Current and former Saints players thank Sean Payton after he steps away

Sean Payton announced Tuesday that he is stepping down as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, leading to an emotional press conference and rampant speculation about what comes next for him and the black and gold. And many of his former players were watching — including All-Pro linebacker Demario Davis, who found a second wind in his career after landing in New Orleans as a free agent. Davis was in attendance for Payton’s sendoff and exchanged words and an embrace with him after, but he was one of many players (of the past and present) to publicly thank Payton for taking a chance on them on social media. Here’s what they had to say, and what Payton had in reply: