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Olin Kreutz loves playing center. He hates being the center of attention.
So it came as no surprise when Kreutz politely declined interviews Friday after his first practice as a Saint.
Kreutz wasn't trying to be rude. He simply had more important matters to deal with than the gaggle of reporters who gathered in his direction after Friday night's workout.
There was a playbook to learn, video to study and teammates and coaches to meet.
Saints fans will have plenty of time to learn about their team's new starting center. And one of the first things they'll come to know is that Kreutz values the team above all things. He couldn't care less about publicity. He deflects attention and publicity like he does a blitzing linebacker.
"It's not something I worry about," he told the Chicago Sun-Times in a 2006 story. "I don't say that I don't give a damn what people think about me. Obviously, everybody cares a little bit, but there's nothing I can do about it. I care about the team. I care about how I do my job. I care about doing things the right way when I play football. If you're outside the O-line room, I wouldn't say I'm terribly worried about you liking me. The O-line, I care if they like me or not. We all have to get along."
This no-frills, no-nonsense approach was among many reasons the Saints were attracted to Kreutz and struck quickly to sign him, only two days after Jonathan Goodwin bolted town for the San Francisco 49ers.
The Saints like Matt Tennant. But they weren't ready to turn over their high-powered offense to an unproven second-year pro. Not now. Not this season, with a possible Super Bowl run on the line.
Saints Coach Sean Payton admitted his team is in "win-now" mode, and the Saints see the 13-year veteran as the perfect fit in the middle of their talented, veteran line.
"We have a lot of respect for him," Payton said. "You watch him play on film, he goes until the whistle, he's a tremendous competitor, he's been to six Pro Bowls, and he's been with a team that has experienced winning. We're excited about it and excited about what that brings to our offensive line and our offense in general."
The Saints wasted little time inserting Kreutz into the starting lineup. On Thursday night he was standing on the sideline with General Manager Mickey Loomis during his free-agent visit. A day later he was snapping footballs to Drew Brees and making line calls between Pro Bowl guards Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans.


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New Orleans Saints new center Olin Kreutz blocks out distractions | NOLA.com

73Saint

Good signing. I feel really good about this guy.

realheavyd

New Orleans Player News Update: Saints Lure C Olin Kreutz to NOLA + WWL.com's Q&A of Sean Payton on Chris Ivory's surgery, the addition of the veteran Kreutz at center and the future of Matt Tennant at center.

New Orleans Saints News

lumm0x

Great signing for the short term. I am sure Tennant will learn a ton from him.

LBCutta

I like him already.....anxious to see what he does on the field

Danno

Yep, I believe Papz siad it best, he's a one-year bridge for Tennant.

Although if he plays exceptionally, Tennant may have to wait two years.

Patience Matt, patience. We typically bring everyone not named Evans along slowly. Although Nicks jack-slapped his way into a starting spot pretty fast.

I think the plan all along was Tennant in 2012, but the 49ers threw a wrench into that plan.

homerj07

F---ing Niners!! This guy sounds like a mean SOB