Saints Coach Darren Rizzi Shares Harrowing Moment He Feared Son Was Missing During New Orleans..
Saints Coach Darren Rizzi Shares Harrowing Moment He Feared Son Was Missing During New Orleans Terror Attack
NEW ORLEANS — In a gripping account of courage and family, New Orleans Saints special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi shared the terrifying moment he thought his son might have been caught in the chaos of a recent terror attack in the city. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the New Orleans community, highlighted the vulnerability of public spaces and the emotional toll such events have on families.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Rizzi recounted the frantic hours he spent searching for information about his son, Michael, who had been out with friends in an area close to the attack. “As a parent, it’s your worst nightmare,” Rizzi said, his voice trembling. “I was trying to stay focused and calm, but inside, I was terrified.”
A Night of Fear
The terror attack occurred late Saturday evening in a popular New Orleans entertainment district, where a suspect opened fire, leaving multiple casualties and sending scores of people scrambling for safety. Rizzi’s son, a college student who often visits the area, had been out that night, leading to an agonizing wait for news about his whereabouts.
Rizzi described the panic that set in when he couldn’t reach Michael. “I kept calling and texting, but there was no response,” he said. “I didn’t know if his phone was dead, if he was safe, or worse. Those minutes felt like hours.”
The Relief of Reunion
After what Rizzi described as “the longest two hours of my life,” he finally received a call from Michael, who was safe and unharmed. “He told me he’d been caught in the rush of people running and had dropped his phone while trying to get to safety,” Rizzi said. “Hearing his voice was the greatest relief I’ve ever felt.”
The emotional ordeal left a lasting impression on the veteran coach, who said it has deepened his empathy for families affected by violence and tragedy. “This experience reminded me how fragile life is and how quickly things can change,” he said.
Impact on the Saints Family
The Saints organization has rallied around Rizzi and his family in the wake of the incident. Head coach Dennis Allen expressed his support during a team meeting, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience. “We’re not just a team; we’re a family,” Allen said. “When one of us hurts, we all hurt.”
Players and staff have also reached out to Rizzi, offering words of comfort and solidarity. Saints kicker Wil Lutz described Rizzi as a father figure to many on the team. “Coach Rizzi is always there for us, so it’s only right that we’re here for him,” Lutz said.
A Call for Action
In the wake of the attack, Rizzi called for stronger community efforts to address violence and ensure public safety. “This isn’t just about my family; it’s about everyone who was affected that night,” he said. “We need to come together as a city to find solutions and support one another.”
Local authorities have launched a full investigation into the attack, and Mayor LaToya Cantrell has vowed to enhance security measures in popular areas of the city. “This was a senseless act of violence, and we will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice,” Cantrell said in a statement.
Looking Ahead
As the Saints prepare for their next game, Rizzi said he is channeling his emotions into his work, using the experience as a reminder of what truly matters. “Football is important, but family is everything,” he said. “I’m grateful for the support of this team and this city, and I’ll never take a single moment with my loved ones for granted.”
The attack has cast a somber shadow over New Orleans, but it has also highlighted the strength and resilience of its community. For Rizzi, it’s a story of gratitude, perspective, and a renewed commitment to cherishing life’s most precious moments.