Saints roll out black and gold carpet for Lineman of the Game

Insights > Saints roll out black and gold carpet for Lineman of the Game

Saints roll out black and gold carpet for Lineman of the Game

09/09/2024

Keeping the lights on and restoring power after outages is not for the faint of heart. Our lineworkers climb poles in the sizzling heat with the summer sun beating down on them, go up in bucket trucks in the bitter cold after an ice storm and deal with extreme devastation after tornadoes, flooding or hurricanes. In addition to being physically fit and mentally astute, lineworkers must have a heart for serving others.

With all lineworkers do to serve Entergy's customers, it is important to say "thank you" and show appreciation for their work. As a way of honoring our lineworkers and all they do for our company and our customers, Entergy selects a few each football season to be recognized as a "Lineman of the Game" at New Orleans Saints' home games.

Entergy Mississippi lineman Jake Knight, a journeyman lineman in the Hazlehurst network, was recently honored as the Lineman of the Game when the New Orleans Saints played the Tennessee Titans in a preseason game held Sunday at the Superdome.

"Jake is an exceptional lineman," said Jerry Wilson, region manager, region distribution operations, Southern region, Entergy Mississippi. "He goes above and beyond to help our customers and look out for his fellow linemen. He consistently puts others above himself, so it is fitting for him to be recognized for his hard work, dedication, attention to safety and service to others."

Prior to kickoff, all the lights in the dome were lowered and Knight appeared on the jumbotron. After a brief introduction, they showed him "flipping the switch" on the screen to light up the dome as the teams took the field and the fans cheered.

In addition, Knight and his wife, Harley, enjoyed a pre-game brunch, where he was presented with a commemorative football by a Saints staff member and met the Saints' mascot, Sir Saint, and members of the Saints Dance Krewe. The brunch was followed by the Saints vs. Titans game, where the players displayed the kind of teamwork Knight enjoys every day, but especially during restoration efforts that follow major storms.

"I think the most memorable times have been working after a major storm," said Knight. "You see the devastation a storm creates, but you also get to experience a sense of teamwork and pride as fellow lineman from all over come together to get the lights back on."

Knight received his lineman training at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and has worked in the profession for 10 years, with the last two years at Entergy Mississippi. In addition to racing, Jake enjoys hunting, fishing and outdoor activities. He also volunteers his time to help at his church and in his community. He and his wife, Harley, reside in Hazlehurst with their two daughters.

Serving others comes naturally to Knight, both on and off the job.

"When you complete a job and see the lights come on, you know you've helped people and made a difference," said Knight. "That's what I enjoy most about my job."