Perseverance
        What does it mean to you? For some it just means the textbook definition. For others it could include a personal story or a story that inspires them. If you asked me, the first thing that comes to mind is our very own, Michael “Can’t Guard Mike” Thomas. When he came out of Ohio State he was seen as a “high potential” but “possible bust” by a few analysts. He proved them wrong. Thomas came out in his first 5 seasons and just set record after record. It felt like between him and Drew Brees we were hearing about record after record that we just became numb to what was really happening. We knew Thomas was great, but it feels surreal looking back on it. For example:

Most receptions in first 5 years (510, surpassing Jarvis Landry)

Single Season Receptions (149, surpassing Marvin Williams)
Most receiving yardage in first 5 seasons (5,512)
Consecutive games with 12+ receptions
Fewest games to achieve 300, 400, and 500 receptions.
Most receptions as a 2nd-5th year player

In 2019 Thomas has at 10+ receptions 9 times, and over 100 yards 10 games.
2019 OPOY (Only the second WR after Jerry Rice)

        To put this into an even easier frame to understand, Thomas was still in the TOP 10 for yards in the last 5 years, and 7th in receptions prior to reinjury last year. This is all against names like Cooper Kupp, Travis Kelce, Jarvis Landry, Keenan Allen, Davante Adams, and Stefon Diggs. Thomas did that despite playing about 20 games LESS than the rest of the guys on that list, and missing nearly 600 days from real football (Thanks David R. for that one). If I had to pick what is more impressive for the 100 million dollar man his stats, or his desire to come back stronger, I would choose his perseverance 100/100 times. He didn’t just have to come back from the injury, he was surrounded by “slant boy”, the doctor drama that preceding him with Delvin Breaux, being counted out, and often times it is the mental game that is harder to play through than the physical one. Thomas found a way to persevere through it all. 

        Now, Michael Thomas goes from uncertainty at QB, so knowing exactly who he should take reps with Derek Carr under center. The Saints look to utilize the 1, 2 punch of Thomas/Olave and still have the depth in guys like Smith and Shaheed at WR. A brand new exciting dual threat out of the backfield, and out of nowhere a TE depth chart that list Jimmy Graham as the third TE. It will be exciting to see what this offense can do, because based on talent alone, there are no more excuses for lackluster performances on that side of the ball. Thomas should strive with expert route runner Olave and Shaheed taking the top off the defenses with his speed.

        I sat down and thought, what do I want to write about? The love of the game, happy that it is football season, or something else? I landed on something else with those two included because when Thomas was on the sideline after catching two touchdowns to bring the saints into striking distance and visibly nearly foaming at the mouth yelling at Wil Lutz to “go win the game!”. I realized no one loves football more than Michael Thomas right now. Thomas grew up loving football, watching football, playing football. He made his entire life about FOOTBALL. After all the heartbreak and changes we have experienced in the Who Dat Nation, but Michael Thomas reminded us two things are still consistent: Michael Thomas IS BACK, and the Falcons still blow second half leads.

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