In a heartwarming and unexpected move that’s sending shockwaves through both the entertainment and sports worlds, actor Wendell Pierce has partnered with the New Orleans Saints to do something truly extraordinary for veterans across Louisiana. While the actor is no stranger to charity, this time he’s gone above and beyond, donating a staggering $1 MILLION to ensure veterans and their families have access to discounted tickets at Saints games for the rest of the 2025 season.
In an exclusive statement, Pierce said, “The sacrifices our veterans have made can never truly be repaid, but I hope this can give them a moment of joy, a chance to experience the magic of Saints football with the respect and honor they deserve.”
This groundbreaking donation is part of a larger initiative between Pierce and the Saints, aimed at giving veterans the opportunity to attend home games at the Caesars Superdome, free from financial barriers. Pierce personally worked with the Saints’ ownership and community outreach department to create a program that would offer discounted tickets specifically for veterans, ensuring they can experience the excitement of live football at no cost to them.
Sources close to the actor reveal that Pierce was deeply moved by the struggles that many veterans face, particularly those living in New Orleans. “I’ve always had a deep respect for the veterans here, and I wanted to find a way to give back to them,” Pierce explained.
This generous gesture is already being hailed as one of the most impactful community-driven actions in NFL history. By focusing on veterans—many of whom often feel overlooked—Pierce and the Saints are ensuring that those who served this country can feel the pride and excitement of being part of the Saints faithful.
Local veterans’ organizations and nonprofits are already working tirelessly to distribute the discounted tickets, making sure that every eligible veteran has a chance to attend a game. The program has already been called “a game-changer” by many veterans who have been able to attend games they never thought they would experience.
“This is a gift that means more than words can express,” said one local veteran. “Wendell Pierce has shown that he truly understands the importance of honoring our service. This is a moment we’ll cherish forever.”
With the holiday season approaching and the Saints pushing for a playoff spot, this initiative is sure to bring more than just discounted tickets—it’s offering a symbol of gratitude and recognition for those who have given so much.
Wendell Pierce’s initiative proves that, while sports are about winning on the field, the true victories happen off it—when communities come together and show their unwavering support for the people who have served and sacrificed for their country.
For the second consecutive offseason, the New York Mets appear to be competing to pry an outfielder away from their crosstown rivals.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets are interested in free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger, who spent the 2025 season with the Yankees. Heyman noted that the Mets have openings at center field and first base—two positions Bellinger can play.
https://t.co/Cj9o233gEH Can the Mets possibly sign a star Yankee OF for the second straight winter? They are interested
Bellinger, 30, joined the Yankees in a salary-dump trade days after the Chicago Cubs acquired Kyle Tucker last December. It was one of multiple defining moves in the Yankees’ pivot from Juan Soto, who signed a historic 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets after one season in the Bronx.
Over 152 regular-season games in pinstripes, Bellinger hit .272/.334/.480 (.813 OPS) with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs. The left-handed slugger finished with 5.1 bWAR, the highest mark he has produced since his 2019 NL MVP campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers (8.7).
Bellinger not only excelled batting behind Aaron Judge but was also one of the best defenders in baseball. Playing all three outfield positions and first base, he accumulated eight defensive runs saved and was credited with +7 Outs Above Average by Statcast.
An UNBELIEVABLE Cody Bellinger catch secures the Yankees win! pic.twitter.com/XdzM96Amiw
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has emphasized improving run prevention since the offseason began, citing it as one of the main reasons the team fell short of expectations in 2025. Adding a player with Bellinger’s defensive abilities to the starting lineup could help address that issue, though his exact role would depend on other moves.
When asked about the team’s center field options Tuesday at MLB’s GM meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns said Mets No. 2 prospect Carson Benge will have a chance to make the Opening Day roster out of spring training. The 2024 first-rounder posted an .857 OPS with 15 home runs and 73 RBIs across three levels this past season, though he hit .178/.272/.311 in 24 Triple-A games.
If Benge starts in center, that would leave first base as a potential Pete Alonso replacement or either corner outfield spot as Bellinger’s most realistic long-term fit in Queens. Both Soto and Brandon Nimmo are under contract through at least 2030, so the Mets would likely have to move one to a full-time DH role or trade Nimmo to accommodate Bellinger in the outfield.
At no point during Bellinger’s first nine big-league seasons has he been a full-time first baseman, though he has made 350 career appearances (274 starts) at the position. His career marks of 10 DRS and -1 OAA at first are not as strong as his outfield metrics, though they are noticeably better than Alonso’s defensive numbers (-9 DRS, -9 OAA) in 2025.
If there is one concern about Bellinger’s potential fit in Queens, it is that the Mets already have an abundance of left-handed bats at the top of the lineup. That said, the two-time All-Star led all left-handed hitters in on-base percentage (.415) and slugging (.601) against lefty pitching in 2025.
Like Alonso, Bellinger opted out of the final year of his contract ($25 million guaranteed) in search of a longer-term agreement this offseason. Both Spotrac and ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel project Bellinger to secure a six-year deal in free agency—one that would exceed his previous financial guarantee in average annual value.