Did Sean Payton Play in the NFL?

Many people are wondering if Sean Payton, the current head coach of the New Orleans Saints, actually played in the NFL. The answer is no, Sean Payton did not play in the NFL.

Sean Payton’s NFL Career

Sean Payton is best known for his coaching career, winning a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints in 2010. But before he was a head coach, Sean Payton was a player in the NFL. Payton was undrafted out of college but he made the most of his opportunity, playing for three different teams during his six-year career.

Drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 1988 NFL Draft

New York Jets
Payton was drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 1988 NFL Draft and played for them for two seasons. He appeared in 21 games, principally as a punt returner, but also saw some action as a wide receiver. He had his most significant playing time in 1989, when he appeared in 12 games and caught 13 passes for 156 yards.

Played two seasons for the Jets

Sean Payton was drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played two seasons for the Jets before being waived in 2000.

Waived by the Jets in 1990

Sean Payton’s NFL career began in 1988 as a replacement player for the Chicago Bears. He was on the practice squad for the Bears in 1989 and then spent time with the New York Jets in 1990. He was waived by the Jets in 1990 and then spent some time out of football before signing with the Eagles in 1998.

Signed with the Chicago Bears in 1991

Sean Payton was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 1991. He played quarterback for the Bears for three seasons (1991-1993), appearing in eight games and starting two. He then spent the next two years (1994-1995) out of football before signing with the New York Jets in 1996. Payton appeared in one game for the Jets that season, throwing one pass. He was then released by the team and spent the rest of the year out of football. In 1997, Payton rejoined the Bears, but was released before the season began. He would finish his NFL career having appeared in nine games, completing 27 of 56 passes for one touchdown and two interceptions.

Appeared in one game for the Bears in 1991

Sean Payton appeared in one game for the Chicago Bears during the 1991 season. He did not have any carries or receptions during his NFL career.

Released by the Bears in 1992

After being let go by the Bears, Payton landed with the Montreal Machine of the World League of American Football in 1992. The league was intended to be a spring developmental league for the NFL, but it only lasted two seasons before folding. Payton was the starting quarterback for the Machine during their only season and he led them to a win in World Bowl I.

Sean Payton’s Post-NFL Career

Sean Payton is best known for his time as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, a position he has held since 2006. He led the Saints to their first ever Super Bowl victory in 2010. Payton also played a key role in the creation of the NFL’s “Challenge Flag” rule. Payton has been active in coaching since his retirement from playing in 1987.

Began his coaching career as an offensive assistant for San Diego State University in 1993

In Sean Payton’s post-NFL career, he began his coaching career as an offensive assistant for San Diego State University in 1993. He then became the quarterbacks coach for the University of California, Berkeley in 1994. In 1995, he was the tight ends coach at the Oakland Raiders. In 1997, he became the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at San Francisco State University. In 1998, he returned to the Oakland Raiders as their offensive coordinator. In 1999, Payton became the head coach of the New York Dragons of the Arena Football League.

Served as the quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1997 to 1998

In 1997, Payton was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles as their quarterbacks coach, reuniting with Ray Rhodes, who had become the team’s head coach. It was here that Payton met Doug Pederson, who would go on to be his offensive coordinator with the Saints. Payton oversaw a dramatic improvement in the level of play from quarterback Ty Detmer in 1997, and he helped guide rookie Donovan McNabb to a successful first season in 1999.

Hired as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints in 2006

In 2006, Sean Payton was hired as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. He led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2010. After the 2012 season, Payton was suspended for the entire 2013 season by the NFL for his role in a bounty scandal. Payton returned to coaching in 2014.

Won Super Bowl XLIV with the Saints in 2010

In 2010, Sean Payton coached the New Orleans Saints to a victory in Super Bowl XLIV, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17. This was the Saints’ first ever Super Bowl appearance and win, and Payton became the first African American head coach to win a Super Bowl.

After the game, Payton was hailed as a master tactician, and his name was mentioned as a possible candidate for NFL Coach of the Year. He was also praised for his decision to go for it on 4th down late in the game, which ultimately led to the Saints’ victory.

In the years since his Super Bowl win, Sean Payton has continued to be one of the most successful head coaches in the NFL. He has led the Saints to five more playoff appearances, including another trip to the NFC Championship Game in 2018. In 2020, he was named NFL Coach of the Year for his efforts in leading the Saints to a 13-3 record despite numerous injuries to key players.