This week, we welcome back friend of the show Ross Jackson for a conversation that goes far beyond football.

From rookie minicamp to locker-room culture, Ross explains why this Saints team suddenly feels different — and why fans across New Orleans and around the world are buying back into the vision under head coach Kellen Moore.

We dive into the energy surrounding the Saints’ 2026 draft class, why players like Jordan Tyson and Tyler Shough have created genuine excitement, and how the organisation has shifted from an ageing roster searching for answers to a younger team with a clear identity and purpose.

Ross also shares incredible behind-the-scenes insight into:

* the difference in atmosphere inside the building

* why Tyler Shough “gets” New Orleans

* the Saints’ changing draft philosophy

* the rise of high-character leadership

* underrated rookie and UDFA names to watch

* and why this era simply feels more connected to the city again

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There’s football analysis, plenty of laughs, some classic Saints chaos, and a reminder of why this franchise means so much to the people who love it.

In this episode:

* Why the Saints “feel different” in 2026

* Rookie minicamp standouts and early impressions

* The cultural impact of Tyler Shough

* Ross’s thoughts on the Saints’ younger roster

* Draft steals, UDFAs, and future leaders

* Why New Orleans and the Saints can never truly be separated

* Paris games, Jazz Fest, locker room vibes, and more

Guest Links

* Twitter/X: @RossJacksonNOLA

* Website: Locked On Podcasts

What starts as a birthday trip turns into something much bigger in this episode, as we follow Maggie Tennant’s journey from Scotland to New Orleans—a city that didn’t just meet expectations, it completely reshaped her world.

Eight years ago, Maggie arrived in the Crescent City for her partner’s 40th, expecting great music, food, and atmosphere. What she didn’t expect was to fall head-over-heels for its energy—from late nights on Bourbon Street to jazz-filled days in the French Quarter. But the biggest surprise? American football.

With zero background in the sport, Maggie’s introduction to the New Orleans Saints came later, during lockdown. What began as curiosity quickly turned into obsession—early alarms, late nights, and a growing love for the drama, intensity, and community that surrounds the team. Somewhere along the way, the Saints became more than a team—they became a connection back to a city she couldn’t shake.

In this episode, we unpack how fandom can grow in unexpected places, how WhatsApp groups and global communities turn strangers into friends, and why cities like New Orleans—and even Havana—leave such a lasting imprint on those who visit.

There are stories of wild nights, near-missed hurricanes, unforgettable meals, and the kind of laughter that only comes from being slightly out of your comfort zone. But at its heart, this episode is about something deeper: finding belonging in a place far from home.

Whether you’re a die-hard Saints fan, a curious newcomer, or someone chasing that feeling of falling in love with a city, Maggie’s story is a reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the ones you never planned for.

#Saints #neworleans #louisiana #nfl #nflul #NFLScotland #nola #neworleanssaints #whodat

What happens when a Croatian football fan discovers a deep, unexpected connection to New Orleans? In this episode, we follow Vedran, a Croatia-born Saints supporter now living in the UK, as he shares a remarkable journey that proves community, culture, and football can transcend borders in the most meaningful ways.

From first reading about Hurricane Katrina in the newspapers to falling in love with the resilience and spirit of the New Orleans Saints, Vedran’s story is one of curiosity turned into connection. What begins as distant admiration evolves into a personal pilgrimage, as he finally steps into the city he’d long imagined, only to find it exceeds every expectation.

Along the way, Vedran uncovers surprising Croatian roots woven into the fabric of New Orleans, from its culinary traditions to iconic institutions like Drago Seafood. He reflects on the magic of the city’s street life, where jazz spills into courtyards, dive bars feel like home, and strangers quickly become friends, and explains why the Superdome stands as far more than just a stadium, but a powerful symbol of resilience and unity.

This episode dives into what it truly means to belong to a team, a city, and a global community of fans. It’s a story about passion crossing oceans, about how sport can anchor identity, and about the life-changing moments that happen when you follow that pull.

Whether you’re an NFL fan abroad, a lover of travel and culture, or simply someone searching for deeper human connection, this conversation is a reminder that the world feels smaller, and richer, when we embrace the stories that bring us together.

#Saints #neworleans #louisiana #nfl #nfluk #croatia #NFLCroatia #nola #neworleanssaints #whodat

In this episode of Saints, the City and Me, hosts Michael and Daniel sit down with their traveling companion and die-hard Saints fan, Sam, to unpack an unforgettable cross-country road trip—one that stretched from the cold of Michigan to the heart and heat of New Orleans. Along the way, Sam’s story becomes the perfect backdrop for a bigger conversation about football, fandom, and the emotional pull of the New Orleans Saints.

The trio dive into the Saints’ recent win over the Buccaneers, breaking down an uneven game that delivered a thrilling second half. Much of the focus falls on the continuing rise of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, whose mobility, confidence, and poise still catches some fans off guard. With comparisons to young Josh Allen and flashes of real long-term potential, Shough’s development becomes a central theme—proof that patience and proper development truly matter.

The defence gets its due as well, with major improvements highlighted across the board. Even special teams—long a frustration for fans—show signs of turning the corner. Together, these elements paint a picture of a Saints team in transition, but trending upward.

But this episode is more than football analysis. It’s a celebration of fandom, travel, and the emotional connections that make sports matter. Sam reflects on how meeting fellow fans on his journey deepened his love for the team. The hosts share stories of international NFL culture, the magic of attending games in person, and the powerful pull of New Orleans—from its food and drink to its people and nightlife.

Through heartfelt moments and plenty of laughs, the conversation touches on everything from gatekeeping in fandom to favourite players, city rivalries, karaoke nights, and the shared joy of being part of the global Saints community.

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After a short hiatus, The Saints, The City, and Me is officially back—and Daniel and Michael are kicking things off with a fan-favorite guest: Jay Lawrence. One of the most recognisable voices in the NFL UK scene, Jay returns to the show to share his journey through the growing British NFL landscape, his unforgettable Super Bowl experience, and the inspiring rise of Saints rookie kicker Charlie Smith.

This episode dives deep into both fandom and football. Jay reflects on how his presence in the NFL UK community has skyrocketed, why fan-focused content matters now more than ever, and how one spontaneous moment online can sometimes connect with thousands. He also opens up about attending the Super Bowl—a true bucket-list moment that brought his love of New Orleans full circle.

Dan, Mike, and Jay take a thoughtful look at the current state of the New Orleans Saints, examining a season full of challenges, bright spots, and long-term promise. From the potential of international prospect Charlie Smyth to the upside of rookies like Tyler Shough and Danny Stutsman, the trio break down what rebuilding really means and what gives fans hope for the future.

Filled with humour, nostalgia, and genuine passion, this episode celebrates the people who make this sport special: the fans.

Follow Jay:

https://www.instagram.com/jaylawrence

https://www.tiktok.com/@jayxlawrence

https://x.com/jaylawrence91

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Recorded in two parts, this episode blends sharp NFL analysis with the joy of fan travel. In the first half, Daniel is joined by UK journalist and longtime Bears fan Ben Isaacs for a deep dive into the Saints vs. Bears matchup and the wider state of the game. Ben reflects on how the Saints’ ongoing struggles have exposed limitations, while highlighting flashes of improvement in the Bears’ evolving offense — particularly in the run game.

The conversation widens to college football, where Spencer Rattler’s potential remains under scrutiny amid a difficult season, and LSU and Texas A&M battle to define their identities in a shifting SEC landscape. Ben brings a journalist’s precision and a fan’s honesty, noting how patience — especially with young quarterbacks — is often in short supply in today’s social media-driven sports culture. The chat wraps with a lighter turn, connecting Louisiana’s deep musical roots and hip hop scene to the broader cultural heartbeat of the game.

In the second half, recorded from the airport, Daniel reconnects with co-host Mike to share stories from the first leg of his US trip — starting with a lively weekend in Chicago. They paint a vivid picture of game day at Soldier Field: the electric atmosphere, the mix of pride and frustration that comes with being a fan, and of course, Chicago’s deep-dish pizza making a memorable appearance.

Together they reflect on how traveling for sports builds lasting connections and cultural appreciation, comparing the energy of American sports bars to the potential of similar experiences in the UK. Their excitement builds toward the next stop in New Orleans — and the promise of more “Who Dat” moments to come.

Follow Ben: @tweetsfromben

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In this episode of The Saints, The City & Me, Mike and Daniel unpack another tough week for the New Orleans Saints, who have slipped to 1–5 after a frustrating showing in the Dome They dig into the on-field struggles, from red zone inefficiencies to missed opportunities, and assess Spencer Rattler’s continued development under pressure.

The conversation moves between serious analysis and trademark humour, touching on the realities of rookie growth, quarterback debates, and the lingering “what if” surrounding top prospect Drake Maye.

The hosts also revisit the London game experience, comparing fan engagement abroad to what’s waiting for them back in New Orleans, complete with travel plans, food talk, and a hilariously honest segment about restroom recommendations in the Crescent City.

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In this episode of The Saints, The City & Me, Mike and Daniel finally get to talk about a win — the Saints’ first victory in 301 days. They dive into the energy that swept through the team and fanbase, breaking down a dominant defensive showing that forced five turnovers and showcased the rise of young playmakers.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing — the guys share their frustrating experience attending the NFL London game, from ticketing chaos to a disjointed fan experience that left many wondering if the league truly understands its international audience.

Looking ahead, Mike and Daniel discuss how the Saints can build on this momentum, the importance of confidence in the locker room, and why the Superdome atmosphere could be the key to turning this season around.

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In this episode, Daniel and Mike break down the Saints’ hard-fought matchup against the Bills while also reflecting on the drama of the Ryder Cup. Despite the Saints falling to 0-4, the guys find silver linings, from an improved run game to flashes of resilience after tough losses.

They dive into accountability within the roster, the need for better red-zone quarterback play, and the recurring fourth-quarter struggles that continue to haunt the team.

The conversation isn’t shy about calling out controversial officiating, shaky special teams, and coaching decisions, but it also highlights player development and reasons for optimism with winnable games on the horizon.

Along the way, Daniel and Mike mix in humour, cultural analogies, and even culinary comparisons (“gumbo and potato salad” anyone?) to make sense of where the Saints are headed.

It’s equal parts reflection and forward-looking analysis, packed with candid takes, fan perspective, and plenty of black-and-gold flavour.

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The New Orleans Saints’ trip to Seattle was nothing short of a disaster. From sloppy penalties to predictable play calling, the team looked disorganised and unprepared on every level. In this episode, Daniel and Mike break down what went wrong — from questionable roster decisions and coaching calls to struggles on both sides of the ball and special teams miscues.

They dive into the bigger picture too: what this performance says about the team’s direction, how fans are reacting, and why community support matters more than ever. Looking ahead, the Saints face an even tougher challenge against the Buffalo Bills. Can they rebound, or are we looking at a season of rebuilding?

With fiery sound bites like “Discipline lost us the game” and “Where’s the seasoning?”, this episode mixes sharp analysis, candid fan perspective, and even some game day flavor.

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