Peyton Manning 'All-In' on Sean Payton as Broncos Coach
Remaining intimately familiar with the inner workings of the orange and blue, Peyton Manning approves of Sean Payton becoming the Denver Broncos head coach.
In fact, as far back as last summer — after Payton resigned from the New Orleans Saints — Manning pushed for it to happen.
“I certainly was all-in on Sean,” he said during last week's Manning Passing Academy, via USA TODAY. “I could tell he wanted to get back in it. I could tell he was looking for a committed organization that gave him the great support that he got here in New Orleans from the Benson family. I think he definitely found that with the Broncos’ new ownership. They’re going to give him what he needs and what he wants.”
Fact check: true.
On top of making Payton the NFL's second-highest-paid coach, Broncos leadership immediately opened its pursestrings at his behest. As one example, Payton wanted offensive line help. He got offensive line help — to the tune of $139.5 million combined for right tackle Mike McGlinchey and left guard Ben Powers.
And if it weren't for Payton, the latter likely never puts pen to paper.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for the offensive coaching staff they put together," Powers said earlier this month when asked why he chose Denver in free agency. "To be frank, that’s the answer.”
You don't need Manning to tell you that Payton was a home-run hire for an organization that hasn't sniffed the playoffs since he himself hoisted the Super Bowl 50 trophy. But if the hype translates to on-field success, as anticipated, you'll have the legendary quarterback to thank in part.
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