Legendary quarterback Drew Brees was elected to the New Orleans Saints’ Hall of Fame this spring, and the team picked a perfect game to honor the retired quarterback following his selection.
The Saints will recognize Brees at halftime of their Thursday Night Football showdown with the Denver Broncos on Oct. 17. It’s a fitting game to honor Brees because that night will also mark coach Sean Payton’s return to the Caesars Superdome.
Payton and Brees, of course, won a Super Bowl together following the 2009 season. It makes sense to honor Brees when Payton is in town, and it’s also smart to try to get Payton’s focus off of the game. The coach has admitted that it will be an emotional night for him.
“Certainly, there will be emotions going back there with players,” Payton said during his conference call on Monday. The coach has emphasized that his first priority is getting a win, but he has acknowledged that Brees’ ceremony is also on his mind.
“For me, I think first off the evening’s about the game,” Payton said. “Then secondly, Brees is getting honored at halftime. I don’t think there’s going to be a lot of flowers and warm fuzzies for yours truly, and I get it. … Listen, I can’t stand losing. It’s about our team and me as the head coach of the Broncos getting ready to play on an early week and trying to play one of our better games.”
Thursday’s game against the Saints will be available to stream on Prime.
