Jeff Duncan
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Columnist: The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com • Analyst: FOX-8, WVUE-TV • Author: Payton & Brees: The Men Who Built the Greatest Offense in NFL History
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Articles by Jeff Duncan
Tyler Shough, Saints teammates headed to California for workouts with Drew Brees Original
Noah Fant has conducted summer throwing sessions with multiple quarterbacks during his NFL career, everyone from Joe Burrow to Geno Smith to Drew Lock. So when Tyler Shough reached out to the veteran tight end earlier this year and asked him to participate in passing workouts with teammates in San Diego this summer, it wasn’t unusual. Fant was all in — especially when Shough told him he was footing the bill for an estimated group of 18 teammates that included airfare, hotel rooms, meals, etc.
Romig, Ehrhardt families to be inducted into Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Hall of Fame
Two iconic New Orleans families, the Romigs and Ehrhardts, will be recognized for their longtime contributions to the New Orleans sports scene by being inducted into the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation’s Hall of Fame. Jerry Romig and his three children, Jay, Mark and Mary Beth, will join Marc and Malcolm Ehrhardt as inductees into the 2026 Hall of Fame class, foundation officials announced. Jerry Romig (1929-2015) and Malcolm P. Ehrhardt III (1947–2022)will be inducted posthumously.
Romig, Ehrhardt families to be inducted into Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Hall of Fame
A member of the Romig family has been in the house control booth for Saints games for more than 50 years, starting with Jerry Romig in 1969. Jerry's son Mark Romig, left, took over as announcer in 2013. Mark's sister Mary Beth Romig, middle, has been a spotter in the booth for nearly 30 years. Their brother Jay Romig, right, has been with the Saints organization for more than 40 years, including in the role of administrative director. They were photographed together on December 30, 2018.
Report: Former Saints Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Mitchell dead at age 51
Former New Orleans Saints linebacker Keith Mitchell has died, according to a report by KBTX-TV in Bryan, Texas. He was 51. Mitchell signed with the Saints in 1997 as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M. He went on to become a starter and standout special teams performer. Mitchell’s best season came in 2000, when he starred for a Saints team that won the NFC West Division title and captured the first playoff win in franchise history.
Report: Former Saints Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Mitchell dead at age 51
FILE - In this Dec. 24, 1999, file photo, New Orleans Saints linebacker Keith Mitchell (59) deflects a pass away Dallas Cowboys tightend David LaFleur (89) during the fourth quarter in New Orleans. Mitchell deflected the ball to teammate Mark Fields (55) who intercepted the pass, sealing the Saints 31-24 victory. On a routine tackle on Sept. 14, 2003, Keith Mitchell wound up flat on his back unable to move. His playing career was over. He had a spinal contusion.
Jeff Duncan: Five reasons for concern with the 2026 New Orleans Saints Original
Everything is sunshine and rainbows these days on Airline Drive, but the optimism around the 2026 New Orleans Saints doesn’t mean there aren’t dark clouds looming on the horizon. The Saints are still an unfinished product. Less than two years into the Kellen Moore era, the depth chart is bereft of blue-chip talent and dangerously thin at certain positions. Key aspects of the team remain a work in progress. For what it’s worth, America remains skeptical.
Jeff Duncan: Five reasons I’m optimistic about the 2026 New Orleans Saints Original
July is the season for optimism in the NFL. Every team is undefeated and has magically fixed whatever ailed them in the offseason. It’s the time for unbridled hope and optimism. And the New Orleans Saints are in that number. The Saints are coming off a 6-11 campaign that marked their third losing season in the past four years. They missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive campaign.
Steve Gleason wants Chris Johnson to know he and his family are not alone in their ALS battle Original
Steve Gleason wants Chris Johnson to know he is not alone. The former New Orleans Saints standout and global advocate for ALS patients issued a statement Monday in response to the news that former NFL running back Chris Johnson has been diagnosed with ALS. “Chris is my NFL brother, but more importantly, he is my fellow human,” said Gleason, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 at the age of 34, said in a statement. “When ALS enters your life, it is a tsunami of emotions.
Jeff Duncan: A bigger, stronger and wiser Arch Manning is looking forward to Year 3 at Texas — and his visit to LSU Original
The first thing you notice about Arch Manning is his frame. He’s bigger, slightly thicker in the upper body. After an offseason of pushing weights around the gym, Manning has added a few extra pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-4 frame. The beefed-up physique was partly a byproduct of the downtime he endured after undergoing foot surgery in January. But there was also an element of intent. Manning wanted to get bigger and stronger to meet the physical demands of starting in the Southeastern Conference.
Jeff Duncan: Someone has to say it: It’s time for the Saints and Alvin Kamara to part ways. Original
They say all good things must come to an end. The Beatles broke up. “Seinfield” eventually became reruns. The once-idyllic marriage of Tom Brady and Giselle ran its course. And it would not be shocking if something similar happened with Alvin Kamara and the New Orleans Saints. In fact, you could argue that parting ways might be in the best interests of the star running back and the team that drafted him nine years ago.
Eli and Peyton Manning celebrate New Orleans Hall of Fame induction with trademark humor, humility
The Mannings know how to take over a room. Eli and Peyton Manning, after all, are two of the most accomplished athletes of their generation and have become just as successful in the entertainment industry, where their “Manning Cast” show has become a Monday night staple during football season.
The Zurich Classic’s premier status in PGA may be in jeopardy after new league format revealed
The Zurich Classic’s status as a premier PGA Tour event is in jeopardy. Starting in 2028, New Orleans’ longstanding professional golf tournament could be relegated to de facto secondary status in the new tournament model announced Tuesday by PGA Tour officials.
Jeff Duncan: Credit Arnie Fielkow for turning Carver High’s Field of Dreams into a reality Original
Arnie Fielkow has accomplished many great things in his long, distinguished career as sports executive and political leader in New Orleans. He’s negotiated high-stakes lease deals for the New Orleans Saints, orchestrated the overhaul of NORD and overseen the development of Joe Brown Park and the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Pontchartrain Park. But few things have been nearer and dearer to his heart than the 9th Ward Stadium project. It has essentially been his life’s calling for the last seven years.
Eli and Peyton Manning, Bo McCalebb headline New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026
New Orleans natives and former NFL superstars Eli and Peyton Manning, who combined to lead their teams to four Super Bowl championships, headline the Class of 2026 for the New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame. Former O. Perry Walker High and University of New Orleans standout Bo McCalebb will join the Manning brothers in the class, which will be honored during a ceremony at the AllState Sugar Bowl awards banquet at the Superdome on Wednesday.
Saints Hall of Fame announces its newest inductees for the Class of 2026
Terron Armstead and Mark Ingram are the newest members of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame. The former star left tackle and running back were introduced as the 58th and 59th player inductees at a press conference at the Saints’ training facility in Metairie on Thursday.
Chambliss, Manning, Sayin headline QB lineup at 30th annual Manning Passing Academy. See who else is attending. Original
When Archie Manning started the Manning Passing Academy in 1996, he never dreamed it would grow into the giant it is today. He modeled the camp after the camp run by the Bowden family (Bobby, Tommy and Terry) at Samford University and hoped it would attract players from the Gulf Coast region. The first camp was held at Tulane University and attracted a modest group of 185 campers, including future Tulane and NFL standout Patrick Ramsey and Major Applewhite, now the head coach at South Alabama.
Jeff Duncan: Just months into his Saints tenure, David Edwards is already proud to call New Orleans home Original
David Edwards is one of us. Like so many New Orleanians, he didn’t know much about the Crescent City before moving here this spring. But the veteran offensive guard has fallen hard for the city’s distinct cultural charms since signing with the club as a free agent in March. In nearly every way — culturally, demographically and aesthetically — New Orleans differs from Edwards’ hometown of Downers Grove, Illinois, and that’s part of the allure.
Jeff Duncan: Why Loyola chose to become Louisiana’s 1st Div. II school in ‘transformative’ move
Tuesday is a landmark day for Loyola University. It’s graduation day for the Wolf Pack athletic program. Loyola is leaving the NAIA to join the NCAA Division II ranks, where it will compete as a member of the Gulf South Conference starting in the Fall of 2027. Loyola officials will formally announce the move at an on-campus press conference on Tuesday at 2 p.m. "This is a transformative moment for Loyola University New Orleans and for Wolf Pack athletics," Loyola University president Dr. Xavier A.
Jeff Duncan: We need to listen to Nick Saban, not mock him
We need to listen to Nick Saban. More importantly, we need to figure out a way to adopt the Protect College Sports Act, which Saban endorsed during his testimony at a congressional hearing where the legislation was introduced on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Yes, the bill has flaws that need to be addressed, tweaked and adjusted. But it’s a comprehensive plan and goes a long way toward fixing the mess that modern college sports has become.
Jeff Duncan: We need to listen to Nick Saban, not mock him
We need to listen to Nick Saban. More importantly, we need to figure out a way to adopt the Protect College Sports Act, which Saban endorsed during his testimony at a congressional hearing where the legislation was introduced on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Yes, the bill has flaws that need to be addressed, tweaked and adjusted. But it's a comprehensive plan and goes a long way toward fixing the mess that modern college sports has become.
Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government
The simple reality is Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and foreign countries like China and India must not buy Iranian oil. The most important lesson from the prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure is that an overreliance on foreign countries for critical products supporting U.S. economic and national security harms America.
Jeff Duncan: No Demario? No Taysom? No problem. The Saints are eager to see new leaders emerge.
The New Orleans Saints are going to look and sound a lot different this season. Their alpha leader, Demario Davis, is now playing in New York. Three other former team captains – Cam Jordan, Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill – have not been with the team this offseason, their futures in limbo. If you’re counting, that’s a combined 15 Pro Bowls, two All-Pro selections and numerous team records gone from the roster – at least, for now.
Jeff Duncan: College football should learn from the NFL before it destroys itself Original
College football has a problem. It’s currently being eaten alive by a disease it infected upon itself. Pat Riley famously coined a phrase for the exact ailment destroying the sport: The Disease of Me. It occurs when the pursuit of individual glory, ego, and greed completely consumes the collective good. Today, the Disease of Me is rampant across college football, where everyone is serving themselves and no one is serving the game. The Big Ten and SEC are the worst violators.
Jeff Duncan: Alvin Kamara faces no-win situation if Saints seek pay cut
Alvin Kamara is facing a big decision. He soon will have to decide whether he wants to continue playing for the New Orleans Saints. The complication is clear: Staying with the team will likely require a pay cut. The request hasn’t happened yet. But if you listened closely to general manager Mickey Loomis on Monday, you know the pay cut is coming. Loomis, as always, was careful with his words when discussing the situation with local reporters at the annual Saints Hall of Fame Golf Classic.
Jeff Duncan: Breaking down the good, bad and ugly of the Saints’ 2026 schedule Original
NFL officials are telling us something with the league’s 2026 schedule. They still don’t believe the Saints are prime-time players. The presence of Tyler Shough and a fleet of new offensive weapons wasn’t enough to convince the NFL’s schedule-maker and network partners the Saints are ready for the spotlight. The Saints are one of just seven teams to have one or fewer prime-time games on their schedule this season.
The Saints’ Paris opponent is finally official, and it’s a six-time Super Bowl champion Original
The Pittsburgh Steelers are the Saints’ opponent for their Week 7 game in Paris, the NFL announced Wednesday. The game, which will be the first NFL contest in France, will be played Oct. 25 at Stade de France. The six-time Super Bowl champion Steelers were a bit of a surprise after media reports in February indicated the Cleveland Browns would serve as the Saints’ opponent for the game, which was part of the league’s nine-game International Series.
Saints’ opponent in Paris game might be juicier than previously thought Original
The Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as possible candidates to be the New Orleans Saints’ opponent for their game in Paris this season, multiple sources said Tuesday. While the league has not announced the date or Saints’ opponent for the game, multiple sources said the game will be played Sunday, Oct. 25 at Stade de France. The NFL is expected to formally announce the date and opponent for the game Wednesday, when it reveals its full slate of international games.
Saints’ opponent in Paris game might be juicier than previously thought
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Jeff Duncan: The Saints are doing right by Alvin Kamara, not mistreating him Original
Are the Saints mistreating Alvin Kamara? Tyrann Mathieu thinks so. On his podcast this week, the Honey Badger criticized team officials for not “dealing with (Kamara) in good faith” or having the courage to cut the star running back. “This is not the way you treat your franchise all-time touchdown leader,” Mathieu said. Mathieu is biased. He’s a former player and views the situation from a player’s perspective.
Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo and connections started their run to glory in New Orleans Original
Golden Tempo and the connections of the winner of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby started their journey to horse racing glory in New Orleans. The 3-year-old colt, his trainer, Cherie DeVaux, and jockey Jose Ortiz Jr. competed at the Fair Grounds Race Course, as did the Derby’s third-place finisher, Ocelli.
During a ‘grief-filled time,’ a Louisiana family has two shots at Kentucky Derby glory Original
Owning one horse good enough to run in the Kentucky Derby is a dream. Having two in the Run for the Roses, well, that goes beyond most people’s imaginations. This is heady reality for the Bernhards: Dana and son, Ben. The longtime Baton Rouge residents will give Louisianans a local rooting interest when they send out Albus and Incredibolt in the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. “It’s exciting,” Dana said.
Kentucky Derby 2026: Jeff Duncan has selections, betting tips from local handicapping experts Original
The Kentucky Derby will be run for the 152nd time on Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. The favorites in the early betting pools are The Puma (7-2) and Renegade (4-1), but handicappers expect a wide-open race. Since 2000, just 28% of morning line odds favorites (7 of 25) have won the Run for the Roses. The 1-2-3 finishers — Emerging Market (15-1), Pavlovian (30-1) and Golden Tempo (30-1) — in the Louisiana are also among the contenders.
Fitzpatrick brothers make history with dramatic, ‘life-changing’ victory in Zurich Classic Original
When the tap-in dropped and the reality set in, Alex Fitzpatrick bent to his knees and covered his face in disbelief. Across the green, his older, more famous and accomplished brother, Matt, raised his arms in celebration. The Fitzpatrick brothers, the pride of Sheffield, England, were Zurich Classic champions.
Fitzpatrick brothers seize Zurich Classic lead with record round of 57
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Zurich notebook: Sponsor's exemptions have taken advantage of their opportunities
The five players who got into the Zurich Classic of New Orleans field via sponsor's exemptions all made the cut Friday and will each pick up a check at the end of Sunday's final round at TPC Louisiana. While most of the attention this week has gone to 54-hole leader Alex Fitzpatrick and 18-year-old phenom Blades Brown, South African Casey Jarvis was in the spotlight Saturday.
Zurich notebook: Sponsor’s exemptions have taken advantage of their opportunities
The five players who got into the Zurich Classic of New Orleans field via sponsor’s exemptions all made the cut Friday and will each pick up a check at the end of Sunday’s final round at TPC Louisiana. While most of the attention this week has gone to 54-hole leader Alex Fitzpatrick and 18-year-old phenom Blades Brown, South African Casey Jarvis was in the spotlight Saturday.
Fitzpatrick brothers seize Zurich Classic lead with record round of 57 Original
Softened by an inch of rainwater from an early-morning thunderstorm that swept through New Orleans, the TPC of Louisiana has rarely been less imposing than it was Saturday. With the wind stifled, the greens holding and the players allowed to lift, clean and place their balls, the course was laid bare for the field of 35 two-man teams in the third round of the Zurich Classic. And no team took advantage of the optimal conditions more than Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick.
Alex Smalley, Hayden Springer maintain lead at Zurich Classic with Fitzpatricks lurking
So far, so good for Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer. Their lead is precarious, but they’re still on top of the Zurich Classic after two rounds of competition. The pair of 29-year-old Americans entered Friday’s competition with a one-stroke lead and managed to maintain it with a roller-coaster round of 72 during hot, blustery playing conditions at the TPC of Louisiana. “I think we scrambled pretty well and hung in there,” said Springer after the team’s five-birdie, three-bogey round.
I like the Saints’ selection of Jordyn Tyson. But it comes with risk — one I wouldn’t have taken.
I mocked Jordyn Tyson to the New Orleans Saints. I love his talent and the bubbly, engaging personality he brandished in his post-draft press conference with local reporters. His ability jumps off the game tape. He might very well be the best receiver in the NFL Draft. But I’d have preferred Caleb Downs at No. 8.
Blades Brown, the PGA Tour’s 18-year-old phenom, has the game to back up his name
Minutes after finishing his opening round at the Zurich Classic, Blades Brown was asked to sign a soccer ball for an eager 10-year-old boy, who’d been waiting patiently in the gallery outside the scorer’s tent. Brown happily obliged, much to the delight of his freckle-faced fan. “I love it,” Brown said. “That used to be me — literally, like about 8 years ago.” Brown wasn’t exaggerating.
Irish hero Charlie Smyth gains a new fan in Shane Lowry: ‘His story is incredible’ Original
The New Orleans Saints have a new fan in Shane Lowry. The PGA Tour star said Wednesday he is considering switching his allegiance from the Chicago Bears to the Saints because of fellow Irishman Charlie Smyth’s heroics as the New Orleans kicker. “His story is incredible,” said Lowry after meeting Smyth during the pro-am tournament at the Zurich Classic Wednesday at the TPC of Louisiana in Avondale.
One final mock draft: Predicting who the Saints will take with the eighth overall pick
Every year, the NFL draft tends to produce the same tired tropes. The depth in this class is better than usual! Don’t be surprised if there is a record number of trades! No, it’s actually next year’s class that is loaded! Yadda, yadda, yadda. At the risk of falling into that typical pre-draft bluster, it certainly feels like the top 10 of this year’s draft is truly unpredictable.
Zurich Classic tees off with a fresh wave of young, ascending talent Original
No Rory. No problem. The Zurich Classic is just fine, thank you. The tournament might feature fewer A-listers than recent years, but it is not bereft of star power. Recognizable stars like Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzgerald and Brooks Koepka are on hand along with an array of lesser-known, ascending talents. Plenty of stars will be in the 148-man field. Many are just stars of the future.
Everything you need to know about the 2026 Zurich Classic
2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans FACTS & FIGURES When: Thursday-Sunday Where: TPC Louisiana, Avondale Par: 36-36—72 (7,425 yards) Field: 74 two-man teams Format: 72 holes — Thursday/Saturday: Best ball; Friday/Sunday: Alternate shot Cut: After 36 holes, the low 33 teams and ties advance to the final two rounds Purse: $9.5 million Winning team’s share: $1.372 million per man Playoff: If necessary, a sudden-death playoff will start at No. 18 2025 champions: Ben Griffin/Andrew Novak...
Matt Fitzpatrick, Ben Griffin, Brooks Koepka, Shane Lowry headline the field for the 2026 Zurich Classic
Wyndham Clark – Taylor Moore Matt Fitzpatrick – Alex Fitzpatrick* Brooks Koepka – Shane Lowry Michael Brennan – Johnny Keefer Rafael Campos – Alejandro Tosti Cam Davis – Geoff Ogilvy Nick Dunlap – Gordon Sargent Austin Eckroat – Davis Thompson Tony Finau – Max Greyserman# Brice Garnett – Lee Hodges Ryan Gerard – David Ford Ben Griffin – Andrew Novak Garrick Higgo – Matt Kuchar Billy Horschel – Tom Hoge# Stephan Jaeger – Jackson Suber Tom Kim – Kevin Yu Chris Kirk – Patton Kizzire Peter...
Tony Finau and Matt Greyserman commit to the 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
Six-time PGA Tour winner Tony Finau and rising PGA star Max Greyserman have committed to team together at next week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, tournament officials announced Friday. They’ll join a field headlined by Brooks Koepka, Matt Fitzgerald, Shane Lowry and defending champions Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak. The full 74-team field for the event, which tees off Thursday at TPC of Louisiana, will be announced Friday afternoon.
Jeff Duncan’s Saints mock draft: New Orleans lands an explosive offensive weapon to help Tyler Shough Original
The Saints have not used a Top 10 NFL Draft pick to select a receiver since 1988. They have never used one to take a defensive back. One of those droughts could end this year. After taking an offensive or defensive lineman with seven of their last eight first-round picks, it looks like the Saints are poised to break their big-man trend this year. Let me explain. First of all, you should know that this is not considered a great draft.
Wyndham Clark, Taylor Moore commit to team at the 2026 Zurich Class
Former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark has committed to team with Taylor Moore in the 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, tournament officials announced Wednesday. Clark, currently ranked No. 71 in the World Golf Rankings, tied for 21st at The Masters last weekend. He won the 2023 U.S. Open.
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