It’s been quite a ride this past five years for 27 year old King George native Jermon Bushrod.  A multi sport athlete and 2002 graduate of  King George High School, Bushrod then attended Towson University.

A standout at left tackle for the Towson Tigers  throughout his college career,  Bushrod was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft.  For the first two seasons Bushrod sat on the bench backing up the Saints All-pro left tackle Jammal Brown.

When Brown went down with an injury in  2009 Bushrod assumed the starting left tackle slot and hasn’t looked

back.  He signed a new two-year contract with the Saints this past July that included  a reported $3.5 million signing bonus.

Just completing his fifth year in the NFL, and his third as the Saints’ starting left tackle, Bushrod admitted he was “pretty shocked” to learn he had been named to the Pro Bowl.

“Just having the opportunity to be voted in is such a blessing,” said Bushrod, “I never would’ve thought in a million years I’d have this opportunity, in the same way as winning a Super Bowl two years ago.”   
Bushrod, who has only allowed three sacks this season, has developed into a major part of the Saints’ offensive success. He was one of five members of  that prolific offense selected to the Pro Bowl, joining quarterback Drew Brees, guards Jahri Evans, and Carl Nicks, and tight end Jimmy Graham, a fellow first timer.

“Guys have good seasons if the team’s doing well” the King George native said.  “I just think as a team we’re jelling right now.  We just have to keep it up.”

A week ago, the Saints clinched the NFC South title with a 56-16 win over Atlanta as they improved their record to 12-3 on the season. It was also a record setting night for Bushrod and his teammates as Brees broke the NFL single season passing record with 5087 yards.   Former Miami Dolphin quarterback Dan Marino set the previous record of 5084 yards back in 1984.

The Saints have the top-rated offense in the NFL, averaging 457.1 total yards per game.
Always one to give back to his community, Bushrod has conducted clinics for King George youngsters each off-season and has organized  a charity golf tournament and various other youth oriented activities under the umbrella of  his “Visualize and Rize” organization.

 Pete Barber