Former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton will serve as the presenter for Drew Brees at his Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio.
Payton, who teamed with Brees for 15 seasons in New Orleans, was handpicked by the former star quarterback to serve in the distinguished role.
Video of the moment Brees asked Payton to be his presenter was captured by Saints executive Greg Bensel, who was with Payton and Saints general manager Mickey Loomis on a golf outing at The Grove XXIII in Hobe Sound, Florida, on April 28.
The setup call was orchestrated by Brees’ wife, Brittany, who was driving with Brees and the couple’s family near their home in suburban San Diego. Payton and the group were at a dinner that night when Brees called.
“I hadn’t thought about it, and he caught me right in the temple,” said Payton, while choking back tears during a phone call Wednesday from his office in Denver. “I got just as emotional then as I am with you now. I’m honored.”
Video of the call shows Payton wiping tears from his eyes after Brees asked him if he would “put him in the Hall of Fame.”
“Honest to God, I can’t believe you just did that — absolutely,” Payton said during the call. “I’m honored.”
Brees will be enshrined at the Hall of Fame’s official ceremony next week. As the presenter, Payton’s pre-recorded video tribute to Brees will be shown during the ceremony. He will then join Brees at center stage for the unveiling of the bronze bust, which will be displayed for posterity in the Hall of Fame. Brees then will take the spotlight to deliver his acceptance speech.
