It’s been a big weekend for Louisiana native Dustin Poirier, and he’s making sure his home state feels the impact.
Fresh off announcing that he’ll headline UFC 318 in New Orleans, bringing the Octagon back to the city for the first time since 2015 with his retirement fight against Max Holloway. Poirier made another memorable appearance, this time at the NFL Draft.
On Saturday Poirier took the stage at Day 3 of the draft in Green Bay, to announce the New Orleans Saints’ selection at No. 184 overall: running back Devin Neal.
Neal is a standout from Lawrence, Kansas. He left a lasting legacy at Kansas by becoming the school’s all-time leading rusher and the first player in program history to record three straight 1,000-yard seasons. A senior captain in 2024, Neal earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 recognition and was a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award.
Neal’s collegiate career was packed with highlights, racking up 4,343 rushing yards and 53 total touchdowns. His senior year featured a monster 207-yard game against Colorado, an outstanding East-West Shrine Bowl showing and multiple national Player of the Week honors.
Now, thanks to Poirier’s announcement, Neal officially begins his NFL journey with the Saints. And Louisiana fans have yet another reason to celebrate.
