The NFL quarterback will serve as the bank's 'goodwill ambassador.'
UL Lafayette great-turned-NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme was named advisory director at MidSouth Bank by the bank's board of directors May 24.
"The MidSouth Bank Board, like anyone who knows Jake, has long been impressed by his energy, enthusiasm and drive," MidSouth Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Rusty Cloutier said in a press release announcing the addition. "Never has anyone been told no' so many times and proven people wrong so many times as Jake Delhomme."
Cloutier also said the bank plans to utilize the leadership skills Delhomme honed on the football field to inspire and encourage young leaders at MidSouth and to instill a strong work ethic in them.
MidSouth Bank Board Chairman Will Charbonnet explained that financial institutions commonly use advisory directors, or consulting directors, as a useful resource for the elected board. He said they provide additional business and professional expertise and often serve as goodwill ambassadors in the bank's market.
"Jake is an accomplished athlete and avid horseman who has a tremendous following and network of contacts, and we could not be more proud to have someone of his caliber represent our financial institution in every community we serve," Charbonnet commented.
The only true freshman quarterback to start for a Division I school in 1993, Delhomme had a passer efficiency rating that ranked second among NCAA freshmen quarterbacks. On the field with Delhomme when the Ragin' Cajuns won the Big West Conference twice, and finished with three winning seasons, were NFL wide receiver Brandon Stokley and offensive lineman Anthony Clement.
"The 29-22 victory Jake led the Cajuns to over Texas A&M in 1997, during his senior year, is still the biggest moment in UL history for so many of us diehard fans," Cloutier said. "The goal posts came down, and the entire city celebrated for what seemed like months. Well, let's just say it ranks right up there with the Cajuns' bowl victory last year."
Delhomme was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997 and went on to a successful career with the Carolina Panthers, where he holds multiple franchise records and led the team to Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2003, setting a Super Bowl record for his 85-yard touchdown pass. It was the longest offensive play from scrimmage in Super Bowl history.
Despite his personal success in the game - 16-of-33 for 323 yards, three passing touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 113.6 passer rating - the Panthers lost to the New England Patriots on a last-minute field goal. Two years later, the Breaux Bridge native was named to the Pro Bowl.
Delhomme signed a two-year deal with the Cleveland Browns in March 2010 and was picked up by the Houston Texans last year. He is now a free agent.