Payton chokes up over Brees invite for HOF intro

Sean Payton will present Drew Brees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Brees is set to be enshrined into the Hall of Fame's 2026 class on Aug. 8, along with Luke Kuechly, Larry Fitzgerald, Roger Craig and Adam Vinatieri. The ex-New Orleans Saints star quarterback chose his former coach to introduce him and unveil his bronze bust. Brees asked Payton to be his presenter over a video call in an emotional moment that was filmed by a member of the Saints staff. "I can't believe you just did that" 🥹@DrewBrees asks @SeanPayton to present him at the @ProFootballHOF — New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 30, 2026 🎥: @GregBensel pic.twitter.com/GKJniyiJLj Payton, currently the Denver Broncos' head coach, teared up in the video and said, "Honest to God, I can't believe you just did that," before accepting the offer. "It's awesome," an emotional Payton told Brees. "I can't wait, I love you," Brees responded. Brees and Payton spent 15 years together in New Orleans and won Super Bowl XLIV. Brees is second all-time in NFL history in passing yards, touchdown passes and completions. Brees retired after the 2020 season and Payton stepped away from the Saints after the 2021 season before New Orleans traded the coach's rights to the Broncos in 2023.