Saints Rookie Released, Then Retires to Enlist in the Military

The NFL is often described as the pinnacle of athletic dreams, but for one New Orleans rookie, the path to greatness has taken a turn away from the gridiron and toward a higher calling.

After signing as an undrafted free agent in May, the young quarterback fought through training camp and preseason battles, hoping to carve out a roster spot on a Saints team searching for quarterback depth and identity.

That player is Hunter Dekkers, a standout from Iowa State who built his name with over 5,000 career passing yards in college, 38 touchdowns, and a reputation as a strong-armed pocket passer with dual-threat mobility.

Released in early September, Dekkers stunned teammates and fans by announcing his retirement from professional football and his decision to enlist in the U.S. military, trading a Saints jersey for a soldier’s uniform.

“I lived my NFL dream in New Orleans, but being released opened another path,” Dekkers said in a statement. “This isn’t the end — it’s a higher calling. Now, I choose to serve my country with the same heart I gave the Saints.”

At 6’3” and 220 pounds, Dekkers was considered a developmental prospect with upside but faced stiff competition in a crowded quarterback room. His preseason PFF grade of 70 reflected solid decision-making, though the roster decisions proved challenging.

For the Saints, the move closes the chapter on a promising project. For Dekkers, it begins a profound new journey that echoes his reputation as a “hidden gem” — a player who always found ways to rise above.

Fans in New Orleans and across the college football community saluted the decision on social media, calling it “the ultimate sacrifice” and “proof that heart is bigger than the game.” Dekkers leaves the NFL, but his next mission may prove even greater.