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Zach Strief's retirement hasn't exactly been a goodbye so far.

Strief, who was part of WWL's radio coverage of the NFL draft a couple of weeks ago, was out on the field at his old team's rookie minicamp on Saturday, working with draft picks Rick Leonard and Will Clapp as they get their first taste of the NFL.

Two months after he walked away from the NFL after 12 seasons, Strief is still looking out for the next generation of Saints.

"That's huge," Leonard said. "I met him for the first time today out at practice, and he's a great guy, so willing to help."

What Strief's involvement will look like moving forward remains to be seen. Helping out on Saturday was more of an impromptu surprise than the plan at hand, and Strief could continue his involvement with WWL.

But Saints coach Sean Payton couldn't help but get Strief involved when he showed up on Saturday.



"He tip-toed around, stayed on the blacktop like he was one of you guys, so we gave him an all-access pass for now," Payton said. "I think he likes being around it, and I think he likes helping."

Strief has always been a resource for younger players, helping both Andrus Peat and Ryan Ramczyk develop into NFL starters.

"Even when he was playing, regardless of what the position was, if it was another right tackle, he would help," Payton said. "It's good to see him out here."

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Cruize

One more year!

neugey

Strief's the anti-Roethlisberger!

SaintGnome

If he's helping from a technical perspective or even from a motivational perspective, lets sign him as an asst coach, right?

AsylumGuido

He said in an interview that he does not want to coach. He said the hours were far too long. He wants to enjoy his family and his brewery.

Rugby Saint II

But as an advisor he could come out whenever he wants to.

Not one draft pick could take his spot no matter how much he helped them. I respect that man!

AsylumGuido

That's exactly what I expect him to do.

homerj07

Good all around person, wants/likes to help, awesome player AND owns a brewery...

This man needs to run for political office (but he's too smart for that)

jeanpierre

Sometimes just having a different voice come in is invaluable; players don't get fatigued with just one coach/voice - it keeps the team message fresh...