Drew Brees used one of the biggest stages in football to turn the spotlight toward the coach who helped define so much of his career.
During his speech at the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony, the former New Orleans Saints quarterback spoke at length about Sean Payton, pausing through emotion as he reflected on the relationship that helped power a 15-season run in New Orleans and a Super Bowl title in 2010.
Brees said he “always wanted to make you right,” with Payton in the audience, and described the coach as “brilliant” and “precise” while talking through the trust they built over the years.
“To Sean Payton, I miss our meetings, Coach,” Brees said, via the NFL. “The night before every game, talking through every play, every situation, every matchup in the greatest of detail. I would literally ask Sean, ‘Hey, coach, when do you think you'll call this play?'”
“He would squint his eyes and purse his lips,” Brees continued. “You know that look.
‘Second quarter, across midfield, probably 47-yard line. Second and 10, left hash, left middle, maybe.
"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
They'll never expect it.' Precise, instinctive.
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 allowed us both to be great.”
Brees is now retired and officially a Hall of Fame player, while Payton remains in the NFL as the head coach of the Denver Broncos.
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