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NFL community reacts to Sean Payton stepping down

Published: Jan 25, 2022 at 06:42 PM

NFL.com

Sean Payton's 15-season run with the New Orleans Saints came to a close on Tuesday.

The 58-year-old coach stepped down as the Saints' head coach following a successful tenure in which he posted a 152-89 record in the regular season to go along with nine postseason victories, including New Orleans only Super Bowl victory.

Payton's decision drew plenty of reaction on social media from those in the NFL world and beyond.

You became our coach after the biggest natural disaster in U.S. history hit our state

You forever changed the culture of our organization, bringing us to unbelievable heights

Our gratitude for the impact you have made on our state, city, & team is immeasurable#ThankYouSean 🙏 pic.twitter.com/bQgRM2l9IF
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 25, 2022

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Thank you, Coach Payton, for 16 incredible years leading our @Saints through good times and bad. You came to New Orleans at a time when spirits were broken and hope seemed lost, but you gave the city and fans something to rally behind and be proud of. #lagov
— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) January 25, 2022

That’s my HC! At the end of the day if Seans stepping away he has a master plan. Nothing but love for you Sean if this is it for you as my Hc then I thank you for drafting me, building phenomenal teams like ‘11 ‘18-21 first off the top of my head. 11 yrs my coach, forever RESPECT https://t.co/LXE2ubFjnN
— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) January 25, 2022

Coach Payton, Thank you SO much for all the great years!! You turned the @Saints into a consistent contender & delivered the first Superbowl in the teams history. You helped revive the city after Katrina. All the best wishes in the next chapter of your life. Much Respect! ✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/9HWdlnbJvc
— Willie Roaf (@Willie_Roaf) January 25, 2022

Great run Sean! You were authentic and did it your way:)
Thanks for your friendship and more amazing memories ahead pic.twitter.com/9308M1OoUF
— Morten Andersen (@GreatDane2544) January 25, 2022

@SeanPayton @Saints
I met coach 15 years ago. He thought I was an equipment manager...

Now I consider him my brother. pic.twitter.com/luIjReGKjR
— Steve Gleason - "Live Impossible" (@SteveGleason) January 26, 2022

Sean Payton is a LEGEND don’t ever forget that !
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) January 26, 2022

. @SeanPayton congratulations on an awesome career! Been an honor playing for you and against you over the years. A true legend of the game. Happy that you get to leave on your own terms ! 👏🏾👏🏾 well done
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) January 26, 2022

coach payton - thank you for the most amazing run... it was an honor to support you during your tenure as head coach - i will forever cherish the time we had with you... we love you, coach payton!!! @Saints @nfl #nfl #seanpayton pic.twitter.com/U4xHHLjLhE
— Harry Connick Jr (@HarryConnickJR) January 25, 2022

Always admired Sean Payton as one of the best in the league.Loved watching his teams play.Enjoy the excitement of your new venture!
— Jimmy Johnson (@JimmyJohnson) January 25, 2022

Appreciate this man more than I can express, @SeanPayton wish you well on everything you do going forward! https://t.co/FUjgR9MJqu
— DemarioDavis.eth (@demario__davis) January 26, 2022

Sometimes talent and ability just needs an opportunity to prove itself. @SeanPayton I’m forever grateful for that opportunity.

The impact of your vision and leadership reaches beyond wins and losses- it helped create a culture that’s unmatched.

Enjoy the other side! Congrats. pic.twitter.com/ny5idIsuqi
— Marques Colston (@MarquesColston) January 26, 2022

Grateful to have crossed paths with @SeanPayton.
Appreciate the patience, vision & belief that he and his @Saints coaching staff had for me when they drafted me out of @TowsonU in 2007.
Hell of a ride, Good luck on your future endeavors #WhoDat #WalkTogetherForever ⚜️
— Jermon Bushrod (@j_bushrod7475) January 25, 2022

The Who Dat Nation is the best fan base in the world! ⚜️ So thankful for 16 amazing years of memories in NOLA. The city where arms are always open & food is always offered. Thank you for taking our family in. #WhoDat @SeanPayton @Saints pic.twitter.com/8sNkWBzLj1
— Meghan Payton (@meghanpayton7) January 25, 2022

Surprised, saddened but more thankful than anything else for @SeanPayton ! Blessed to be part of the team he assembled in 2006 and 7 of the best yrs of my life followed that trade. New Orleans became home and so many wonderful memories followed. #walktogetherforever #cantonOH
— Scott Shanle (@scottshanle) January 25, 2022

Coach @SeanPayton appreciate you giving me a another chance to ball! Legendary coach forsure! Wish you nothing but the best in the future !
— Kwon Alexander (@kwon) January 25, 2022

Congratulations coach @SeanPayton on a dope ass career! one of the best to ever do it!
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) January 25, 2022

Thanks for taking a chance on me @SeanPayton #WalkTogetherForever
— Thomas Morstead (@thomasmorstead) January 25, 2022

What a loss for The Who Dat Nation. Thanks for all that he did, and may the next phase of his life be as rewarding (unless it is with the Falcons). https://t.co/Bq7eYQbqfn
— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) January 25, 2022

Forever grateful for your support of our team and city @SeanPayton 👏 #ThankYouSean https://t.co/4Wxv3nDe97 pic.twitter.com/022DEv8GrZ
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 25, 2022

@SeanPayton thank you so much for everything man!!!
Thank you for coaching me, teaching me, helping me become the man and leader I am today! You literally put New Orleans on your back SP!
Love! ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️
— T. Stead 🎤🎧 (@T_Armstead72) January 25, 2022