Category: Cameron Jordan

Cameron Jordan puts Troy Polamalu on notice with must-see new hairstyle

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan is looking to take up Steelers great Troy Polamalu’s legacy of epic hair styling in 2020.

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Look out, Troy Polamalu: the Pittsburgh Steelers legend was known as much for the plays he made on the field as he was for his signature curly locks, but there’s a new challenger coming for his legeacy.

That would be New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, who debuted his newest hairstyle for the 2020 season on Saturday. Jordan prepared for Saints training camp by going for natural waves hanging down to his shoulders, with tastefully-sculpted mutton chops accenting the look.

It’s perfectly on-brand for Jordan, who has gotten creative with his hair throughout his NFL career. Ranging from flat top and high fades to long dreadlocks dyed black and gold, he’s never passed on the opportunity to express his sense of fashion. Last year, he even added a long Fu Manchu-style mustache to his toolbox, waxing it into a handlebar for his official NFL roster headshot.

Jordan did credit an activator product for his super-natural new look, but the details of his haircare regimen is being kept close to the vest. And more’s the pity, because whom amongst us wouldn’t want to try it out for themselves?

Naturally, Jordan’s personal news drew rave reviews and reactions:

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Cameron Jordan is ready to play football, in a stadium or even a parking lot

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan has anxieties about the COVID-19 pandemic, but he’s eager to get to work in training camp.

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Anytime, anywhere. That’s the message New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan issued in his opening press conference call ahead of training camp, when asked whether his teammates have enough time to prepare for their Sept. 13 season opener.

“I mean, if you said, ‘Cam, could you play this Sunday at midnight?’ I guess I would meet you out in the parking lot somewhere. I am ready,” Jordan replied.

Early this summer, when the NFL was just beginning to come to grips with the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Saints coach Sean Payton canceled his team’s offseason program and the virtual workouts that would have come with it, which many squads around the league have attempted while working from home.

But Payton did deliver two marching orders to his players: take care of their families, and show up for training camp in the best shape of their lives. That’s something Jordan took to heart.

Jordan said, “I assume everybody (received) that memo. Because I’m talking to guys like Craig (Robertson) and Demario (Davis), they never stopped working and I Facetimed Craig and he just get out of a workout. I hit up Demario, he’s still working out. So I know for sure guys are biting at the bit to try to get back to this facility to again, compete and try to win a Super Bowl.”

Sure, Jordan has some concerns about playing a contact sport in the midst of a highly infectious pandemic. New rules and protocols are being introduced each week, it seems, and he’s anxious to see how a preseason without preseason games unfolds. But at the end of the day, he knows that the Saints and every other team are doing their best, and he’s ready to roll with the punches that come his way.

“So hopefully we stay on the right path with the right procedures in place,” Jordan continued, “but I think the Saints have tried to put (the protocols) in place and we’re able to get through a season. Of course I wouldn’t say flawlessly, but a season nonetheless in the best way we can to pursue the Super Bowl.”

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Cameron Jordan, Matt Ryan team up for historically-great NFL stat

New Orleans Saints DE Cameron Jordan has sacked Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan more often than any defender-passer duo in NFL history.

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It’s one thing to know that New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan has sacked Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan more than any other passer, recording 18 takedowns against Ryan in his career. That’s impressive in its own right, but maybe not too surprising given how often the Saints and Falcons have squared off over the years.

What adds another element to this fact is the knowledge that Jordan’s 18 sacks against Ryan or more than any other defender-quarterback combination in NFL history, per Elias Sports Bureau. Jordan won that title by sacking Ryan four times on Thanksgiving Day last season, part of his personal-best 15.5 sacks in 2019.

That’s going down as one of our favorite stats, which is probably common among Saints faithful. But thanks to the wonders of social media, we now know that it’s one of Jordan’s favorite stats, too:

Maybe Jordan and Ryan can extend their lead together with two more sacks in 2020. It’s great to see even a division rival step up to help someone out, but we’ll have to wait and see whether Ryan’s been as eager to support Jordan’s cause as we’re assuming.

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Cameron Jordan: Falcons games prepared him for playing in empty Superdome

Cameron Jordan would prefer to play in front of New Orleans Saints fans, but he says he’s used to empty stadiums after so many Falcons games

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The novel coronavirus pandemic has already shifted the NFL’s offseason calendar, and more changes seem inevitable. One significant difference for the 2020 season would be games played in stadiums with fewer fans — if any at all, which would be a big hit to teams reliant on their home-field advantage like the New Orleans Saints.

But all-star defensive end Cameron Jordan isn’t buying that narrative. He’s ready to play anywhere, anytime, even if he will admit that a quieter Mercedes-Benz Superdome would feel, well, awkward. While he’s hopeful to play games in front of a supportive crowd, he’s acutely aware of how public health concerns must be the top priority.

Jordan commented on the situation after a recent event in which he gifted $25,000 in computers to underserved New Orleans schoolchildren. He said, “That Dome Field advantage is real. When Who Dat Nation fills in that entire stadium, those are chills right there. That’s the advantage you feel.”

The Superdome has played host to some of the NFL’s highest-scoring games, with Drew Brees conducting Sean Payton’s offense to peak efficiency over the last decade-and-a-half. But Jordan’s defense has stolen the show in recent years, feeding off the crowd noise and putting pressure on opponents.

Playing without that backing would hurt, but Jordan is confident that the Saints will overcome it. He pointed to the lackluster showing by opposing fans for Saints road games as preparation for these sort of circumstances.

“Now we’re just going to know that everyone is tuned in on TV, I guess? I don’t know. To have to treat a home game like an away game? Awkward,” Jordan continued, “It’ll be like playing in Atlanta or something.”

That’s some nice fuel to add to the fire for the always-heated Saints-Falcons rivalry. Maybe Atlanta will make it competitive this year.

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Cameron Jordan throws shade at Bucs after Tristan Wirfs trade

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan took aim at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after their 2020 NFL Draft trade for Tristan Wirfs.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t waste any time in getting some help for Tom Brady, trading up one spot in the 2020 NFL Draft to select Iowa Hawkeyes left tackle Tristan Wirfs.

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan wasn’t impressed, asking for someone to clarify something for him — whether or not the Buccaneers paid their offensive tackles last season or not. They did pay out a three-year extension for Donovan Smith, the incumbent left tackle, and picked up the 2019 contract option on right tackle Demar Dotson (who has not re-signed for 2020).

Of course, he knew that answer. What Jordan really wanted to know was what happened after those contracts were handed out. That answer would be two losses by Tampa Bay to the Saints, in which Jordan’s defense racked up a combined eight sacks. Jordan accounted for 2.5 of those.

It’s going to be a challenge for Wirfs to do much better. Jordan is an annual Pro Bowler, one of the game’s All-Pro caliber talents, and he’s beaten linemen who are more experienced and more athletic than the rookie. He’s certainly looking forward to testing his new division rival.

This sort of draft-day trash talk isn’t new to Jordan. He also took aim at the Atlanta Falcons last year, laughing off their reinforcements along the offensive line. On Thanksgiving, he backed up those barbs with four sacks in prime time, a new career-high. He’s not afraid to chirp at his competition. But unlike many tall-talkers, Jordan is ready to back it up.

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Cameron Jordan has a request if Saints join the wave of new NFL uniforms

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan sees other NFL teams with new uniforms, and he has a humble request: bring back gold jerseys

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It almost feels like a different NFL team is announcing new uniform changes each week this offseason. It’s a move the New Orleans Saints could maybe get involved with; we’ve already made our stance clear, advocating for the popular “Color Rush” gold-on-white alternates to be promoted as the team’s full-time away jerseys.

Other suggestions have ranged from reviving the old-school black and gold throwbacks to introducing black helmets instead of gold, as well as seldom-seen logos like the Louisiana Saints patch that once decorated jersey sleeves. But if you were to ask All-Pro Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan to share his take, he has a creative request: bring back the gold jerseys.

Now, Jordan doesn’t want to give up his current threads (he cleared that up in a follow-up tweet, blaming a typo), but he would like to redeem the ill-fated gold jerseys. The Saints last wore them in 2002, during a loss to the Minnesota Vikings, and Jordan would love the opportunity to make up for that defeat while wearing such a unique look. What do you think? Should the Saints take his advice?

 

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Cameron Jordan reacts to Tom Brady signing with the Buccaneers

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan welcomed Tom Brady to the Buccaneers and the NFC South, a division title he plans to defend.

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There might not be many NFL players more eager to fulfill an interview request than New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan. Jordan made an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio to discuss the latest news in his orbit, including recognition on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s NFL All-Decade Team. But he also focused on current events — like the arrival of longtime New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the NFC South, having signed a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (who debuted new uniforms on Tuesday).

“I mean, this is going to be super, super weird,” Jordan said, “and the fact that he will be in my division, gives me more chances to hit him, hopefully.”

So, Jordan is definitely taking this development in stride. Jordan has played against Brady just twice to date, recording one sack, two hits, and seven combined tackles (four solo). The Saints lost both contests, with the 2013 matchup coming down to a last-second touchdown pass from Brady with pressure in his face, while the 2017 tilt was, well, less memorable.

While he took time to recognize the supporting cast Brady will work with — wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, in an offense designed by the pass-happy Bruce Arians — Jordan saved his greatest appreciation for what Brady adds to the always-competitive division. Most importantly, he wants to let Brady know that the Saints intend to defend their title, and that the Buccaneers should expect to play for second-place.

Jordan said, “You’re talking about somebody who’s been known as one the greatest of all time, with six Super Bowls, and he’s a winner. And for him to be in my conference, I’m not excited about it, but at the same time, I sort of am. I would love to welcome him to the NFC South, which we’ve won for the last three years.”

 

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Panthers cut Cam Newton, Cameron Jordan immediately hits recruiting trail

Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan didn’t waste any time in trying to recruit free agent quarterback Cam Newton after the Panthers cut him.

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Well, that escalated quickly. The Carolina Panthers released franchise quarterback Cam Newton, formally ushering in a new era led by Teddy Bridgewater and new head coach Matt Rhule. What’s maybe most surprising about the development is how long it took New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan to jump in and try to sell his team on Newton, now a free agent.

Jordan responded to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter which said that Newton recently passed a physical, with both his surgically-repaired foot and shoulder clearing inspection. However, that prompted Jordan to ask whether Newton would like to take a year or two of rest to make sure, and maybe adjust his throwing mechanics (if needed) in New Orleans.

Jordan also pointed to the strengths of the Saints roster — a “dynamic, top tier” running back in Alvin Kamara, options at wide receiver (like Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, and Deonte Harris), and most importantly, a “cemented and proven OFFENSIVE LINE,” which allowed far too many pressures, sacks, and knockdowns during Newton’s tenure in Carolina. It’s a compelling argument.

Of course, an issue bigger than navigating the salary cap or getting Newton to accept a backup role behind Drew Brees would be getting a message out in the quarterback’s signature Wingdings-esque Instagram font. Maybe another shipment of gifts from Jordan Winery would help convince him.

This isn’t the first big swing at the plate Jordan has taken this offseason. He’s been as active as ever in doing his part to court playmakers, connecting with since-traded Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay and suggesting former Miami Dolphins top draft pick Dion Jordan (who was handpicked by Jeff Ireland, now the Saints college scouting director) as a great scheme fit in New Orleans. That proves that Jordan is acutely aware of how close the Saints are to reaching a Super Bowl with this current roster, and he wants them to load up and do whatever they can to get over the hump.

Then again, maybe Jordan is just being wistful. He later joked that he’s been daydreaming of whether the Saints could assemble all three of the “2011 draft class Cam’s on the same black and gold squad,” meaning himself, Newton, and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (son of Saints great “Ironhead” Craig Heyward), a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro. Wouldn’t that be something?

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Cameron Jordan embraces the challenge of Tom Brady-Buccaneers matchup

The New Orleans Saints expect to play Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers twice in 2020, and Cameron Jordan isn’t taking it lightly.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is expected to sign a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, adding a new challenge for the New Orleans Saints. But team captain Cameron Jordan isn’t sweating it — he’s embracing the opportunity to compete against the best.

Jordan spoke with The Athletic’s Larry Holder, saying in a text message, “Our division just became even tougher. I can’t wait!!!”

But that wasn’t Jordan’s only public statement on the looming Brady-Buccaneers pairing. When the NFL’s official Twitter account shared a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport breaking the expected deal between Brady and the Buccaneers, Jordan responded with plenty of respect for what the legendary quarterback has accomplished:

It’s clear that Jordan doesn’t intend to let his team take the 42-year-old passer lightly. Seeing Brady conduct an offense loaded with weapons against Jordan and his battle-tested Saints defense twice a year will make for must-see TV.

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Cameron Jordan criticizes Jaguars for trading Calais Campbell to the Ravens

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan unloaded on the Jacksonville Jaguars for trading Calais Campbell to the Baltimore Ravens.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to a puzzling trade on Sunday, sending Pro Bowl defensive lineman Calais Campbell to the Baltimore Ravens for no more than a fifth-round draft pick. Campbell is one of a handful of players who have created 6.5 or more sacks and 50-plus tackles in each of the last three years — another one is New Orleans Saints captain Cameron Jordan, who took aim at the Jaguars for jettisoning such an important piece of their defense.

Jordan lambasted the Jaguars for their lack of loyalty to Campbell; he pointed out Campbell’s contributions on the field and off of it in Jacksonville, and criticized them for not appreciating Campbell’s influence in the locker room, as “the vet leader that they didn’t deserve but had at (the) helm.”

It’s easy to see why this stings so badly for Jordan. Campbell is someone he’s long admired, having watched the big defensive end’s NFL career start with the Arizona Cardinals while Jordan was a student at nearby Chandler High School. They have similar styles of play and levels of production, and Jordan obviously has a lot of respect for what he’s accomplished.

Fortunately, this isn’t a scenario that Saints fans should have to see play out. Jordan signed a contract extension last summer that ties him to New Orleans for the foreseeable future; he’s one of the best players on a team whose arrow is still trending up, towards yet another year of Super Bowl contention. While the Jaguars may be willing to sacrifice fixtures of their franchise for unclear reasons, Jordan and the Saints are very much in the business of competition.

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