Tyler Shough’s week didn’t end with a win, but it did bring an unexpected highlight. As the New Orleans Saints struggle and head coach Kellen Moore delays naming a starting quarterback, the rookie QB made headlines off the field. His quiet moment of recognition offered a rare bright spot in a tough stretch.

“Officially a Kentucky Colonel!” he wrote in his Instagram story. He also offered his thanks to the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Andy Beshear. “Thank you @andybeshearky #GoCards 🖤.” It was a surprising moment of gratitude and positivity coming from a player whose weekend had been otherwise difficult.

So, what exactly does that title mean? A Kentucky Colonel certificate is the highest honor granted by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Governor gives it to individuals who’ve made remarkable contributions or shown exceptional service to their community, state, or nation. The certificate signed by both the Governor and the Secretary of State serves as an official document of recognition. In simple terms, it’s a big deal.

In fact, a former governor once explained the honor perfectly. “The name Kentucky Colonel has become synonymous with strength of character, leadership and dedication to the welfare of others.”

But how can someone become a Kentucky Colonel? The Governor must receive a nomination, and the nominee must be at least 18 years old. Once approved, they receive the official commission.

Turning back to the Saints, head coach Kellen Moore has yet to make a definitive decision on the team’s starting quarterback, continuing to deliberate the QB1 choice

Will Tyler Shough suit up next week?

Week 8 didn’t turn out the way the Saints had hoped. They looked out of sync in a rough 3-23 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Spencer Rattler started the game and completed 15 of 21 passes for 136 yards with one interception, a pick-six, before being benched late in the third quarter.

Rookie Tyler Shough was given another chance to prove himself, stepping in with 3:57 left in the third. It was his second NFL appearance, the first being a brief outing five weeks earlier against Seattle. Shough finished the game completing 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards with one interception and added just 12 yards on three carries. So, the energy among the fans is anything but cheerful.

Head coach Kellen addressed the team’s offensive struggles head-on. “We just needed to create something on offense,” he said. “It’s not just about Spencer; the whole offense isn’t playing up to standard. We have to move the ball, protect it, and score points. This was a full offensive evaluation,” he added.

Meanwhile, fans want something new. Some believe it’s time to give Shough a real chance over Rattler. The Saints drafted Shough in the second round, 40th overall, in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The 26-year-old finished his college career with a 21-11 record as a starter. Last season, he threw for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while completing 62.7% of his passes. Those numbers are hard to ignore, especially for a team desperate for offensive rhythm.

Still, Moore is taking his time with the Week 9 call. “We’ll look at everything over the next 48 hours and figure out what gives us the best chance to win,” he said. “Tyler went in, looked the part, made some plays. His interception was unfortunate, but he gave us a spark. We’ll make that call soon.”

However, there are some other options Moore might look at. Hunter Dekkers, the strong-armed competitor who joined as an undrafted free agent, remains an option. He’s been bouncing between the practice squad and active roster since the summer. The other name in the mix is Jake Haener, who continues to work behind the scenes.

So, the real question for the Saints heading into Week 9 is simple: who will Kellen Moore trust to lead the offense next?