Cam Jordan Focusing on Team Success After Contract Extension

The final years of New Orleans Saints Cameron Jordan's playing career may officially be under way, but his focus remains on team over himself.

Over the last two seasons, as you walk around the New Orleans Saints facility you will see a common message. It is emblazoned on shirts, commonly spoken in press conferences and more, a reminder to every player and member of the organization: "big team, little me." On a momentous day for defensive end Cameron Jordan, a day that very much could have been seen as his, he exemplified the phrase perfectly. 

Jan 9, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) reacts after sacking the quarterback against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

As Jordan sat with local media discussing his two-year contract extension that effectively guarantees he will finish his career with the team, his focus was not on himself. Instead the goals he shared were about team success. "Big team, little me" in practice.

When asked what number of sacks he was chasing now that he owns the official franchise sacks record (115.5), Jordan initially responded, "How many sacks does it take to win a Super Bowl?" He did mention that he would not mind going for legendary linebacker Rickey Jackson's unofficial number (123), but his attention was on bigger things. Jordan reiterated a sentiment he has shared several times this offseason, the desire to take quarterback Derek Carr back to Las Vegas to compete in this year's championship game.

Jordan also discussed the 2011 draft class which included himself and the franchise's rushing yards leader, Mark Ingram. He took time to acknowledge several players and staff members that have been important to his career, including referring to former head coach Sean Payton as "Sean Vader" and shared his conversations with family before signing the contract.

While Jordan did not close the door on a potential year 16, he seemed pretty content about calling it a career after this extension. So if the 13-year defensive end has signed last contract of his career, he does not seem interested in making the time about himself. He wants to see his teammates share in his success. Again exemplifying the "big team, little me" mentality.

But worry not, the team is not letting their top defensive player go without taking something for himself. Aside from the $27.5 million he adds to his career earning, he will have a veteran rest day on Friday from training camp. One of the few days off he  will willingly take.