Will Clapp, the veteran center for the New Orleans Saints, has announced his retirement following a severe Lisfranc foot injury sustained during the 2025 preseason. The 30-year-old LSU alumnus’s decision leaves the Saints facing a significant challenge in filling the void at the center position just ahead of the new season. Clapp’s retirement highlights concerns around offensive line stability as the team prepares to move forward without his leadership.
Throughout his NFL career, Clapp appeared in 66 regular-season games with 22 starts, logging 2,555 offensive snaps. His experience and dependable presence on the field will be difficult to replace, especially given his critical role within the team’s offensive line. The Lisfranc injury he suffered in a preseason game against the Chargers required surgery, forcing a tough choice between prolonged rehabilitation and stepping away while still in good health.
Clapp’s Journey: From Local Standout to NFL Mainstay
Raised in Louisiana, Clapp made his mark early on as a two-time First-team All-SEC selection at LSU, showcasing his talent at the collegiate level. Selected by the Denver Broncos as the 245th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he surpassed expectations for a late-round choice by building a solid professional career.
His most impactful moments with the Saints came in 2023 when Clapp was called into the starting lineup in Week 4, seizing the opportunity to prove his reliability under pressure. He maintained this role through the 2024 postseason, embodying durability and dedication that resonated with teammates and coaches alike.
Personal Bonds Shape Retirement Decision
Clapp’s retirement carries personal significance, intertwined closely with the support he received from his wife, Lizzie Cousins. The couple shares a deep connection, having grown up together in New Orleans and attended Brother Martin High School. This relationship provided a foundation of stability throughout the highs and lows of his professional career.
In a heartfelt social media message, Clapp expressed his appreciation for those who stood by him:
“From the first to the last and all the ones in between, thank you for being my rock! Grateful for an amazing career and excited for our next chapter!” – Will Clapp
Reports indicate Clapp’s retirement timing allows him to transition smoothly into post-playing opportunities, possibly including a coaching role in New Orleans that would keep him connected to the Saints organization and community.
Saints Face Urgent Task to Replace Their Veteran Center
Will Clapp’s departure intensifies the New Orleans Saints’ offseason challenges, as securing a strong presence at center becomes a top priority. The team must navigate free agency and the upcoming draft to find someone with the necessary experience and leadership qualities to uphold offensive line cohesion.
The Saints’ management is evaluating multiple routes, from targeting seasoned veterans available during free agency to investing in younger players through the draft process. The goal is to maintain continuity along the offensive front, critical to the team’s offensive success.
Fans will remember Clapp as a dependable and hardworking player who overcame the odds from being a seventh-round draft pick to earning a starting role. His influence on the Saints runs deeper than statistics, reflecting the commitment and perseverance he brought every game. As the team moves into a new chapter, Clapp’s legacy remains a valued part of the organization’s history.
