If you are a fan of American football, you might have wondered if Sean Payton, the head coach of the Denver Broncos, is related to Peyton Manning, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. After all, they share a similar name, a passion for the game, and a history of working together. But are they really family? Here’s what we found out.
Contents
The Short Answer: No
According to Wikipedia, Sean Payton and Peyton Manning are not related by blood or marriage. Sean Payton was born in San Mateo, California, to parents Thomas and Jeanne Payton. He has two siblings, Tom and Molly. Peyton Manning was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to parents Archie and Olivia Manning. He has two brothers, Cooper and Eli, both of whom played football as well.
The Long Answer: They Have a Professional Connection
Although Sean Payton and Peyton Manning are not related, they do have a professional connection that goes back to their days in the NFL. Sean Payton was the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants from 2000 to 2002, where he coached Peyton’s younger brother Eli Manning. Peyton Manning was the star quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts from 1998 to 2011, where he faced Sean Payton’s New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. The Saints won that game 31-17, with Sean Payton making a bold onside kick call to start the second half.
In 2016, Peyton Manning joined the Denver Broncos and led them to victory in Super Bowl 50, his final game before retiring. Sean Payton remained the head coach of the Saints until 2021, when he decided to leave after 16 seasons. In 2023, he was hired by the Broncos as their new head coach, reuniting him with Peyton Manning, who had become a part-owner and advisor for the team.
According to Heavy.com, Peyton Manning revealed that he was “all in” on Sean Payton as the Broncos’ next coach and that he had a good relationship with him and the team’s management. He also praised Sean Payton’s offensive prowess and leadership skills.
The Bottom Line: They Are Friends and Colleagues
So, is Sean Payton related to Peyton Manning? No, they are not. But they are friends and colleagues who have a mutual respect and admiration for each other. They have also shared some memorable moments on and off the field as rivals and allies. They may not be family, but they are certainly part of the same football fraternity.
