‘Senseless evil:’ New Orleans sports world pauses to reflect on ‘tragic’ Bourbon Street Attack

The new year typically always brings two things for sports enthusiasts: Optimism and holiday competition. The start of 2025, however, a sobering interruption of potentially both hit the city of New Orleans.

On the early morning of New Year Day, a truck drove through Bourbon Street, injuring at least three dozen people and killing 10 people. The suspect, a 42-year-old man, was shot and killed on the scene.

As prominent sports figures woke up to the horrific news, they made public statements.

Saints and Pelicans’ joint statement

“The New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred on Bourbon Street early on New Year’s Day,” an official statement from the franchises read. “Our hearts go out to all the victims and their families during this difficult time and express our deepest gratitude to the first responders who acted swiftly and bravely on the scene.

“New Orleans is a city built on resilience, and this heartbreaking event reminds us of the importance of coming together to support one another, to honor those affect, and to work toward healing as a community. In times of tragedy, the New Orleans community has always shown extraordinary courage and compassion, and we are certain that this time will be no different.”

Swin Cash, the WNBA legend and vice president of basketball operations and team development for the New Orleans Pelicans, also shared her condolences on social media.

“Praying deeply for our city,” Cash posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Thank you to everyone who reached out with calls and texts− my family and I are safe, but our hearts are heavy. The senseless, evil targeting of innocent lives is devasting. Please pray for the victims, their loved ones and the entire NO community.”

Current and former local athletes and coach react

Saints quarterback Derek Carr was one of the first New Orleans’ sports figures to share his thoughts.

“Praying for New Orleans,” Carr posted, followed by a praying emoji. “Woke up, and saw the news this morning.”

Others followed suit.

“Praying for all those affected by the tragic events last night on Bourbon Street!” Tyrann Mathieu, the Saints’ star safety and New Orleans native, posted.

“Woke up to texts about what happened on Bourbon Street last night, God bless!” Saints defensive end Cam Jordan posted. “A pure tragedy, sorry to all those lives that were affected.

“Prayers out to New Orleans.”

“Thoughts and prayers to New Orleans,” former Saints kicker Wil Lutz posted, followed with a prayer emoji.

“My thoughts and prayers for the people and the city of New Orleans!” Terron Armstead, a former Saints offensive tackle, posted, followed with a prayer emoji.

“Pray for the city and everyone affected last night,” Saints wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed posted, followed by a heartbroken emoji.

“Pray for New Orleans,” Justin Reid, a Kansas City Chiefs safety and Dutchtown High School graduate, posted.

“Praying for my city,” Patrick Surtain, a three-time Pro Bowler and Edna Carr High School graduate, posted. “New Orleans.”

“Praying for the victims and their families here in New Orleans,” former Saints running back Deuce McAllister posted. “Thank you to the officers for their quick response to limit the harm further.”

Tulane football coach Jon Sumrall posted no words, only a simple prayer hand emoji.

Sugar Bowl

The tragedy also forced the postponement of the Sugar Bowl matchup between Georgia and Notre Dame for 24 hours. The game is now scheduled to kick off at 7:45 p.m. Thursday. In town covering the game is former Georgia and NFL quarterback DJ Shockley, who is the sports anchor at FOX5 in Atlanta.

“Tough news to wake up to this morning after hearing what happened here in New Orleans,” Shockley posted. “The team hotel in which I am staying in is very close to the scene of tragic events. Praying for all the families that were impacted.”

Official social media accounts from Notre Dame and Georgia have both released statements as well, saying they’re monitoring the situation.