A Feel-Good Story Happened in the NFL This Week

Josh Frey |

May 14, 2023

Nov 13, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

This story has nothing to do with the Minnesota Vikings, but every once in awhile, a feel-good story pops up in the NFL that has to be covered regardless of the franchise. One of them happened this week when Foster Moreau reached a contract agreement with the New Orleans Saints.

Moreau, a fourth-round pick in 2019 NFL Draft, has spent each of his first four NFL seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. He played 61 games, including 34 starts, in those four years with the Raiders and entered free agency this offseason after his contract expired.

Dec 4, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a catch ahead of Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Drue Tranquill (49) during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

So, what makes him signing with the Saints a feel-good story? Well, prior to being given this contract, Moreau was given a physical by New Orleans, as is customary for new free agent signings.

This physical ended very differently than a usual physical, though. You see, Moreau received a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system which helps the immune system fight off diseases.

The diagnosis could have been one that not only impacted Moreau’s football career, but his life, had it gone undetected. As a result, the tight end announced in March that he was stepping away from football to focus on his health.

Oct 23, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) reaches for a pass against the Houston Texans in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

However, that all changed over the past few days as he progressively got better news from his doctors. Then this week, the New Orleans native signed a three-year contract with the Saints worth a total of $12 million. And, to top everything off, Saints head coach Dennis Allen said on Saturday that Moreau could join the team for OTAs in two weeks as well.

In all, Saints and Vikings fans don’t land on the same side for many things, especially after playoff results in 2009, 2017, and 2019. However, it’s hard not to root for Moreau on his journey back to the NFL.

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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.