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Tony McDaniel | My journey to becoming a New Orleans Saint



Editor’s note: Veteran defensive lineman Tony McDaniel recently signed with the New Orleans Saints. He has written a first-person story for FanRag Sports, as told to NFL writer Bill Williamson, on his free-agent experience.

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It was an interesting free agency for me. When it started in March, I didn’t know how it would play out or how long it would take for me to find my new NFL home. I’ve been a free agent in the past and I always signed early in the process.

It turned out that I had to wait three months this time, but in the end, it’s crazy how quickly it all came together. The New Orleans Saints called with interest and before I knew it, I was there for minicamp and then I signed. So, in my 12th NFL season, I am joining my sixth team. (I was a Seattle Seahawk twice.)

The way I joined the Saints was interesting. They had me participate in their minicamp last week on a tryout basis. I never even knew that was possible in the NFL. I’ve never seen it before.

I know some people were surprised that someone with my experience was asked to go to a three-day tryout before signing. I even had a family member ask me about it, saying that I was a veteran and I shouldn’t have to do something like a tryout, but I didn’t look at it like that.

I looked it as an opportunity and as a blessing. Even after all of these years, I appreciate any opportunity I can get. I know a lot of guys never get one opportunity.

Also, maybe my willingness to go through the minicamp on a tryout impressed the coaches that a vet would do that. They obviously like what I did because I ended up signing there.

I’m beyond excited about this opportunity. I really liked the scheme they were running in minicamp. I think I’m a good fit for it and I think I can make a lot of plays. They expect their defensive linemen to play with speed and I think that is my game.

I went to the school at Tennessee and I’m from South Carolina, so it’s good to be back in the South. The Saints are a contending team. I was in Seattle last year and being on a contender is my standard. So, I have a lot of expectations.

I’m also really excited about playing with quarterback Drew Brees and running back Adrian Peterson in New Orleans. To be with two future Hall of Famers is a blessing. Watching them play offense is going to energize me while I’m on the sidelines. It’s just another reason why I’m excited about being a Saint.

Now, while I wait for training camp to start, I will work on my cardio a lot to prepare for training camp. I did most of my weightlifting work earlier in the offseason. Overall, I’m ready to start this new chapter in New Orleans. It’s really a good situation for me and I can’t wait to get started.

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill