Transcript from New Orleans Saints safety Jairus Byrd's session with the media on Wednesday, April 16, 2014:
On why he decided to come to New Orleans…
"Their record and track record speak for themselves. Anytime you can pair up with guys like Drew Brees and Sean Payton with that offense he is running. With coach Ryan on the other side and how he turned things around there, that's a combination to win a lot of games. It really sold itself."
On how important winning is at this stage of his career…
"Very. When you play this game, you play to win. When you prepare at a high level and you don't see the fruits of your labor, it's a tough thing. I am looking forward to winning a lot of games here"
On if he has spent much time talking to Rob Ryan…
"Yes, I have been going to (Saints facility) almost every day since I have been in town. Talking with teammates and getting a workout in. He has texted me when I wasn't in town. We have been talking."
On if Rob Ryan has lived up to his creative reputation…
"Yes, he has some stuff in his head that he is going to get out one way or another."
On how he expects the Saints to use him…
"I don't want to get into how they are going to use me. That would be a question for coach Payton or coach Ryan. I don't want to get into their gameplan or how they are going to use me. It will be fun and exciting I know that."
On the Saints signing Champ Bailey…
"When you add a future Hall of Famer, that takes it to another level. To be able to learn how he breaks down the game and what makes him successful, that's huge. It's a big plus for us in the secondary."
On the reaction he has received from Saints fans…
"I hear it's like a family atmosphere. Everywhere I have been, I see the love that this city has for the team. I have talked to Keenan Lewis, who is from here, and he told me how much the Saints mean to this city."
On working with safety Kenny Vaccaro…
"It'll be a lot of fun, just being in there and getting to work with him is definitely a privilege. I'm really looking forward to what he brings to the table, as well as the other guys like Keenan Lewis and Champ Bailey."
Photos of Jairus Byrd at the New Orleans Saints facility on Wednesday, March 12, 2014. Photos by Alex Restrepo (New Orleans Saints photos)