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