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It felt like a tease.

For years, fans of the New Orleans Saints heard stories and whispers about the feats and attributes of little-seen and little-heard-from wide receiver Nick Toon. Every year, he somehow figured into the mix at receiver, and every year ended the way it started: with Toon mostly behind the scenes.

To outside observers, at least, Toon was more of an idea than a tangible asset that was visibly helping the team. The 2014 season started the same way, and it appeared he was destined to end another season in the shadows.

After spending his rookie season on injured reserve, Toon caught four passes for 68 yards in 2013 as a second-year pro, then spent eight for the first 10 games of the 2014 season on injured reserve. It wasn’t until injuries robbed the Saints of depth at wide receiver that he was finally given a chance to play.

He broke out — or at least showed glimmers of his potential — by catching 17 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown.

Getting the opportunity to be on the field and serve as a regular member of the wide receiver rotation were all Toon needed to start cashing in on his potential. His confidence grew each week he was given the opportunity to play and, throughout the rest of the week, he felt he made great growth in practice.

“I feel like I’ve grown both mentally and physically and continue to make great strides in becoming a better player and better receiver,” he said. “I learned a lot this season. Got the opportunity to go out there and contribute a little bit and definitely grew as a player. That’s what it’s all about.”


Read more: Saints are excited about their young receivers’ futures | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.