The New Orleans Saints have had some great players in their history from future Hall of Famer Drew Brees to the late Sam Mills.

Recently, several other players that fit that mold in New Orleans were given their flowers, so to speak. However, it's not for their contributions to the NFL. 

Former right guard Jahri Evans, fullback Craig Heyward, and cornerback Ashley Ambrose have been nominated for the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024, per the team's website.

Before Evans became a five-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowler, a member of the 2010s All-Decade team, and a Super Bowl champion he was a two-time All-American at Bloomsburg. He's already a member of the Saints 50th Anniversary Team and in their Hall of Fame so this would be quite the honor to add to his list of accomplishments.

Heyward played his college ball at Pittsburgh and led the nation with 1,787 rushing yards in 1987 and finished fifth in the Heisman voting. He's second all-time at Pittsburgh with 3,086 rushing yards, trailing only NFL Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett. 

Heyward ran for 1,813 yards and scored 13 touchdowns during his five seasons with the Saints. Unfortunately, Heyward passed away in 2006 at the age of 39 due to cancer.

Ambrose went to Mississippi Valley State, the same school as Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. Ambrose was a first-team All-American and first-team All-SWAC selection in his senior year in 1991 while also being named SWAC Defensive Back and Return Specialist of the Year.

During his three seasons with the Saints, Ambrose racked up 12 interceptions and 131 tackles. 

Salute to all three of these men, well deserved. 

Feature image via Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports