October 17th 2024.
It's almost time for happy hour in New Orleans, and on Bourbon Street, that could mean any hour of the day. The sound of jazz fills the air as tourists wander the bustling street, sipping daiquiris from their plastic cups. Even on a windy afternoon in the middle of the week, the area is alive with a vibrant mix of beads, booze, and the irresistible aroma of beignets. As you walk down the street, you can't help but notice the bars advertising their hangover-curing abilities, ready to repair any late-night indulgences.
One of the bars, Finnegan's Easy, proudly displays a faded cover of the Times-Picayune with the headline "AMEN!" in honor of the New Orleans Saints' unforgettable Super Bowl victory. However, the team's recent performance has been less than stellar, with four consecutive seasons without a playoff berth. This is a far cry from the glory days under the leadership of former head coach Sean Payton.
Amidst the video poker machines, Saints fan Michelle Melancon shares her sentiments about Payton. "I'd definitely take him back. He brought us a Super Bowl and was an inspiration to this city. He did so much for us." Payton will be returning to New Orleans on Thursday night for the first time since leaving the team in 2021. He now coaches the Denver Broncos, a team struggling to stay relevant, while the Saints are desperate for a win after a four-game losing streak.
If Payton had returned a month ago when the Saints were averaging an impressive 45 points per game, he may have received a different reception from the passionate Who Dat Nation. But as I speak to fans and locals leading up to kickoff, it's clear that Payton is still beloved by the city.
Janelle Bays, a waitress at Daisy Dukes Express Southern, whose father has been a Saints season ticket holder for years, shares her thoughts on Payton's return. "I think we'll welcome him with open arms. There may be a few people still upset that he left, but I don't think it will be the majority. He did so much for this city, and we're grateful for that."
However, in Denver, Payton is viewed with suspicion. Despite his impressive resume and success as a coach, his time with the Broncos has been less than stellar. With an 11-12 record, he has brought a culture of discipline to the team, but his offensive playcalling has not lived up to his reputation as a genius of Xs and Os.
But in New Orleans, Payton was more than just a coach; he was a conquering hero, a larger-than-life figure who transformed the entire franchise. Before he arrived in 2006, the Saints were known as the "Aints," a team with little to celebrate. But under Payton's leadership, they won their first playoff game and went on to achieve nine playoff berths and a Super Bowl victory. His legacy is deeply rooted in the city's rebirth following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Longtime Times-Picayune columnist Jeff Duncan reflects on the impact Payton had on the city. "In Louisiana, we tend to play the victim card. But Payton refused to do that after the worst disaster in U.S. history. He never made excuses. He brought confidence, bordering on arrogance, to the team and the fans loved it."
So when Payton famously put his hand around his neck and yelled "choke" at Falcons running back Devonta Freeman or mocked Vikings fans with their Skol clap, it was just another example of his bold personality that fit perfectly with the spirit of New Orleans.
Of course, Payton's antics weren't always well-received, but during the height of his success, it was hard to find anyone complaining. Even when he was suspended for the 2012 season due to his involvement in the Bounty Gate scandal, the city stood by him.
As Payton prepares to face his former team on Thursday, he knows he may not receive a warm welcome. "I don't think there will be a lot of flowers and warm fuzzies for yours truly," he jokes. But his history in New Orleans is still very much alive in the hearts of the city's residents.
As I walk down Bourbon Street, I can't help but notice the blaring music and festive atmosphere. The 2018 Saints celebration song, "Hit The Sean Payton," echoes off the walls of shops offering voodoo bones tours and psychic readings. It's clear that Payton's impact on the city will never be forgotten.
Saint Vader, a super fan who dresses as Darth Vader at home games, shares his thoughts on Payton's legacy. "What he did after Katrina will be cemented forever here. He rejuvenated the city, and people will never forget that."
One cannot mention Sean Payton without also mentioning Drew Brees. Their partnership is considered one of the greatest coach-quarterback duos in NFL history. But it almost didn't happen. Payton initially had his sights set on the Green Bay job, but when that fell through, he ended up in New Orleans. Similarly, Brees was set to join the Miami Dolphins as a free agent, but a failed physical brought him to the Saints. The rest, as they say, is history.
The 2006 season, immortalized by the statue of Steve Gleason blocking a punt in the reopening of the Superdome, will always hold a special place in the hearts of Saints fans. But for New Orleans, it's always been about more than just football.
"I don't think any of us could ever understand the impact Sean has had on this city," Payton reflects. And as the Saints celebrate Brees' induction into their Hall of Fame during a halftime ceremony, it's evident that his and Payton's legacy in New Orleans will forever be intertwined.
As for Payton's return to his former home, some fans may boo him for leaving, but there will also be many who are grateful for all that he did for the city. And as Steve Lofaso, a server at Bobby Hebert's Cajun Cannon Restaurant and Bar in Metairie, La., puts it, "I'll be at the game, and like many other fans, I'm a little worried Sean is going to embarrass the Saints."
But Payton didn't leave New Orleans; he brought New Orleans with him. Even now, three years after his departure, he still has strong ties to the city, with 13 staff members and nine players with ties to the Saints still working for the Broncos. It's a comfort to Payton, who won seven division titles during his time with the Saints.
To sum it up, as Saint Vader says, "New Orleans isn't ready to quit on Sean Payton. There may be boos from fans who feel betrayed, but there will also be those of us who feel grateful. I'll be there with a sign that says 'Thank You, Sean.' And I know I won't be alone."
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
