From retirement whispers to Second-Team All-Pro, Chris Olave’s resilience fuels an inspiring comeback, proving his elite NFL status.
The announcement of the 2025 Associated Press All-Pro teams has solidified what many in New Orleans already knew, Chris Olave is no longer just a "promising young talent" but rather he is an elite cornerstone of the NFL. By earning Second-Team All-Pro honors, Olave has not only reached a new statistical peak but has authored one of the most inspiring comeback stories in recent franchise history.
From Retirement Rumors to Second-Team Honors
To appreciate the weight of this All-Pro nod, one must look back at the "bleak" 2024 season. Dealing with multiple concussions and sidelined for half the year, Olave openly admitted to contemplating retirement during the offseason. The transition from a player questioning his future in the sport to a player recognized as one of its best is nothing short of remarkable.
His 2025 campaign was a masterclass in consistency and resilience. Despite the Saints' offensive hurdles and quarterback shifts between Tyler Shough, Derek Carr, and Spencer Rattler, Olave remained the constant.
A Statistical Powerhouse
Olave’s inclusion on the All-Pro list is backed by a resume of career highs that rank him among the league's statistical giants:
- 100 Receptions: He joined Michael Thomas as only the second receiver in Saints history to reach the century mark in a single season.
- 1,163 Receiving Yards: Ranking 8th in the NFL, Olave proved he could carry the volume of a true No. 1 target.
- 9 Touchdowns: He fell just one score shy of becoming the first Saint ever to record 100 catches, 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns in one year.
Beyond the raw totals, his impact on high-leverage situations was undeniable. Olave led the entire NFL with seven touchdown catches on third down, proving he was the most reliable weapon in the league when the stakes were highest.
The Right Selection
The All-Pro voters got this one right. While Olave narrowly missed out on First-Team honors and missed the season finale due to a health scare involving a blood clot, his body of work across 16 games was undeniable. This selection silences any remaining skeptics and sets the stage for a massive contract extension.
In a season where the Saints sought an identity, they found it in #12. Chris Olave’s journey from the brink of retirement to the All-Pro roster isn’t just a win for the Saints, it’s a testament to the grit that defines the best in the game.