One of the most notable components of being drafted to the New Orleans Saints or signing there is being able to fit in with the city and learn the culture. Tyler Shough has done a flawless job of this over the course of the last 12 months since being selected, and we saw what happened with Derek Carr, who did less than an impressive job at it during his tenure. Mardi Gras provides a beautiful opportunity for players to integrate themselves into that culture while also enjoying the festivities and interacting with fans as much as they wish.
We hear players talk about it yearly and attend, and now, even their draft picks are hyped up to be able to attend. Christen Miller, the Saints' pick at No. 42 overall, spoke on his excitement to be in New Orleans next offseason for Mardi Gras and his love for glazed beignets. "I said, 'Man, next year I cannot miss Mardi Gras,' and guess what?
I'm going to be down there."#Saints DT Christen Miller on his excitement to play in New Orleans.Added that he's been watching his new teammate Bryan Bresee since high school. pic.twitter.com/gn9jJlq6Aq— NOF (@nofnetwork) April 25, 2026He also noted his excitement to play with Bryan Bresee and how he has watched the former Clemson standout play during his high school years. It is great to see his respect for the culture so rapidly after being picked, and how he is thrilled to get down to the city for Mardi Gras. Odds are, it can be expected that he will be a part of the parades and festivities next year, as many Saints players were in 2026. This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Saints DT Christen Miller embracing his new community