New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan is preparing for what he expects to be his final NFL season, with his sights set on a Super Bowl championship to complete a career already marked by individual accolades. The 36-year-old, who turns 37 on Friday, re-signed with the Saints for one more year and has made it clear that he is approaching the 2025 campaign as his last in the league.
Jordan, a first-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of California, has spent his entire 16-year career with the Saints, a rarity in modern professional sports. He has amassed 132 sacks, the 17th most in NFL history, and has been named to multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams. Despite his age, Jordan remains productive, recording 10½ sacks in the 2025 season, a performance he described as Pro Bowl-caliber.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Jordan spoke candidly about his mindset entering the season. He acknowledged that while he still feels physically capable, the decision to step away is driven by a desire to end his career on his own terms. «I’ve been doing this since year 10,» Jordan said. «Do I feel good? Absolutely. Do I feel better not being part of OTAs? Physically, yes.»
Jordan’s primary motivation for the upcoming season is clear: winning a Super Bowl. The Saints have not reached the Super Bowl since the 2009 season, when they defeated the Indianapolis Colts. Jordan, who joined the team two years later, has experienced playoff success but has never hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. «The ultimate dream is to win a Super Bowl,» he said. «You go into childhood, coming out of childhood, like, ‘Man, I want to be just like the greats.’ For some reason, we accumulate the idea of success in football to winning a Super Bowl because it’s the ultimate team sport. That’s the ultimate team dream.»
Jordan’s individual accomplishments are already Hall of Fame-worthy, and he believes his legacy is secure regardless of a championship. He has been a cornerstone of the Saints defense for over a decade, known for his ability to pressure quarterbacks, set the edge against the run, and play multiple positions along the defensive line. Last season, he adapted to a two-point stance—an upright position without placing his hands on the ground—a change that some questioned but that proved effective given his sack totals.
Under first-year head coach Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, Jordan has embraced his role, saying he «can do whatever needs to be done» for the team. The Saints have a roster filled with potential, and Jordan believes they can make a deep playoff run. He is also motivated by the chance to reach double-digit sacks for the eighth time in his career, a feat that would place him among the top 10 all-time in that category.
Jordan’s loyalty to New Orleans has been a defining feature of his career. He has never played for another team and has become a beloved figure in the community. His decision to return for one more season reflects his commitment to the franchise and his desire to finish what he started. «You look at year 16 — this is who I am. This is my body of work. It has never changed,» he said.
As he prepares for his final season, Jordan is focused on leaving everything on the field. He is participating in the annual Sack Summit in Las Vegas, an event that brings together pass rushers from across the league to share techniques and training methods. The summit is sponsored by Raising Cane’s, a fast-food chain that has supported the event for three years.
Jordan’s retirement, while not yet official, would mark the end of an era for the Saints. He is one of the most decorated players in franchise history and a likely first-ballot Hall of Famer. His departure would leave a significant void on the defensive line, but for now, he is determined to make his final season memorable. «I was sitting there this offseason, and I was like, ‘Man, what is it I want to accomplish?’ A Super Bowl. Personally speaking, I’ve done it all. All-Pro, Pro Bowls. Hell, I put together a Pro Bowl-esque season last year,» he said.
The Saints have not won a playoff game since the 2020 season, but Jordan believes the team has the talent to change that. With a new coaching staff and a roster that includes young playmakers on both sides of the ball, New Orleans could be a surprise contender in the NFC. Jordan’s leadership and experience will be crucial as the team navigates a competitive division that includes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons.
For Jordan, the upcoming season is about more than statistics or personal milestones. It is about chasing a dream that has eluded him for 15 years. «The ultimate team dream,» as he calls it, is a Super Bowl victory. Whether he achieves it or not, Jordan’s legacy as one of the greatest defensive ends of his generation is already secure. But he is not ready to close the door just yet. He plans to slam it shut after giving everything he has one last time.