Former Saints Captain Stirs Emotions by Wearing New Orleans Gear at New Team’s Practice: 'I Still Love the Saints'

New Orleans, September 2025 – Just weeks after leaving the New Orleans Saints to join the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad, J.T. Gray – a veteran face and former special teams captain of the Saints – has sparked an outpouring of emotion among fans with an unexpected moment.

During his latest practice session with the Ravens, reporters noticed Gray still wearing his familiar gloves bearing the Saints logo. It seems he had unconsciously used them out of long-standing habit, causing the image to quickly go viral on social media. According to revealed information, he grabbed them by mistake that day due to fatigue and wore them to practice.

“It’s not just a simple mistake,” one Saints fan commented. “It’s proof that in Gray’s heart, New Orleans is still family.”

And after a teammate pointed it out, he realized it and shared further: “Really? I didn’t even notice… Maybe because I’ve worn them for seven years. They’ve become a part of me. Maybe because in my heart, New Orleans will always be home. Even though I’m with the Ravens now, sometimes my heart still leans toward New Orleans.”

Gray was with the Saints since 2018, playing seven consecutive seasons and becoming one of the NFL’s top special teams players. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 and was named All-Pro in 2019. Beyond his on-field contributions, Gray was a locker room leader, bringing a fighting spirit to the entire team.

This September, the Saints’ decision to release Gray was seen as a “heartbreaking but necessary” move to free up salary cap space and rejuvenate the roster. Shortly after, the Ravens swiftly added him to their practice squad, valuing his experience and leadership qualities.

However, for Gray, leaving the Saints was far from easy. A former teammate revealed: “J.T. once said that the Saints were where he grew up, his second family. I believe no matter where he is, his heart will always be with New Orleans.”

The moment Gray wore Saints gloves in Ravens gear has now become a symbol of the love and attachment he holds for his former team. And for fans, J.T. Gray will forever be a “son of New Orleans.”