Sean Payton and Drew Brees spent 15 seasons together in New Orleans, forming one of the NFL's most successful coach-quarterback partnerships.
After arriving with the Saints in 2006, the pair helped turn around a franchise that had struggled for sustained success, making nine playoff appearances and winning Super Bowl XLIV, the organization's first championship.
Brees also became the face of the franchise during that stretch, throwing for more than 68,000 yards and 491 touchdowns while rewriting the Saints' record book.
Now, the two are set to share another memorable moment as Brees prepares for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The former Saints quarterback surprised Payton with a FaceTime call to ask him to serve as his presenter during the Hall of Fame ceremony. The moment left the current Denver Broncos head coach emotional as he fought back tears after hearing the request.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that Payton will present Brees during the induction ceremony on Aug. 8 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The event is scheduled to begin at noon.
Brees is part of the Hall of Fame's 2026 class alongside Roger Craig, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri. Payton is also expected to attend the annual dinner the night before the ceremony, meaning he will miss two days of Broncos training camp to be there for his former quarterback.
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The Hall of Fame announcement reunites one of the NFL's most successful coach-quarterback duos on another significant stage.
After spending more than a decade together in New Orleans, Payton will now have the honor of introducing Brees as he takes his place among football's all-time greats.
