New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, the fan-voted 2025 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year, is facing backlash after old comments praising Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear resurfaced this week.
The interview, originally aired in July, has quickly spread across sports media and social platforms, drawing criticism from fans who view his remarks as a clear political stance.
Shough originally made the remarks shortly after the Saints drafted him. While he earned the starting job following a solid rookie season with 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns against six interceptions, reports claimed that the video had only gained widespread attention on social media within the last two days.
Saints QB Tyler Shough sparks backlash after his anti-Trump views
In a resurfaced interview on The Andy Beshear Podcast from 2025, Shough endorsed the Democratic governor for higher office,saying, “Mr. Beshear, I hope you become president one day, man. We will be voting for you.”
New Orleans Saints, Tyler Shough
Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) in action against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Shough also joked about a post-football career, suggesting he could serve as a “sports advisor” in a future Beshear administration.
His remarks have led to endless debate among NFL fans, with some viewing the support for a prominent Democrat as a polarizing stance within the league’s fan base.
The 26-year-old second-round pick out of Louisville earned the starting job midseason and was later named the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year. While he was an AP Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist, he finished as the runner-up for that specific award.
However, this situation has also drawn attention to the political views of Shough’s wife, Jordan Shough, who has previously been vocal about her own progressive stances.
Tyler Shough’s wife accuses Trump administration of “state-sponsored terrorism” over ICE killings
Jordan, who is a former soccer player, posted on Threads in January following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents during ICE immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis.
According to Daily Mail, she shared a fan’s comment that read, “When the government kills people to scare you into acting differently, that’s called state-sponsored terrorism.”
Jordan then added a quote from George Orwell’s novel 1984, penning, “The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.”
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These two tragic incidents occurred amid protests against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Both cases drew national coverage and immense protests. Minnesota officials, including Attorney General Keith Ellison and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday against the Trump administration.
They are reportedly seeking access to evidence, such as bodycam footage, from these shootings, which they claim the federal government has “categorically withheld.”
The Saints’ quarterback room looks very different this year following Derek Carr’s retirement. Shough has earned the starting job, supported by a group of young players and a veteran backup trying to restart his career.
And with the No. 8 pick in the upcoming draft, the team now has to decide whether to use that high selection to bring in more help for the offensive or defensive line.