Thomas Morstead might have been wearing the wrong color jersey in Sunday's showdown at the Caesars Superdome, but there's no question where his heart remains as he finished out his NFL career.
Sunday marked the first time the former Saints punter returned to New Orleans since he was cut ahead of the 2021 season. He's also spent time with the Jets, Falcons and Dolphins over the last several years, and he took to social media following the game.
"Today was special," Morstead wrote. " Got to play in the Dome one last time in front of so many family, friends, and fans. I love you all."
Morstead spent time chatting with former teammates, though that number is much smaller than it used to be, fans and family prior to the game. He punted four times, the final two of which pinned the Saints at their 11 and 6 yard lines to make their potential go-ahead drives all the more difficult. The Saints' final chance ended on a turnover on downs around midfield and the 49ers won 26-21.
Morstead, 39, spent his first 12 NFL seasons in New Orleans after he was selected in the 5th round of the 2009 draft, winning a Super Bowl with the Saints as a rookie. He's best remembered for being the leg behind the "ambush" onside kick to open the second half of Super Bowl 44, the type of play that could no longer happen under the NFL's new kickoff rules. Morstead is also the player from the Saints Super Bowl roster still active in the NFL.