SPORTS

Veteran announces retirement, leaves significant gap in Saints' offensive line

Derek Payne

Jul 6, 2024 — 1 min read

Hurst announced his retirement on Instagram, in part writing, "Twenty-four of my thirty-two years of life have been spent training for and playing this game and retiring will be a huge, yet exciting, change in my life."

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Saints offensive lineman James Hurst announced his retirement Wednesday afternoon via Instagram, marking the end of a decade-long NFL career.

"Every year playing this sport has been a blessing from God. Football, and the people around it, have played a huge part in shaping me into the man I am today. Twenty-four of my thirty-two years of life have been spent training for and playing this game, and retiring will be a huge, yet exciting, change in my life," Hurst shared in his post.

Hurst, who played 10 seasons in the NFL, joined the Saints in 2020 and started 51 games over four seasons, demonstrating versatility at both tackle and guard positions.

The Saints are now facing a critical need to bolster their offensive line, with only two starters confirmed to return for the 2024 season: guard Cesar Ruiz and center Erik McCoy. The status of right tackle Ryan Ramczyk remains uncertain, and left tackle Trevor Penning has yet to meet expectations in his first two seasons.

With the 14th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it is highly anticipated that the Saints will prioritize selecting a new offensive lineman to fill the void left by Hurst’s departure.

Louisiana Deserves Better from Our Leaders Than Anti-Vaccine Rhetoric

Louisiana has faced countless adversities—from hurricanes to health crises—but COVID-19 has presented an unprecedented test of resilience. In response, we should be learning from our mistakes and strengthening our public health systems.

Efforts to Support Low-Income Homeowners in Roof Fortification Grants Under Consideration in Louisiana

In an effort to make Louisiana's roof fortification grants more accessible, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is contemplating a targeted approach for low- and moderate-income households. This proposed shift in focus marks a significant change in the grant program, which has previously operated without income restrictions since its inception

Controversial Float in Mount Pleasant Halloween Parade Ignites Outrage

The NAACP President condemned the float, stating, “This appalling portrayal goes beyond Halloween satire or free expression. It is a harmful symbol that invokes a painful history of violence, oppression, and racism that Black and Brown communities have long endured in America.

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett Calls for Action Ahead of Election

Crockett's remarks followed an alarming incident in Mount Pleasant, where individuals reportedly dressed as Kamala Harris in chains, furthering a narrative of divisiveness associated with political rhetoric surrounding former President Donald Trump.

Read more

Louisiana Deserves Better from Our Leaders Than Anti-Vaccine Rhetoric

Efforts to Support Low-Income Homeowners in Roof Fortification Grants Under Consideration in Louisiana

Controversial Float in Mount Pleasant Halloween Parade Ignites Outrage

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett Calls for Action Ahead of Election