Devon Walker, a former Tulane safety that was paralyzed in 2012, achieved two lifelong dreams in one day and inspired a community, as well as an entire nation on Saturday. Saints coach Sean Payton made the announcement of his signing following Walker’s college graduation and welcomed him to a new team.
Although Walker has been unable to perform physically for his team over the past two seasons, he took on the roles of emotional leader, motivator, and assistant coach at times. Tulane Head Coach Curtis Johnson said, “During home games, I never had to give a pre-game speech – he always did them for us.”
The ties between Tulane University and the New Orleans Saints organization run a little deeper than location. Coach Johnson was once the Saints wide receiver coach before landing the job as the man in charge at Tulane. Undoubtedly, this played a role in the Saints decision to sign Walker this past weekend. Johnson continued to speak very highly of him adding “I would like to congratulate Devon on his graduation and for all his accomplishments. 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.” Walker thought he was just going out for a nice post graduation dinner with family and friends; however, he would end up at the Saints facility during rookie camp and given a contract.
“For me, this is one of my dreams come true. I’ve been a Saint since before I was walking. Just to be a part of the team and be around the players is more than I could have hoped for.”
Devon Walker has truly been an inspiration to the New Orleans community, receiving the Brand Burlworth Courage Award (2012), the Disney Spirit Award (2013), and the New Orleans Fellowship Foundation honored him with an award named in his honor.
As the story continues to grab national attention, he will be able to inspire our nation in the same way he has impacted his community since the injury. Walker is living proof that anything is possible.