Drew Brees calls Sean Payton ‘brilliant’ as Broncos boss presents him into HOF

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was in Canton, Ohio on Saturday presenting his former QB Drew Brees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Payton missed a scrimmage at Broncos training camp, but who cares?

This was a big moment for the duo that revived the New Orleans Saints.

In all, Brees and Payton spent 15 NFL seasons together and had a ton of success. That included a triumph in Super Bowl XLIV and winning more than 140 games.

The whole speech from Drew Brees is worth watching, but a couple of moments highlighted Payton. First, when Brees took the stage he and Payton shared a big embrace and unveiled his Hall of Fame bust.

Longtime @saints head coach Sean Payton helps welcome @drewbrees into the Hall of Fame 👏@ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on ESPN/NFLN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/oIZ1Uc9661

— NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2026

In the middle of his remarks, Drew Brees made sure specifically to talk about Payton.

He discussed how the two would meet the night before every game and go through every situation and matchup in the greatest of detail. Brees said Payton was “precise” and could even tell him when he’d likely call a specific play.

"I always wanted to make you right. And I know you trusted me, and that allowed us to be great."@Drewbrees had a special relationship with his head coach Sean Payton. pic.twitter.com/beiwxnUQwU

— NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2026

“Coach, you were brilliant. I saw myself as an extension of you on that field. I always had something to prove to you, and I always wanted to make you right. And I know you trusted me, and that allowed us both to be great,” Drew Brees said while getting choked up.

The crowd then erupted into applause, including Payton, as it’s clear this relationship is incredibly special. And the Saints fans on hand knew that Brees and Payton were massive reasons why New Orleans got to cheer on a winner for a decade and a half.

Payton will return to Broncos camp on Monday — and it’s a safe bet he will have plenty of stories to share.

In the meantime, you can also watch the video of Payton presenting Brees here.

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