Jermon Bushrod worked through some serious hardship with the New Orleans Saints last year, following his family’s loss of their infant daughter, Jordyn Lynn. Bushrod threw himself into his work for the Saints and was a critical piece in keeping the offensive line together as injuries struck late in the season. He started five games and played 51 snaps against the Cincinnati Bengals after left tackle Terron Armstead went down early.
In December, the Saints honored Bushrod by nominating him for the 2018 Ed Block Courage Award, which recognizes a player from each NFL team who has experienced severe personal adversity. Months later, one of Bushrod’s teammates stepped up with his own personal gesture: wide receiver Michael Thomas.
Thomas gifted Bushrod the football he caught on a game-winning touchdown reception against the Baltimore Ravens on October 21; a game which Bushrod missed while grieving with his family just days after their tragedy. Thomas had the ball customized to commemorate Bushrod’s daughter and everything he and his family endured. Bushrod shared photos of it on his official Twitter account:
This was a great gesture, and obviously one Bushrod and his family appreciate. It’s just further proof of how tight-knit the Saints locker room has become.
