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Sean Payton Got Emotional Discussing Former Saints Players Before Return to New Orleans

Payton got choked up speaking about former Saints players.

Tim Capurso

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton walks out the tunnel before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on Thursday.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton walks out the tunnel before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on Thursday. / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton on Thursday night walked out onto the field at Caesars Superdome—to a mix of cheers and boos—as an opposing coach for the first time since leaving the New Orleans Saints after 15 seasons in 2021.

And Payton left no doubt as to how emotional the end of the night will be for him. During an interview with Amazon Prime's Charissa Thompson that aired before the game, Payton got choked up when former Saints players such as linebacker Demario Davis and defensive end Cameron Jordan were mentioned.

"That will be the hardest part. When the game ends," Payton said. " I've got a lump in my throat just thinking about it."

When Thompson asked him why it makes him emotional, Payton responded: "Yeah they're special. Yeah. I think that will be the hardest part."

Payton won a Super Bowl in 2010 and compiled a 152-89 record as the Saints coach, making the playoffs in nine of his 15 seasons pacing the sidelines. And clearly, the Saints players who were a part of the journey meant a great deal to Payton.

Payton's Broncos are currently leading the Saints 6-0 in the second quarter.

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Tim Capurso
TIM CAPURSO

Tim Capurso is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Prior to joining SI in November 2023, he wrote for RotoBaller and ClutchPoints, where he was the lead editor for MLB, college football and NFL coverage. A lifelong Yankees and Giants fan, Capurso grew up just outside New York City and now lives near Philadelphia. When he's not writing, he enjoys reading, exercising and spending time with his family, including his three-legged cat Willow, who, unfortunately, is an Eagles fan.

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