Jones talks to Jaymee Sire. Jaymee’s journey began in Great Falls, Montana, then hit a speed bump with a very public layoff from ESPN in 2017. But she mastered the art of the pivot.
First Jaymee dishes on sports journalism and her obsession with cooking, then how she almost didn’t take her job offer with ESPN. You’ll see how creativity, passion and determination helped fuel her pivot to food television and hosting the Food Network Obsessed podcast. Stay tuned until the end for some powerful advice for going through a layoff or any hard time!
Jaymee also tells the story of when she first met Bobby Flay - an ESPN “Car Wash” segment. She was always the point person for cooking-related interviews, and she simply asked to be a guest on “Beat Bobby Flay.” Her first appearance on Food Network didn’t air until after her layoff from ESPN, but her next career steps were already in motion - cue Iron Chef Showdown. Now you can find Jaymee hosting Food Network Obsessed on Fridays, doing live cooking classes on the Food Network Kitchen app, and much more! We’ll also dive into Jaymee’s dream food day (24:19) and her favorite New Orleans foods (29:15) - bell peppers not included!
LISTEN FOR THESE QUOTES
(10:30) “The funny thing is, I almost didn’t take that job (at ESPN.”)
(13:33) “It was a bummer to say goodbye to it, but I have fond memories of that entire team both on air and off the air. We were literally a huge family … People ask me all the time if I would go back and I don’t know what the answer to that is.”
(14:49) “I had a co-worker at one point, we were at a Giants game, and she said, ‘Why don’t you start your own blog - you’re always talking about food and the recipes you’re making and the restaurants you’re visiting,’ and I was like, ‘Yea, I should!’”
(21:23) “One of the things I’ve always loved about journalism and my job and my career throughout the years is the ability to tell people’s stories. A lot of times in TV you don’t get a lot of time to sit with somebody … but podcasting in general you get a chance to dive in and ask them about topics that are important to them and important to your listeners as well.”
(24:19) Jaymee’s dream food day - from huckleberries in Montana, to fresh Italian foods, to a steak dinner with her late father
(30:55) “We ate really well when we were down there (in New Orleans). It’s definitely been on my list to go back there with my boyfriend as well. There’s so many good things you could pick - shrimp po’boys for sure. There are so many fantastic places down there - it’s so hard to narrow it down to one place or one dish. You guys have some good food down there!”
(36:34) “Somebody told me that if you haven’t been fired or let go at least once in your life - you just have to go through that. Having that happen obviously is not ideal, but everything happens for a reason. I’m still making my way in this food television world every single day, but I’m getting there. So I think having that happen to me, and then also hearing that piece of advice where you have to go through that to really appreciate it is great advice for everybody.”
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Food Network Obsessed on Apple Podcasts
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E15 - 40m - Apr 5, 2021 - Drew Brees’ Exclusive with Fletcher Mackel, Plus Saints’ Glaring Needs 1 and 1A
This week on Black and Gold Rush, WDSU-TV sports anchor/reporter Fletcher Mackel joins host Rachel Jones for another great New Orleans Saints conversation. Fletcher and Rachel both were born and raised in New Orleans, so they talk about their early years following the Saints, even before Drew Brees and Sean Payton arrived to resurrect the franchise from years of futility.
Now though, the Saints face an uncertain offseason for many reasons, and Fletcher just had an exclusive interview with QB Drew Brees after his retirement. He and Rachel explore the top takeaways from that interview, and discuss whether Jameis Winston will seize his opportunity at redemption and earn the starting role in 2021. It’s been a while - try 20 years - since the Saints had a legitimate quarterback battle, but Fletcher and Rachel both remember it!
Plus, Fletcher outlines what he believes are the Saints’ glaring needs “1 & 1a” - cornerback and starting linebacker. Stay tuned for the weekly random round (starts at 26:50!)
LISTEN FOR THESE QUOTES
(5:28) “I don’t know what life was life without a twin or somebody else there. Now as an adult, it’s definitely a unique concept because we work together and we do the same thing. So that's a bit more of a novelty than just growing up as a twin.”
(8:16) “That was something that was a really great part of the interview was [Drew Brees] talking about New Orleans not just as a party city, but as a place that you can start a business and raise a family. As somebody like you who’s from here, those are the things you want to hear because you want to be proud of New Orleans.”
(16:05) “Talking about Jameis is two-fold to me. Jameis the human being is one thing - maturing, trying to become a better person, getting past his past transgressions. Jameis the player is another thing. Is he going to be a turnover machine like we saw at Florida State or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? I think the Saints are going to put him in a role reminiscent of what we saw with Teddy Bridgewater, where Teddy was a game manager for those five games.”
(18:46) “Do I think that Sean Payton will take more shots down the field with Jameis Winston as his quarterback? Absolutely. Because he has the ability to do it. … I think the Saints are going to be very game-plan heavy from game to game.”
(23:00) “As far as the glaring needs, I look at two as 1 and 1a: starting cornerback and starting linebacker next to Demario Davis.”
(26:08) “Going back to the Billy Joe Hobert & Billy Joe Tolliver days, which were some dark days in Saints history, it’s been 20 years since we’ve had an all-out quarterback battle.”
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Fletcher’s Exclusive Interview with Drew Brees
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E14 - 32m - Mar 29, 2021 - Jameis or Taysom? Larry Holder Talks Saints QBs, Roster Depth & NFL Draft
Let’s face it - it’s difficult to imagine the New Orleans Saints without Drew Brees. His arrival when New Orleans was at its lowest point after Hurricane Katrina lifted up the city and forever transformed the Saints into perennial competitors. But with his retirement now official, Sean Payton and the Saints must decide on their new quarterback, and the team will look noticeably different moving forward.
In this week’s podcast, columnist Larry Holder of The Athletic joins host Rachel Jones for an insightful, upbeat conversation on where the Saints go from here. A battle will unfold between Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill, but the Saints have plenty more unanswered questions.
What are the highest priorities in the 2021 NFL Draft? Mickey Loomis has said the Saints won’t be major players in free agency, but that could change in an instant.
Larry and Rachel also discuss their common backgrounds as LSU graduates and Daily Reveille writers, plus it’s the debut of the Random Round on Black and Gold Rush! Stay tuned until the end (25:40) for quick questions & answers that will peel back the curtain even further with each guest.
LISTEN FOR THESE QUOTES
(8:19) “Let’s go back to that day - We didn’t know if [Drew Brees] was going to pan out because he’s coming off of the shoulder surgery. He was ready to go to Miami, and they did not medically clear him, and the Saints did.”
(9:33) “Everyone thought Reggie Bush was going to be the savior, and then the legend of Breesus comes up. It’s definitely a kinship where they grew together and obviously led to the most significant success in the history of this organization by a landslide.”
(12:26) “People are looking at it and rightfully so, that it’s going to be Jameis vs. Taysom. It’s also bizarre for Saints fans that one of the people competing was a division rival for so long, and so there’s an uneasiness there. And then there’s an uneasiness with Taysom Hill, even though he went 3-1 this past year, it wasn’t aesthetically pleasing to the eye.”
(13:36) “Everybody’s going to be sitting out there jotting down every throw. It’s going to be daily stats coming out on these guys. I’m not saying fans are ready for a change, but I think this is kind of refreshing. You knew a change was going to come, and so I think there’s actually an excitement to see what’s next with Drew Brees at 42 retiring from football.”
(19:13) “These last few years when the Saints were really good, it’s because they had quality across the board. Now they have a really top-heavy team of superstar players.”
(21:48) “You have to adjust your eyes. You wouldn’t have to worry about Janoris Jenkins because he’s a good cornerback, well you’re gonna worry about what’s going on over there now … and of course you’re gonna worry at quarterback. So we are going to have to program our brains a little differently and say if the Saints get into the playoffs, this is good.”
(24:42) “Go to Vegas, put money down that I’m going to put a cornerback in their (draft) class. They’re going to have to go young there because young also means inexpensive.”
CONNECT WITH US / LINKS MENTIONED:
The Athletic New Orleans (*Subscribe for $1/month*)
Larry Holder’s Saints Mock Draft 1.0
Drew Brees Tales: 15 years of anecdotes on the Saints legend, AKA ‘a truthful Uncle Rico’
The Saints may have stars, but the middle tier of their roster is falling apart
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E13 - 31m - Mar 22, 2021 - Drew Brees Tribute, New Orleans Saints’ Top Draft Needs (with Jordan Reid)
It’s the end of THE era in New Orleans, the Drew Brees era, that is. Black and Gold Rush host Rachel Jones takes a look at his legacy that is unmatched not just in numbers, but in impact on an entire city and fan base. It will be strange to not see No. 9 under center for the Saints anymore, but he’ll remain part of the New Orleans fabric forever as he continues on to broadcasting for NBC Sports and spending more time with his family.
Also in today’s episode, who will the New Orleans Saints select with the No. 28 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft? Rachel and senior NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid of The Draft Network examine that question and more in depth as the new league year arrives March 17th, and the draft begins April 29th.
LISTEN FOR THESE QUOTES
(0:42) “Thank you, Drew, doesn’t seem like enough.”
(7:24) “Basketball was actually my first love. My dad didn’t think I was very tough, so he tricked me into signing up for football. But it ended up being a blessing in disguise because that’s what I went to school for.”
(12:58) “Community service is something that’s always been near and dear to me. I love seeing other people positively impacted by others. You just never know how much of a touch you can have on that individual because you never know what’s going on in somebody’s life.”
(16:30) “I want to paint the picture of a prospect as a whole. I can get on YouTube and type in Jaycee Horn highlights, and I can see what he does well and what he doesn’t do well. I can’t see that he’s visiting South Carolina elementary schools and having an impact on them that way … I wanted to get to know them with their helmets off as opposed to just with their helmets on.”
(18:36) “The NFL bloodlines is obviously what sticks out the most about Jaycee. I just love the athleticism with him; that has also trickled down from his dad, and I love the mindset that he has. He’s a very confident individual, and that definitely stands out in his game.”
(21:43) “Kadarius Toney will probably go a little bit earlier than what the Saints are picking in the second round. If he does slip though, I can definitely see Sean Payton salivating over him and selecting him at that spot.”
(26:48) “One of my favorite diamond in the rough players in this draft is Jaelon Darden, a WR from North Texas. He’s a bit of a smaller receiver, about 5-foot-8, 170 pounds. Very electric, reminds me a lot of Kadarius Toney, but I think he’s much more polished as a receiver. Darden definitely could be a sleeper, maybe on day 3 who could be a productive player.”
CONNECT WITH US / LINKS MENTIONED:
Drew Brees Writes an Open Letter of Thanks After Retiring
The Draft Network Mock Draft Machine
Listen: Reid Option Podcast interview with Kirk Herbstreit
Listen: Reid Option Podcast interview with Jaycee Horn
Listen: Reid Option Podcast interview with Greg Newsome II
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E12 - 31m - Mar 15, 2021 - Nader Mirfiq Eats, Sleeps & Breathes New Orleans Saints, AND He’s on a Bigger Mission
The New Orleans Saints are inching closer and closer under the 2021 salary cap. On Thursday, March 4, they made a tough decision to cut their 12-year veteran punter and fan favorite, Thomas Morstead, and Rachel Jones interviewed Sports Overtime podcast host Nader Mirfiq right before he broke that news.
Nader grew up a Saints fan, browsing sports pages of the newspaper in his dad’s corner store and going to games long before the success of the Payton-Brees era. He says it makes being a fan today that much sweeter because he endured the Saints’ struggles of the past. He loves the full circle journey.
Rachel and Nader talk about everything from his experience sharing Saints spirit with his 4-year-old son, how Sports Overtime began more than 9 years ago, and how Nader has built valuable relationships to grow the show. Now, Nader wants to use his platform to help others. He feeds the homeless in New Orleans every week, and he hopes to distribute 5,200 meals (100 per week) by the end of 2021. He’s committed to thinking outside the box, helping them with whatever basic needs they desire - shirts, shoes, baby wipes, etc., even getting his friends and followers involved.
Finally, scroll to around 25:40 for some Saints free agency hot takes, including quarterbacks, tight ends (could a reunion with Jimmy Graham be in sight?) and of course special teams.
LISTEN FOR THESE QUOTES
(6:03) “This always resonates with me in my brain - my grandfather used to always tell me this: If you can’t appreciate something when it’s bad, then you can’t be on the bandwagon when it’s good.”
(9:44) “Having a kid wanting to be into the Saints reminds me of myself when I was growing up. It’s just awesome to see it, and it just brings joy to me.”
(21:45) “At the end of the day, when you die, the only thing you’re taking with you is your good and bad deeds. So if I can do this every Thursday and get some good deeds that will add up for me to get into Heaven, I’m good. That’s my ultimate goal with this.”
(29:23) “I’m not a gambling type of guy, but if it’s the one time I would gamble it would be this time … if you’d have Russell Wilson, Mike Thomas, and Kamara with our O-line, that’d just gonna be scary.”
(32:58) “No. 1 we have Mickey Loomis, and No. 2, this isn’t something new. The Saints do this every year where they get underneath the cap. It won’t surprise me if they get underneath the cap and still be able to sign a few players to fill some holes.”
CONNECT WITH US / LINKS MENTIONED:
Listen to Sports Overtime on Boot Krewe Media
Sports Overtime Episode with Thomas Morstead
Sports Overtime Episode with Jameis 1 of 1
Sports Overtime Episode with Justin Hardee
Thomas Morstead grateful for his career as a New Orleans Saint
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“Black and Gold Rush is awesome and authentic, and I can’t wait for more.” <--- If that sounds like you, please subscribe, rate and review my show! On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate out of five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
E11 - 39m - Mar 8, 2021 - Drew Brees is My Son’s Hero (Brain Injury Awareness Month Episode)
One in 500 school-age children each year receive a head injury severe enough to be hospitalized. On July 28, 2015, young Luke Siegel suffered a horrific accident in Lubbock, Texas, when a modified golf cart landed on him and his brain was deprived of oxygen for more than 7 minutes.
Luke grew up passionate about sports and competition, developing a special bond with his father, Tim, who was born in New Orleans. Now it’s a different life for Luke and his family, but with help and inspiration from his hero, Drew Brees, and his favorite football team, the New Orleans Saints, Luke continues to make strides in his therapy. Tim and Luke have attended eight Saints games together since the accident, and Tim Siegel says Drew Brees now may be “the most important person in Luke’s life.”
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and Tim, a former pro tennis player and tennis coach at Texas Tech University, joined Rachel Jones on Black and Gold Rush to discuss how the Saints have impacted their lives through more than just their play on the field. You can help Team Luke Hope for Minds by donating $3 in March at https://www.teamlukehopeforminds.org/. Wear green on March 3rd for Team Luke Hope for Minds Day! Since 2018, Team Luke Hope for Minds has reached children in 28 states and granted $750,000 to children who have suffered brain injuries. The organization provides financial & emotional support, but most of all - HOPE to families.
LISTEN FOR THESE QUOTES
1. “I asked Luke just a few years ago to move his tongue if the Saints are going to win, and he moved his tongue. That was the beginning of my realization and others that Luke is in there, that Luke understands.”
2. “When Luke is not engaged or he’s unable to open his eyes, the therapist will ask Luke, ‘Can you do this for Drew? Can you do this for the Saints?’ And he’ll try because he heard the words Drew Brees.”
3. “March is an important month for everyone that associates with brain injuries because what people don’t realize is brain injuries among children is more prevalent than anyone could ever imagine.”
4. “5 inspirations from Luke: Find your passion, don’t ever quit, lean on friends, family, coaches, siblings, counselors, make good choices, and No. 5 is have faith.”
5. “Although I never dreamed that my son would be unable to talk, unable to play sports, I also know that he is making an impact on so many thousands of people all over the world.”
6. “I have two choices - one is to sulk and lay in bed, and two is to make a difference and give Luke the best opportunity for life that we can. I will never stop helping others until I take my last breath.”
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Donate to Team Luke Hope for Minds
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E10 - 27m - Mar 1, 2021 - Why Zach Strief's Move to Coaching Inspires Me; Saints-Bucs Rivalry Intensifying (With Karen Loftus)
There’s something special about finding your passion in life. Voice of the New Orleans Saints Zach Strief announced Feb. 19 he’s leaving the WWL broadcast booth to become the Saints’ assistant offensive line coach, following his passion and returning to the game he loves.
Today’s episode of Black and Gold Rush is all about passion. Tampa Bay sports reporter Karen Loftus joins the show to discuss her career, which included a 3-year stop in New Orleans, covering the Bucs’ run to the Super Bowl, and the state of the NFC South.
After Tampa Bay dominated Super Bowl LV, the NFC South may no longer be the Saints’ division to lose. A lot will depend on the offseason and NFL Draft, but one thing is certain - Tom Brady is coming back.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS...
-Zach Strief’s announcement reminded me why I was inspired to start my podcast
-Next week’s episode with Tim Siegel (Team Luke Hope for Minds) will honor Brain Injury Awareness Month
-Karen Loftus explains what it’s like being a city’s “good luck charm”
-Covering two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks so early in her career
-The experience of Super Bowl LV in Tampa
-Why the NFC South could be a two-team race in 2021
-What Karen really misses most about living in New Orleans
CONNECT WITH US / LINKS MENTIONED:
How Zach Strief went from ‘never’ to Saints coaching job, departing WWL Radio
Saints coaching staff reports: tweet from Jeff Duncan
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E9 - 26m - Feb 22, 2021
