The New Orleans Saints had a big win against the Carolina Panthers in Week 10, and although there were some great performances and the morale is high after the victory, for one player, this was a big game for another reason.
This game was the first time Saints WR Chris Olave played in Carolina since suffering his devastating head injury last season in the same stadium.
Chris Olave’s Frightening Head Injury
A little over a year ago, the New Orleans Saints traveled to Carolina to face the Panthers. The game resulted in a Saints loss, which led to the firing of then-head coach Dennis Allen. Early in the first quarter of this game, Olave was thrown a dangerous ball that resulted in a horrible hit to his head. Before this game, Olave was already dealing with head injuries during the season and throughout his career.
This moment struck fear in every person watching what just happened, and Olave was unable to return for the season. There was significant discussion surrounding the star WR’s career and the possibility of retirement. Still, after consultation with many different parties, Olave would return to football.
Olave Confronts Anxiety, Shines in Carolina
Now, back to Week 10, the Saints traveled to Carolina for this matchup, and for Chris Olave, this was a catalyst for sudden anxiety: “When I came into the stadium, I just felt it all again. I had a lot of anxiety pregame.” Players opening up about the psychological toll that the game/injuries can cause is not something that usually happens.
Olave speaking on this topic shines light on what players are going through, and with the sudden passing of Cowboys EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, mental health is a very timely conversation to have.
Even with the anxiety that Olave had before the game, he was able to overcome it and have one of the best games of his career. The star WR ended with five receptions, 104 yards, and a touchdown. He also had two excellent catches that changed the game for New Orleans.
Tyler Shough shows a lot of confidence in Chris Olave on his bomb.
DB has leverage at the decision-point. Shough doesn’t care or discern it.
Olave works through it for the catch and TD#Saints pic.twitter.com/1G50XHqgcw
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 10, 2025