New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is regarded as one of the best teachers in the NFL, and he credits much of his success to an ability to innovate and connect with players young and old.
This year, Payton has kept a close eye on the college game and the impact it’s had on his team. When quarterback Drew Brees saw his alma mater, the Purdue Boilermakers, upset the heavily-favored Ohio State Buckeyes Payton arranged for a visit from “Purdue Pete” and gifts of model trains to the many former Buckeyes crowding New Orleans’ roster – big names like wide receiver Michael Thomas and defensive backs Marshon Lattiomre, Eli Apple, and Vonn Bell.