Saints 21-Year-Old Is Much-Needed Good News
There's no question that the 2025 season hasn't gone as planned for the New Orleans Saints.
It has been a roller coaster since the very beginning of the campaign, and a rocky one at that. The Saints are 1-8 heading into their Week 10 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday before a Week 11 bye week.
These final eight games are going to be important regardless of the impact on the standings. New Orleans needs to figure out which guys currently on the roster can help through a rebuild and determine what they are going to need to add when the 2026 NFL Draft gets here and beyond. There's a lot of negativity out there. But, one thing that should give fans a bit of solace at least is the fact that New Orleans seemingly has found the left tackle of the future in Kelvin Banks Jr.
Even in a difficult matchup against the Los Angeles Rams last week, Banks impressed. He allowed just two hurries and had a new season-high 84.4 run block grade, per Pro Football Focus.
The Saints made a good move selecting Kelvin Banks Jr.
That's just scratching the surface, though. He has started all nine games so far this season and has been steady. He's been called for six penalties, but has allowed just three sacks, on the bright side.
It's important to note that he is just 21 years old as well. He's very young and yet he looks like he fits in out there. There really hasn't been a moment throughout the season when he has looked overmatched. He has a 66.6 PFF grade through the first nine games of his NFL career, good for 35th among 75 qualifying tackles.
Again, he is just 21 years old. His selection at No. 9 on the first 2025 NFL Draft came somewhat as a surprise. But, it has looked like a good move so far this season.
The Saints have a long way to go. Whether Tyler Shough is the guy at quarterback or they need to find a new guy in the draft, whoever will be under center is fortunate to have Banks protecting their blind side for years to come.
“YOU NEED TO BE SILENT!” — Karoline Leavitt’s Tweet Against Brian Schottenheimer of Dallas Cowboys Backfires Spectacularly as He Reads Every Word on Live TV, Turning the Nation’s Eyes and Leaving the Studio in Absolute Silence!!
In one of the most powerful moments of 2025, Brian Schottenheimer, the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, turned an insult into a masterclass of leadership, composure, and strength. It all began when political commentator
During a live television interview just days later, the host asked Schottenheimer about his approach to leadership and how he handles public criticism. Rather than avoiding the topic or brushing it off, Schottenheimer reached into his pocket, pulled out a printed copy of Leavitt’s tweet, and began reading it aloud. The studio fell into stunned silence as Schottenheimer’s calm voice filled the room.
“You need to be silent,” Schottenheimer read slowly, his voice unwavering. “Dangerous. Reckless. Pretending to be a role model.”
He paused after each line, letting the words hang in the air before folding the paper and placing it down on the desk.
Then, with the quiet but powerful authority that has defined his career, Schottenheimer began to speak.
“Silence isn’t weakness,” he said. “It’s the strength to stay grounded in your beliefs, no matter the noise around you. Leadership isn’t about responding to every criticism with anger. Leadership is about using your platform to lift others, to stand firm in your values, and to lead by example.”
His voice was steady, confident, and full of purpose. “When people tell me to be silent,” he continued, “I think of every player who’s ever been told the same thing. ‘Stay quiet. Don’t challenge the system. Don’t think too big.’ But that’s not who I am. That’s not who this team is. We speak with our actions.”
The host, visibly moved, broke the silence with a soft, “That may be the most powerful statement I’ve ever heard on this show.”
What made this moment so unforgettable wasn’t just Schottenheimer’s words, but the way he said them. He didn’t engage in any back-and-forth, nor did he let Leavitt’s criticism provoke him. Instead, Schottenheimer transformed the situation into a profound teaching moment, demonstrating what true leadership looks like in the face of adversity.
Within hours, the clip went viral. Social media exploded with praise for Schottenheimer’s calm, dignified response. Fans, analysts, and fellow coaches all hailed him for his grace under pressure. ESPN called it
Terry Bradshaw tweeted, “That’s how you respond to criticism. Calm, collected, and always true to yourself. Schottenheimer just showed us what leadership really is.”
By the following morning, the headlines read:
“The Day Brian Schottenheimer Silenced Hate Without Saying a Single Cruel Word.”
Leavitt quickly tried to clarify her tweet, claiming it had been “misinterpreted,” but it didn’t matter. The world had already seen Schottenheimer’s response, and it was clear: he had taken a moment meant to discredit him and turned it into a powerful lesson in leadership, integrity, and personal strength.
The phrase “Be calm. Be clear. Be Schottenheimer” soon became a viral motto, celebrated by millions for its quiet power and deep wisdom.
Brian Schottenheimer had just redefined what it means to lead in today’s world — to stand firm, to rise above the noise, and to show that the strongest voices are often the ones that refuse to shout. He reminded everyone that leadership is about more than responding to criticism; it’s about holding true to your beliefs and leading by example, regardless of the noise around you.
