The Saints have seen many “colorful” players over the years. And none have captured the attention of the media more than Mike Ditka’s pick: Ricky Williams (from the Texas Longhorns). The “bride and groom” photo that Ditka and Williams posed for on the ESPN magazine is infamous, and unfortunately, one that is etched in our memories. Link  Instead of trying to recap his pre-Saints years, I’ll refer you to the best pre-draft information that I found on Deuce McAllister. It is from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Link

When Deuce was drafted by the Saints, he got ANYTHING BUT a warm welcome from Ricky Williams. When a rookie breaks-in, the mentoring of experienced veterans is very valuable. But that wouldn’t happen because Ricky saw Deuce as a competitor and a threat …instead of a teammate. As things would go, Williams’ attitude became more weird as the months went by. He was finally traded to the Miami Dolphins for two first-round draft picks. Once he became the featured back for the Saints, Deuce’s career took off. And even though he’s been bitten a few times by the injury bug, he’s fought through it time-after-time. The results: Deuce possesses most of the Saints’ all-time rushing records, and is raising the bar at the same time. Fast-forward to the 2006 draft.

The aftermath of Katrina was at the forefront of Saints’ fans’ minds, Tom Benson cleaned house, and there was a new sheriff in town in the person of head coach Sean Payton. Aaron Brooks and other Jim Haslett hold-overs were sent packing. Then, Payton and G.M. (Micky Loomis) pulled off a move of genius by snagging Drew Brees, a talented QB that the San Diego Chargers felt had his best years behind him, and one that the Miami Dolphins felt wasn’t as healthy as Dante Culpepper. And if that wasn’t enough drama, the Houston Texans determined that Reggie Bush was not as valuable as Mario Williams (…yet another player named Williams in the mix). San Diego, Miami, and Houston: We STILL thank you.

So with all the ecstasy and rave that Reggie Bush brought on draft day, the “buzz” started that assumed “Deuce’s days with the Saints are numbered.” But oh, how far from the truth that speculation was. Instead of a talented veteran (Deuce) feeling sorry for himself, or pouting in front of the media, he let his actions speak louder than words. Yes, the media went “goo-goo” over Reggie Bush, and YES, some of them tried to “stir the pot” by asking Deuce if he felt that his job was threatened ---while on camera, or in front of a hot mike. Deuce kept on his road of excellence, and mentored Reggie Bush in that all important rookie season. But how many stopped to think about the fact that this was something that Deuce NEVER got from Ricky Williams. In fact, RW made a statement to the media AFTER he was traded to the Dolphins: “I don’t care how many yards I get, as long as it’s more than that other guy (Deuce McAllister) gets.”

Yes, Ricky Williams went on to lead the NFL in rushing that year, and he took a cheap shot at Deuce in the process. But Deuce (as usual) took the moral “high ground,” and didn’t return a shot back at RW. Instead, he set a tremendous example for Reggie and the entire team by his work ethic, dedication and overall team play. Deuce is a stalwart in community service and supporting civic events. His donations to his alma mater (University of Mississippi) have exceeded one-million dollars, he had a visible presence in helping in post-Katrina efforts, he has contributed time-and-time again to other organizations, and he works tirelessly as an NFL “Goodwill Ambassador.” Is Dulymus “Deuce” McAllister the real “heart and soul” for the New Orleans Saints? You be the judge. Geaux Saints!

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Deuce McAllister  Indianapolis Colts  New Orleans Saints  Stealthman