Sean Payton says he ‘hates losing more than anything in the world’

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was in a chatty mood on Wednesday.

As his team began preparations for the Las Vegas Raiders, Payton met with the media for nearly 25 minutes after practice.

He shared a look at his mindset as the 10-2 Broncos have a world of possibilities in front of them. They control their own destiny for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and legitimate Super Bowl talk has begun in the Mile High City and beyond.

For Sean Payton, winning is important, but it’s the other possible result that drives him.

“I hate losing more than anything in the world. And so, I think fear of failure is a very significant motivating factor,” Payton said.

The Broncos haven’t failed so far this season, far from it. Denver is on a nine-game winning streak and in the driver’s seat to take its first AFC West crown since 2015.

Payton is obsessed with making everything perfect, whether or be on the field or other aspects around the Broncos facility.

“I think from a details standpoint, there’s nothing that’s too small, that’s not significant. That has to exist outside the lines as well. The entryway, the locker room, the signage. In everything we do, there’s been thought given to all of it,” Payton said. “Almost maniacal with the details.”

Maniacal is a good trait in a football coach, even if it can wear on some people. This year that hasn’t been an issue for the Broncos, as Payton is leading the franchise to its best season since winning a title a decade ago.

Whether or not it ends with another Lombardi Trophy remains to be seen, but we know Sean Payton hates losing. If Denver doesn’t drop a game again this year, they’ll be world champions.

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