Drew Brees says he was crying too during emotional Sean Payton Hall of Fame call
CANTON, Ohio (WVUE) - Drew Brees says he also was crying during the emotional call in which he asked former Saints coach Sean Payton to present him for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The video showed Payton becoming emotional after hearing the news. During a one-on-one interview Thursday in Canton, Brees said the moment affected him just as deeply.
“I’m crying on the other side,” Brees said. “You couldn’t see it, you know, through the phone. But, yeah, it was an emotional moment. You know, he’s meant a ton to me.”
Brees said he originally planned to fly to Payton and surprise him in person. Those plans changed when Payton happened to be with several members of the Saints organization.
Brees called the group through FaceTime.
“I was like, this is the moment because they’re all together and it would totally catch him off guard, which is hard to do with Sean, right?” Brees said.
“So I sprung it on him,” he added.
Brees said fans typically see Payton’s competitive side, making the coach’s reaction stand out.
“Everybody sees the fiery competitive Sean,” Brees said. “It was pretty awesome to see just that emotion.”
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Brees and Payton spent 15 seasons together in New Orleans. Payton will present his former quarterback during Saturday’s enshrinement ceremony.
As that moment approaches, Brees said the Hall of Fame experience has included reflection, preparation and some stress.
“It’s just a ton of reflection and you’re certainly trying to soak up the moment,” Brees said. “There’s been so much preparation that’s gone into this, and I think at times it’s been kind of stressful.”
Brees said the focus is not only on his career. He wants to use the events in Canton to recognize the people who helped him reach the Hall of Fame.
“Honestly, the way I feel is that I wanna honor everybody who’s been a part of this journey,” Brees said.
That includes the fans he meets, the people involved in Hall of Fame events and those connected to the places and moments that shaped his career.
“I’m trying to make sure everybody knows about all the people and all the moments and all the places that have, you know, been the most impactful parts of this journey that have allowed me to be here,” Brees said.
Brees will be enshrined Saturday with Payton by his side.
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