Saints Rookie Star QB with 4,125 Yards Admits Regret After Tough Debut: “I Should’ve Done Better – Just Give Me One Chance to Make It Right.”

Saints Rookie Star QB with 4,125 Yards Admits Regret After Tough Debut: “I Should’ve Done Better – Just Give Me One Chance to Make It Right.”

October 27, 2025 – New Orleans, Louisiana

After being given his first major opportunity in the NFL, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough – who helped Texas Tech win the Big 12 Championship in 2023 and impressed scouts with his big arm, mobility, and 32 touchdowns in his final NCAA season – has issued a heartfelt apology following his disappointing performance in the Saints’ 23–3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8.

The 26-year-old, selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, was widely regarded as one of the most promising quarterbacks of his class, known for his composure in the pocket and strong decision-making. Shough entered the game midway through the third quarter, replacing Spencer Rattler, who had committed two turnovers earlier in the game. Despite showing flashes of confidence, Shough finished 17-for-30 for 128 yards with one interception, adding 12 rushing yards on three carries, as the Saints failed to score a single touchdown.

Speaking to reporters on Monday morning, Shough delivered an emotional and sincere statement:

“When Coach called my name, I knew it was the moment every young quarterback dreams of. But I didn’t seize it the right way. I could have done better. I should have done better. I’m not making excuses — I’m just asking for one chance to make things right.”
“I feel like I let my teammates, my coach, and the entire Saints fan base down. They put their trust in me, and I didn’t deliver. I barely slept last night — I kept watching the film, asking myself what I could’ve done differently. And the truth is, there’s a lot I could have done better.”

His voice cracked slightly as he spoke about his teammates:

“The guys in that locker room fight for each other every snap. They believed in me when I stepped in, and I didn’t live up to that belief. But I promise — I’ll work harder, I’ll be stronger, and I’ll come back as a better version of myself. I owe that to them, and to everyone who believes in me.”

Head coach Kellen Moore defended the young signal-caller, emphasizing that this is part of the growth process:

“Tyler’s still young. He was thrown into a tough spot under a lot of pressure, but he stayed calm and competed. Mistakes happen — what matters is how you handle them. And Tyler’s handled this with maturity and accountability.”

Known as the “Golden Arm of Texas Tech,” Shough now faces the first true test of his professional career. While his debut didn’t go as planned, his humility and ownership have earned him respect in the Saints locker room.

As the Saints (1–7) prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9, Shough made one thing clear — he won’t let this setback define him:

“I’ve dreamed of this moment my whole life. Now I just want to turn disappointment into motivation. I stumbled this time, but if I get another chance — I won’t let it slip away. I’ll prove that failure can’t break someone who truly loves this game.”