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NEW ORLEANS – A surprising number of connections link the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Chargers ahead of their Week 5 matchup at the Caesars Superdome on October 1st, 2023. These ties span playing careers, coaching lineages, and even shared high school alma maters, adding an intriguing layer to the upcoming contest.
Former Saints center Jonathan Goodwin, a key component of the team’s Super Bowl XLIV championship squad, played for New Orleans from 2006-10 and again in 2014, totaling 86 regular season games with the franchise. He retired after the 2014 season.
The coaching staffs also share a history. Saints Run Game Coordinator T.J. Paganetti and Chargers Senior Defensive Analyst Rick Minter both served on the Philadelphia Eagles staff under Chip Kelly from 2013-14. Minter was the linebackers coach, while Paganetti was an offensive quality control coach.
Chargers outside linebacker Khalil mack benefited from the tutelage of Saints assistant coach Rodgers, who coached Mack in both Chicago (2018-20) and Los Angeles (2022-23). Rodgers served as Mack’s outside linebackers coach during both stints.
Saints wide receiver Chris Olave’s high school journey included a transfer.He initially attended Eastlake High School (Chula Vista, California) before finishing his prep career at Mission Hills High School (San Marcos, California). Olave recorded 99 receptions for 1,704 yards and 19 touchdowns in his senior year at Mission Hills.
Saints safety Terrell Burgess also honed his skills at San Marcos High School, further cementing a local connection between the two teams.
new orleans wide receiver/return specialist Rashid Shaheed is a product of Mt. Carmel High School (San Diego, California), a school known for producing several Division I athletes.
Saints offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri developed under the guidance of Los Angeles Offensive Assistant Stone Smartt. Smartt was the offensive coordinator at Old Dominion University from 2020-21, where Saldiveri played.
A trio of Saints players – defensive end Cameron Godchaux, guard/center Will Clapp, and tight end foster Moreau – share a collegiate background with Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson. All four played together at Louisiana State University (LSU), contributing to the Tigers’ strong defensive tradition. Jackson prepped at Riverdale High School in Louisiana.
Will Clapp also had a stint with the Chargers, playing for the team from 2022-23, appearing in 17 games.
Saints safety Julian Blackmon and Chargers running back nyheim Miller-Hines where teammates with the Indianapolis Colts from 2021-22, experiencing a season together before joining their current teams.