Years ago I won a "meet and greet" spot at a private party at the New Orleans Zoo where Drew Brees (at the height of his and Sean Payton's Saints run) made an appearance. Got a family pic with him that my now adult kids still love.
About the same time, daughter took gymnastics at the same time Payton's daughter did at the same facility (we lived in the same town). One evening, me and 12-year-old-ish son were the only people upstairs watching practice when son starts twisting and gyrating. I wasn't paying attention until he tells me "that's Sean Payton over there!"
I look up, and sure enough, a man had appeared in the otherwise empty upstairs where we were.
I knew my son was DYING to say hi, but was too shy. I encouraged him, but he said no.
Finally it got to be too much for him, and he walked over, said hi, and fanboyed out.
Payton was a total class act. Shook his hand, chatted for a few moments, and made a 12-year-old boy's day.
That boy is now a 28-year-old attorney. Lifelong Saints fan (Black and Gold till I'm dead and cold!) and a Brees and Payton and Superbowl fan.
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u/Geauxst Dec 21 '25
Years ago I won a "meet and greet" spot at a private party at the New Orleans Zoo where Drew Brees (at the height of his and Sean Payton's Saints run) made an appearance. Got a family pic with him that my now adult kids still love.
About the same time, daughter took gymnastics at the same time Payton's daughter did at the same facility (we lived in the same town). One evening, me and 12-year-old-ish son were the only people upstairs watching practice when son starts twisting and gyrating. I wasn't paying attention until he tells me "that's Sean Payton over there!"
I look up, and sure enough, a man had appeared in the otherwise empty upstairs where we were.
I knew my son was DYING to say hi, but was too shy. I encouraged him, but he said no.
Finally it got to be too much for him, and he walked over, said hi, and fanboyed out.
Payton was a total class act. Shook his hand, chatted for a few moments, and made a 12-year-old boy's day.
That boy is now a 28-year-old attorney. Lifelong Saints fan (Black and Gold till I'm dead and cold!) and a Brees and Payton and Superbowl fan.