We hear about “splash plays” in the NFL all of the time. Sacks, forced fumbles, interceptions, the big plays made that shift the stasis of usual game flow. New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan is no stranger to those big moments, and how they create a lasting effect. With 112.5 career sacks, 14 fumbles forced and 2 interceptions including one returned for a touchdown, Jordan has turned “splash plays” into consistent career production.
With legendary former New Orleans Saints linebacker Rickey Jackson’s franchise sack record (123) well within reach, Jordan will leave a long-standing impact on the city for his on-field play. But it is the additional work he does away from the stadium that will further his legacy. For Jordan, making a splash in the community is just as important as making one in the Superdome.
Here’s a snippet of what @camjordan94 had to say about the impact he hopes to make on the city of New Orleans and the young population he continuously shows up for: pic.twitter.com/XJbTHaokGd
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) December 13, 2022
When I asked him about that impact and how he wants to make it, Jordan has a clear vision for what he desires. “It’s events like this,” he told me. “When you’re able to be a part of something like what Old Spice and Walmart are bringing together with the ‘School of Swagger.’ It like, aligns perfectly with what I love to say I’m about.”
As we briefly caught up during his recent appearance at John F. Kennedy High School, located in the Fillmore area of New Orleans, you could see just how much opportunities like this mean to him. This particular event was in concert with Old Spice Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to help encourage students to find mentors and pursue higher education. The day included a career panel on which members of the New Orleans Saints social media staff and others sat and a pep rally which featured an appearance from Jordan in front of several hundred excited students. A press release around the event highlights the importance of these moments:
“Two million students dropped out of high school in 2019 while 30,000 students signed up for a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America but are still waiting to receive their match. As a part of Old Spice’s 10 year commitment to increasing graduation rates in underrepresented communities and providing support for these students, Old Spice and Saints defensive end Cam Jordan are teaming up to empower and encourage high school students to find mentors and pursue higher education as research shows those who have mentors are 95% more likely to stay engaged in school and participate in positive activities.”
Much like on the football field, Jordan looks to turn splashes into lasting impact. “When you’re trying to be something like a brief mentor,” Jordan said. “You have this splash in a kid’s life, but that splash can create a tidal wave. And that’s what I’m trying to do.”
He has more than lived up to the words as well. Jordan has not limited himself to simply making appearances. This same week his God Iz Love Foundation donated sneakers to 30 kids from the New Orleans Youth Empowerment Project. The Saints defensive superstar has also partnered with organizations looking to make even larger community impact like Crescent City Corps’ drive to inspire police reform and provide racial equity training to officers.
Whether for the youth of New Orleans or having an impact on every day life, Jordan’s drive to leave a lasting impression on the community is unmatched. The last few words of our brief conversation continue to ring in my memory days letter. In speaking on why looking beyond oneself and giving back is so important, Jordan posed the question, “I mean, if it’s not about them, then what can it be about?”
For a person that many assume could have anything he wants, Jordan’s biggest want turns out to be what he can do for others. A genuine and admirable approach. On the field or off, expect the future Hall of Fame pass rusher to make the splashes that bring tidal waves far beyond his playing career.
