Total Pro Sports
New Orleans Saints star wide receiver Chris Olave admitted that he was close to calling it quits after just three seasons.
Amid a tough four-year stretch for the Saints in the post-Sean Payton era, the 25-year-old Chris Olave has been a bright spot with three seasons of 70-plus catches and over 1,000 yards.
Olave missed nine games in 2024, a turbulent season in New Orleans that led to the midseason firing of head coach Dennis Allen. Olave suffered two concussions in his third season, and New Orleans’ offense predictably unraveled without him.
Having suffered four confirmed concussions in his first three seasons, Chris Olave revealed that he was close to retiring in the offseason, per ESPN’s Katherine Terrell.
“It was a tough time last year. I was only 24 years old, contemplating retirement, especially with the head injuries, but I prayed about it. My fam, my close fam was around me. They stuck by my side and I just gave it another try, another chance. And it’s been a great year…
My parents, my brothers and all my close people, I felt like I leaned on them a lot and they helped me get out the situation and I’m super grateful to be where I am today.”
Chris Olave added that he’s grateful for the Saints’ organization and wants to sign an extension. He has one year left on his rookie contract.
The New Orleans Saints are heading for their fifth straight season without playoffs.
. But they’ve actually exceeded expectations under rookie head coach Kellen Moore.
A trendy pick to finish last in the NFL at the start of the year, Chris Olave’s Saints are 5-10. This included a season-series sweep of the NFC South-leading Carolina Panthers.
Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has given the offense a jolt since replacing Spencer Rattler. under center. Tight end Juwan Johnson is having a career year. Young offensive tackles Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks Jr. have solidified the o-line.
Olave and Juwan Johnson have elevated their games since No. 2 wideout Rashid Shahed was traded to the Seattle Seahawks.
