For the better part of the past 15 years there have been unofficial "Cam Jordan days" celebrated regularly at schools in and around the New Orleans area.
That's because the standard-bearing New Orleans Saints defensive end has made it a point to be visiting schools on almost every team off day since arriving in the city. He'd wager he's done upward of 300 in that span, with some of the students at his earliest visits now full-grown adults.
"You sort of emulate what you see. If you see somebody who is always giving back, you sort of want to give that," Jordan said. "That’s exactly where my servitude came from, by watching my parents … so, for me, the moment I came to New Orleans I was trying to figure out how best can I help serve my community."
That commitment to the community was pointed to early and often this week as the city officially proclaimed May 8 as "Cam Jordan Day," with a celebration held at city hall to kick off the day's council meeting. The event included a welcome performance by the Edna Karr marching band, larger-than-life decorations provided by Mardi Gras World and even a video narrated by Mark Ingram to underscore Jordan's impact on the community. Jordan was also presented with a plaque designed by the Edna Karr art department thanking him for his years of contributions and visits.
Saints team owner Gayle Benson and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser were both in attendance, along with the rest of the Jordan family and former Saints LB Craig Robertson. The event was organized by the office of District C Councilmember Freddie King III, with fellow councilmembers Lesli Harris, Eugene Green, Helena Moreno, JP Morrell and Oliver Thomas also speaking to Jordan's impact in the city.
“I just want to thank you for all that you for all that you do in this city. We know what you do on the field … but you do so much for the community," King said, joking that standing-room only crowds at council meetings were not typical for positive events.
"This is just a small token of not only the city council and the city of New Orleans’ appreciation for what you do."
Benson's speech emphasized Jordan's importance to the culture and youth of New Orleans since he was drafted in the first round in 2011, and made sure to note his NFL record for sacks against a single quarterback, 23 on Falcons QB Matt Ryan.
“As much as I love winning on the field, what our players do every day to life their spirits and make life-changing impacts in peoples lives is even more important," Benson said. "Our goal is to do both, win on and off the field, and nobody better exemplifies these goals than Cam Jordan.”
Along with school visits, Jordan's foundation has run a host of programs and outreach to benefit the youth in the city, including a scholarship program that this year will send its first four students to the in-state school of their choice debt-free.
Jordan was born in Minnesota where his father, Steve, was a star tight end for the Vikings and grew up in Arizona, but he's emphatically a New Orleanian now, and joked that his four children proudly declare NOLA as their hometown.
“We’re always going to be locked in," Jordan said. "I hope I’m in New Orleans for another 1,000 years. I might not live that long, but I’m just saying, that’s how deep I feel we’re locked in.”
For Jordan himself, this offseason represented something of a crossroads for the 8-time pro bowler and all-time Saints sacks leader -- or at least it appeared to. He spent extra time after his final home game of this past season going around the perimeter of the Superdome signing autographs, knowing it could be his last, with a new head coaching regime set to take over and significant change along with it.
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Jordan ultimately agreed to a reworked contract that included a pay cut, adding in incentives to earn that money back, likely ensuring he finishes out his career in black and gold.
“When you see the love you get from New Orleans, is there a point in leaving?" Jordan said. "When you say, yes, we’ve had struggling times on the football field, but we still showed so much promise. ... I love the potential of this team and that’s what we’re gonna work for.”