Tyler Shough, the New Orleans Saints’ rookie quarterback, has embarked on an unconventional journey to the NFL, marked by resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Embracing the Rollercoaster: A Rookie QB’s Mindset for Overcoming Adversity
Shough’s path to the NFL has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with injuries, transfers, and shifting roles. From being Justin Herbert’s backup at Oregon to transferring to Texas Tech and eventually Louisville, he has experienced both highs and lows. Despite being an MVP at one point, he has also faced the lows of being booed and carted off the field. Yet, Shough remains unfazed by the prospect of early struggles as a rookie starter, saying, ‘You’re not going to faze me if we start off 0-2 or I f—— suck. It’s going to be fine. That’s what I was excited about, that opportunity, or any opportunity.’
Earning Respect: Shough’s Quest to Lead the Saints’ Offense
As a rookie, Shough understands the importance of earning the respect of his teammates and coaching staff. He is competing with Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener for the starting job, with the potential to become the Saints’ first rookie Week 1 starter since Archie Manning in 1971. Shough’s determination and resilience have prepared him for the challenges that come with being an NFL starting quarterback. He acknowledges the rollercoaster ahead, saying, ‘If you would have told me as a 20-year-old, you’re going to get drafted, but you are going to have to wait four or five years and you’re going to break your bones three times and think about not playing football again and you’re gonna be depressed and you’re gonna have all these emotions, but if you just stay at it then I would have done it and I did.’
From Backup to Starter: The Opportunity of a Lifetime Awaits
Shough’s journey has been unconventional, marked by injuries, transfers, and shifting roles. He began his college career as Justin Herbert’s backup at Oregon before transferring to Texas Tech and eventually Louisville. Along the way, he has experienced highs and lows, from being an MVP to being booed and carted off the field. Despite the adversities he has faced, Shough remains unfazed by the prospect of early struggles as a rookie starter. The opportunity to potentially become the Saints’ starting quarterback following the surprising retirement of Derek Carr is one he is ready to embrace.
Resilience Personified: Shough’s Determination Fuels His NFL Dreams
Shough’s resilience and determination have been the driving forces behind his unconventional journey to the NFL. Selected by the New Orleans Saints in the second round (40th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, earlier than many expected, the 25-year-old quarterback is ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead. His mindset is one of gratitude for the opportunity, saying, ‘If you would have told me as a 20-year-old, you’re going to get drafted, but you are going to have to wait four or five years and you’re going to break your bones three times and think about not playing football again and you’re gonna be depressed and you’re gonna have all these emotions, but if you just stay at it then I would have done it and I did.’
