Saints Rookies On NFLPA's 'The 40' List
Two rookies from the New Orleans Saints were chosen to represent the NFLPA's "The 40" list, which recognizes the most promising NFL rookies. Running back Kendre Miller and quarterback Jake Haener are considered the "new wave of athletes bolstered by the evolving sports business landscape." Miller and Haener are featured in the first edition, highlighting NFLPA rookies who will be "innovators and trailblazers" in the game of football.
"Presenting NFLPA's 'The 40' fills us with immense pride. This platform not only salutes the exceptional feats and transformative journeys of our athletes but also embodies the collective potential of players to have influence in every arena, from athletic achievement to social good and beyond," said Veronica Jenkins, Director of Creative and Interactive Content at the NFLPA.
Aug 20, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (25) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
KENDRE MILLER
New Orleans has plenty at stake in their third-round pick out of TCU. Jamaal Williams will become the lead rusher for the Saints as All-Pro running back Alvin Kamara is serving his three-game suspension. Miller is penciled in as Williams' backup. A nagging knee injury in training camp is a mild concern for the team ahead of its season opener against the Titans. Miller has the skills to be an impact player in Pete Carmichael's offense and NFL. Hopefully, he'll be ready when called upon this Sunday.
COLLEGE | Texas Christian University
BORN IN | 2002
BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW | He likes cars, video games, fishing, and SpongeBob Squarepants. "I like SpongeBob. I was inspired by him. Felt like it was just always on... sometimes I even watch it now. He just kind of like, go with the flow." Kendre Miller
FAVORITE PLAYER | Jerry Rice
FOLLOW HIM | @kendrem_
Aug 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener (14) scrambles out the pocket by the Houston Texans during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
JAKE HAENER
"Moxie." Haener has plenty of it, note head coach Dennis Allen. Is Haener the future in New Orleans? First, he must be an understudy to the franchise leader and fellow Fresno State Bulldog alum, Derek Carr. After throwing interceptions during the preseason, the young signal-caller kept his poise, delivered strikes down the field, and led scoring drives. Haener will get his shot in the NFL, but probably not this season. Unless major injuries occur with Derek Carr, Jameis Winston, and even Taysom Hill, Haener will be New Orleans' emergency quarterback. Jake Haener's name will be heard on Sundays in the near future.
COLLEGE | California State University Fresno
BORN IN | 1999
BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW | He'd perform Ice, Ice Baby at a rookie talent show. "I would just come out of the come into the team room with like a 1990s fit on, with my hair done and some fake piercings like Vanilla Ice, and just get into it and see what happens just because in those situations you got to just embrace it." Jake Haener
FAVORITE PLAYER | Drew Brees
FOLLOW HIM | @jakehaener
Visit the NFLPA's The 40 Inaugural Class for more information on the impactful rookies.
