Sean Payton’s Ex-Player Didn’t Hold Back on 'Fear' of Playing for Him

Sean Payton is widely celebrated for transforming the New Orleans Saints into an NFL powerhouse, most notably leading them to their first-ever championship victory in Super Bowl XLIV.

Hired in 2006, Sean Payton quickly transformed the struggling Saints, building a high-powered offense with quarterback Drew Brees.

Over 15 seasons, Payton led the Saints to a 152-89 record and nine playoff appearances, cementing his legacy as an offensive mastermind. After stepping away in 2021, he returned to coaching in 2023, taking over the Denver Broncos, where he since has an 11-12 record.

But Payton’s success wasn’t without challenges—especially for the players who lived through his drastic cultural overhaul in New Orleans.

Jon Stinchcomb, a former Saints offensive tackle, recently spoke to Nick Kosmider of “ The Athletic ” about the 'fear' that came with playing for Payton during those pivotal early years.

“We recognized that there needed to be a cultural shift, specifically in that locker room but really across the organization,” Stinchcomb recalled. “Those types of seismic changes sometimes are very painful."

Payton’s first season with the Saints wasn't just about establishing a winning formula on the field; it was about creating a new culture that demanded accountability and commitment. Stinchcomb revealed that the intensity and ruthlessness of Payton’s approach left no room for complacency.

“There was also a healthy fear that this was the way things were going to be here,” he said. “You could get in line and buy-in, or there would be 31 other opportunities you could pursue.”

The fear wasn’t only about Payton’s expectations. The Saints’ front office, backed by Payton’s vision, didn’t hesitate to part ways with veterans unwilling to adapt.

"One, winning certainly helps," Stinchcomb explained. "But two, there was a lot of veteran presence of established players that were either encouraged to walk out the door, were traded or cut, just because it was culture that was valued most."

For Stinchcomb and many others, the fear was a driving force—one that ultimately helped shape the Saints into a Super Bowl-winning team.

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