METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Saints rookie receiver Nick Toon is wearing No. 88, just as his All-Pro father, Al, did for the New York Jets.
Although his parents never pressured him to play football — and even forbid him to play until seventh grade — the younger Toon has thrived playing the same position his father did through high school and in college at Wisconsin.
Toon says his father’s advice to him now has more to do with the general responsibilities of being a pro, such as learning his assignments and “taking care of business on and off the field.”
Saints coaches say they’ve been impressed with the maturity of Toon’s approach, as well as his catching ability. They also hope he will use his 6-foot-2, 215-pound frame to his advantage.
