Saints sign paralyzed former Tulane safety Devon Walker

Published May. 17, 2014 3:43 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

There were many memorable moments during this year's NFL Draft, but the New Orleans Saints might have the best story of the offseason.

The Saints welcomed paralyzed former Tulane safety Devon Walker to the team following his graduation on Saturday.  

Walker was a walk-on four-year letterman with the Green Wave from 2009-12. He suffered a career-ending spinal injury against Tulsa early into the 2012 season.

The injury might have kept him off the field, but he continued to be an inspiration to his Tulane teammates and the community.

The Saints recognized his contributions and rewarded him a one-day contract.

"When Devon got hurt, his football career was just starting to take off after three years of hard work," Saints head coach Sean Payton said on Saturday. "Despite the devastating injury he suffered, Devon refuses to let that define him. He is an outstanding young man, who is not only an inspiration to his coaches and teammates at Tulane, but to all of us. Devon's character, determination, intelligence and work ethic are everything that we look for in a New Orleans Saint when we sign a player. This is the least we can do to recognize Devon and these attributes that we want all of our players to have."

Walker has been honored with numerous awards, including the 2013 Disney Spirit Award and 2012 Brandon Burlsworth Courage Award.

"I would like to congratulate Devon on his graduation and for all his accomplishments," Tulane head coach Curtis Johnson said. "I am very proud of him and I am very happy for his family. This is a first-class move by a first-class organization. The Saints have been very supportive of Devon and I would like to thank Mr. (Tom) Benson, Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton for allowing Devon to be a part of an NFL team. I believe it once again demonstrates the organization’s commitment to the New Orleans community and to one of its own."

share