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New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas climbing the all-time chart in production

One of the best running backs in New Orleans Saints history keeps his head low and his goals high, plugs along with the bluest of collars, has been underrated for so long that "underrated" has become his first name, remains the patron saint of all undrafted Saints.

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New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) runs with a 25-yard reception in the first quarter during the preseason game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on August 17.
The value of Pierre Thomas only seems to increase as seasons pass and he adds chapters to the remarkable story he's authoring. And his worth doesn't measure just on the field, where his contributions are well known - 521 carries for 2,501 yards and 23 touchdowns, 166 receptions for 1,363 yards and seven touchdowns and just four fumbles in all those touches.

More, as the Saints near the end of the preseason preceding Thomas' sixth NFL season, he remains a walking example of the Saints' tenet that regardless of where a player comes from, he'll stick with the franchise if he produces. And that the coaching staff will base personnel decisions on what it sees.

And that that guy, who seemingly dropped out of the sky, can become third in franchise history in yards per carry (4.8), tied for fifth in rushing touchdowns, 10th in rushing yards and tied for 10th in total touchdowns (31).

No Saints running back has been more reliable since Thomas joined the franchise in 2007, a statement that's underlined and bold-faced by the fact that he's the longest-tenured Saints back on the roster. Few Saints, period, have been more dependable during that time.

"I'm just being consistent," he said. "That's something I was always told and that's always been my goal, just be consistent. Just keep working hard and never give up and if things start looking good for me, it's a blessing."

Things have looked good for Thomas for a long time. And that's one of the reasons the Saints are able to attract quality, undrafted, rookie free agents.

Probably, every one of them since 2007 has been told Thomas' tale, how he beat out a draft pick (Michael Pittman, fourth-rounder), stuck as a special teams ace, became the first back in franchise history to have a game with 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving (against the Bears, on Dec. 30, 2007) and twice led the Saints in rushing, including 2009 - the season the franchise won the Super Bowl.

If they don't know, it should be required reading.

"He plays with a passion," defensive end Will Smith said. "He makes plays and does a lot of things that you just don't see most running backs do.

"That passion that he has now and that he plays with is the reason why he got the job. He was playing scout team, going against (defensive starters), and he was doing what he does on Sundays against us.

"The coaches noticed it. It kind of sets a point to a lot of guys that are undrafted free agents - when they come to the Saints, the Saints will give you an opportunity if you make plays in practice."

Said Thomas: "(Saints coaches) are just using my story as, 'Hey, look at Pierre, he worked hard, he was dedicated to making this team and being a good player and being a leader on the field and off the field.' So they're using my story and my journey as a way for these younger guys to say, 'Hey, you go out here and you bust your butt, you can make this team. Anything is possible.'

"So if my story enlightens guys and gives them that drive, then I'm blessed that these coaches are using me for an example. I'm just happy. But I've got to keep doing what I'm doing no matter what, because my story is still continuing."

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