SmashMouth

NEW ORLEANS – I have a timely message from former New Orleans Saints’ special teams ace Steve Gleason on the eve of Friday night’s exhibition game against the San Diego Chargers at the Superdome.

It is solely intended for those Saints who likely will have to play their way on to the 2010 Black and Gold via special teams.

They include but are not restricted to (in numerical order): S Chip Vaughn (21), CB Leigh Torrence (24), S Pierson Prioleau (31), CB Reggie Jones (35), S Chris Reis (39), RB DeShawn Wynn (43), LB K.C. Asiodu (49), LB Marvin Mitchell (50), LB Anthony Waters (59), C Nick Leckey (60), DE Junior Galette (67), WR Montez Billings (89), DL DeMario Pressley (90), DT Al Woods (94), LB Harry Coleman (95) and DE Jeff Charleston (97).

Gentlemen, listen up. Take it from someone who carved a niche and made a name for himself in the NFL on special teams, someone whose name is forever linked to the infamous “homecoming game’’ of 9-25-06 in the Superdome against the Atlanta Falcons.

Gleason blocked a punt in the opening quarter of that game that resulted in a touchdown and eventually led to a dramatic 23-3 victory in the Saints' initial game played in New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Yes, Steve Gleason (2000-2007) has been there, done that.

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