Next week the New Orleans Saints will be reporting for the 2026 training camp, but last week it was a passing retreat out in San Diego -- one that was planned and fully funded by Saints second-year QB Tyler Shough.
Shough leaned on former Saints QB Drew Brees to help organize the event, which was attended by more than 15 teammates. Brees himself stopped in and participated in work, as did Brees' longtime trainer Todd Durkin, who chatted with WWL Radio earlier this week.
"To see Tyler out there leading the guys, it was really an awesome thing, to not only meet all the new guys, but to see the veterans come back and work and then Drew feeding into Tyler, it was … a great experience," Durkin said. "The guys loved it, they got better and they’re getting excited for the season."
Hear the full interview with mind, body and life coach Todd Durkin in the player above. Can't see the embed? Click here.
It was a step toward what Saints fans will hope is a Year 2 leap for Shough, who took over as the starter midway through his rookie season and led the team to a 5-4 finish after a 1-8 start to the year. That stretch included a four-game winning streak and a pair of 300-yard passing games.
With an up-close-and-personal look at Shough's process, Durkin gave his stamp of approval.
"He worked his tail off in the weight room, he was asking a lot of questions about 'how do I get better in the core,' and ... he was really hungry to learn," Durkin continued, "and even with Drew out on the field, like, he was sharing some wisdom and it’s great to see a veteran helping out a younger guy and to have a younger guy who was open to receiving. Listen, he’s the real deal."
Saints in San Diego⚜️ #whodat pic.twitter.com/H1SE3yT2F6
— Tyler Shough (@tylershough2) July 15, 2026
Among the players in attendance were WRs Chris Olave and Ja'Lynn Polk, TEs Juwan Johnson, Noah Fant and Oscar Delp, as well as RB Travis Etienne.
The week included work in the weight room and ample time on the practice field, but that was only a small piece of the value. Shough and teammates had a variety of events planned, including dinners and golf trips. It all marks an investment in team and chemistry-building that can be vital to a team's success, particularly during the dog days of a long NFL season.
Durkin said he saw that often and firsthand during similar events coordinated by Brees throughout his Hall of Fame career.
"Drew said it, this is where championships are made, in times that you don’t have to be here and you’re grinding," Durkin said, "and to see Tyler, how they responded to him … it’s really cool to see."
