Saints fans fuel McAllister's desire in return from knee surgeries

McAllister's relaxed, Sunday afternoon demeanor belies his drive and ambition.

He holds numerous charity events in Jackson and New Orleans to benefit his Catch 22 foundation, which gets its name from his college number. He paid to help revamp the football weight room at Ole Miss.

In Jackson, he owns three car dealerships (brands include Range Rover, Jaguar, Audi and Volkswagen) and is looking to acquire two more in the region. He helped renovate the historic King Edward hotel in downtown Jackson (opening soon) and is a principal developer in a planned entertainment district, modeled after Memphis' Beale Street, along a largely depressed downtown corridor near the hotel. He also is a business partner in the Mississippi-based McAlister's deli chain, which he bought into even though its spelling differs from his.

He tended to these myriad endeavors and married actress Danielle Tipton this spring -- all while working his way back into shape.

Apparently, a heavy workload suits him.

When players reported for camp, head coach Sean Payton was quick to point out that McAllister weighed 227 pounds, about 8 pounds lighter than usual.

"There's a sense of urgency with Deuce and he understands that it's tough as a running back to recover from a second injury like he's having to. But if it's possible to happen, he's the type of guy to do it," Payton said.

Quarterback Drew Brees joked that McAllister looks like he's playing at his college weight.

"He looks as good as I've ever seen him," Brees said.

Payton said he will be cautious with McAllister, sitting him out for some sessions while the Saints are practicing twice a day.

In 2006, the season after his first knee reconstruction, McAllister had to share carries with newly drafted Reggie Bush and still rushed for 1,057 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, as the Saints went to the NFC title game.

Now, when people ask McAllister how he'll come back this time, he talks about making what would be his third Pro Bowl, if only to see the reaction.

Sometimes, the response is, "You're crazy, man. You ain't going back to the Pro Bowl," McAllister said.

"That's fuel to my fire," he continued. "When it gets tough in that training room, that weight room, even out on the field, that's more that I can pull from and that's more that I can add to (what) drives me."