Linebacker Danny Stutsman was a fan favorite of Sooner Nation for four years while at Oklahoma, and now he's already winning over his new fan base before the regular season even kicks off.
New Orleans Saints fans took notice of their new rookie linebacker during the Saints' 17-17 tie against the Jacksonville Jaguars in their second preseason game on Sunday.
Former OU LB Danny Stutsman shining during NFL preseason
Despite the outcome ahead of what is expected to be a rough season for the Saints, Stutsman was a bright spot for a suffering fan base. He recorded five tackles, which was tied for the second-most on the team. He also had a diving pass deflection.
Stutsman with a really nice pass breakup. pic.twitter.com/DjFrqxEAJq
— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) August 17, 2025
A nice PBU for the Stutsman ❌
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 17, 2025
📺 @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/7xjkCPrg32
Even beyond stats on the box score, Saints fans realized the toughness and hustle of Stutsman that OU fans witnessed for years as he was close to the ball nearly every play.
Danny Stutsman was having a good day…no surprise! But the QB situation was a bit suspect!
— Victoria Neafus (@Cyclingchick19) August 17, 2025
Through 5 preseason quarters, I think I’m most excited about Danny Stutsman. Dude is a future starter. #Saints
— Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona) August 17, 2025
Love me some Danny Stutsman
— Barstool NOLA (@BarstoolNOLA) August 17, 2025
Things saw today in the Saints game vs Jags.
— jlaw62 (@TheJlaw62) August 17, 2025
1) Danny Stutsman flies to ball. Was in on almost every tackle
2) Kendre Miller will be the next franchise rb after AK
3) Mason Tipton definitely a threat at WR
4) Rattler may be QB1
One positive about this game: the play of Danny Stutsman.
— Madeline Adams (@MadelineAdamsTV) August 17, 2025
Danny Stutsman is the positive today for me.
— Jeff Pizzo (@JeffPizzo1) August 17, 2025
Stutsman has been the best player on the field for both games https://t.co/HuMU7HuqIL
— James (@James_Skrmetta) August 17, 2025
Danny Stutsman wanna be great
— Hold The Mayo (@snowlikejonn) August 17, 2025
Danny stutsman will be special
— Mason Odom (@MasonOdom5) August 17, 2025
The Saints just selected Stutsman in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and even then, fans started to immediately fall in love with Stutsman because of what he accomplished at OU and his obvious character.
Stutsman started 37 games at OU and left ranking ninth in program history with 376 career tackles. He was named a two-time All-American and was a finalist for the Butkus Award last year.
In his NFL preseason debut last week, Stutsman tallied three tackles.
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