Sean Payton going viral after calling out Falcons fans during preseason opener

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is already going viral.

And it’s only the first preseason game of the year.

The Broncos crushed the Atlanta Falcons 27-7 on Friday night, a game that was never close after Denver backup QB Jarrett Stidham and the defense dominated in the first half. It was 24-0 Broncos after two quarters.

And that’s when Payton was grabbed by 9NEWS, the local affiliate carrying the game, to do a halftime interview.

On the final question, Sean Payton couldn’t help but take a shot at his old rival the Atlanta Falcons.

"A lot of people dressed up as empty seats today." – Sean Payton at halftime of the Broncos' preseason game against the Falcons in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/i3k1RNKKHZ

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 15, 2026

“We know you win here in Atlanta,” reporter Cynthia Frelund said to Payton.

“A lot of people dressed up as empty seats today,” Payton responded with a laugh.

The crowd on television certainly looked sparse, as the people of Atlanta clearly had better things to do with their Friday night. Even though it was preseason, the Falcons weren’t competitive, so folks made the right choice.

And Sean Payton of course has a history with Atlanta, as he was the head coach of the New Orleans Saints for 15 years. And Payton is 22-9 in his career against the Falcons, a former NFC South foe.

So even with his focus on the Broncos and chasing a Lombardi Trophy in 2026, Payton got a jab in at the Falcons in their fans.

It’s well played — and he’s got the evidence to back it up — there were a lot of empty seats as Denver smoked Atlanta.

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