Olave has a heartwarming explanation regarding his emotions.
Anxiety isn’t a topic that hits many airwaves when it comes to the NFL. For New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave, it was a piece of the gridiron puzzle that was on his mind heavily during the team’s Week 10 matchup at the Carolina Panthers. Last season, Olave suffered a season-ending concussion in Carolina during their Week 9 game. It was an incredibly scary moment for him as a player and a person.
It was the young wideout’s second concussion of the season. That is a terrifying truth that pushed questions from plenty of fans and media alike about his long-term future in football. Keep in mind that Olave had a documented concussion in 2022 and 2023 with the Saints as well. After New Orleans’ most recent win, which included a phenomenal performance, he was given the platform to discuss that anxiety regarding the past.
After the emotional victory, Olave opened up about how difficult it was to be in the same place where his season ended during last campaign. It was something he had to consider before ever playing a snap, but he overcame all of those tough memories to help the Saints get their second win of the season.
“As soon as I stepped on the field, I just felt it all over again,” Olave said. “It was a tough situation from last year. It ended my season.”
“My Pop was here too, so I went over to talk to him, pregame, tried to loosen my mind up.” — Olave via Katherine Terrell
You can tell that the playmaking pass catcher values the opportunity to dawn the black and gold an incredible amount. If he didn’t, there would be no sense in risking another concussion or major injury down the road. Olave can definitely rejoice in the fact that he overcame plenty of negative thoughts and emotions to come through with one of the best games of his pro career in Carolina.
With his five receptions for 104 receiving yards vs. Carolina, Olave now has 251 career receptions. He became the 15th Saint all-time with 250+ catches in franchise history. He also caught an important touchdown against the Panthers as well.
Past all of the stats and production, or even the win for his team, it is fantastic to see him back on the field and healthy. Scary moment like concussions can alter a career and a life. Saints fans should truly appreciate how committed he is to the city and the franchise.
Olave has one year left remaining on his current contract after the Saints picked up his fifth-year option. The two sides have discussed a contract extension, so we will see how that unfolds in the near future.
The Minnesota Wild (8-7-4) is back on home ice tonight to host the Vegas Golden Knights (8-4-5). The Wild will be without forward Vladimir Tarasenko for the second straight game.
Tarasenko, 33, has two goals and ten points in 18 games this year for the Wild. He missed Saturday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks with a lower-body injury and will not play again on Sunday.
Wild head coach John Hynes said after the game that Tarasenko’s status will be day-to-day.