Former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Devon Godchaux opened the doors of Plaquemine High School on July 10, 2026, for the tenth edition of his NFLPA youth camp, a free program that draws children from across the region.
The event, held on the school’s practice field, offered fundamental football techniques and drills tailored to youngsters between eight and sixteen years old. Participants rotated through stations that emphasized tackling form, footwork and agility, while coaches from the Saints and local high school staff provided hands‑on instruction.
Beyond the on‑field work, the campers received lunch, branded t‑shirts and a handful of giveaways, creating a festive atmosphere that blended sport with community celebration.
A career in motion
Godchaux’s path to the camp reflects a journey that began when the Miami Dolphins selected him in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. After four seasons in Miami, he spent an equal stretch with the New England Patriots before a March 2025 trade brought him back to the Gulf Coast and the Saints.
Now in his second season with New Orleans, Godchaux says the camp is a way to give back to the city that helped shape his early football years, offering the same kind of mentorship he once received from veteran players.
Local parents and school officials praised the initiative, noting that the free access to quality instruction and equipment removes barriers that often keep talented youths from pursuing the sport, while also reinforcing the Saints’ commitment to community engagement.