Childhood and Education Journey of Sean Payton in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Sean Payton. A timeline of key moments.

Sean Payton is an American football coach, currently the head coach of the Denver Broncos. He is best known for his successful tenure as head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 2006 to 2021, where he guided the team to their first Super Bowl victory in 2009. Before coaching, Payton played college football at Eastern Illinois and briefly played professionally for the Chicago Bears and the Leicester Panthers. His coaching career is marked by offensive innovation and leadership.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

December 29, 1963: Sean Payton's Birth

On December 29, 1963, Patrick Sean Payton was born. He is an American professional football coach and former quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

1970: Lived in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania

From 1970 to 1978, Sean Payton lived in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania during his grade school and middle school years.

1978: End of Newtown Square Residence

In 1978, Sean Payton's time living in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, came to an end.

1982: Graduation from Naperville Central High School

In 1982, Sean Payton graduated from Naperville Central High School in Naperville, Illinois.

1986: Eastern Illinois University Quarterfinals

In 1986, Sean Payton led the Eastern Illinois University Panthers to the quarter-finals of the Division I-AA Playoffs.

1997: Birth of daughter Meghan

In 1997, Sean Payton's daughter Meghan was born with his wife Beth Shuey.

2000: Birth of son Connor

In 2000, Sean Payton's son Connor was born with his wife Beth Shuey.

September 11, 2001: Giants' Flight Landed Next to United Airlines Flight 93

On September 11, 2001, the New York Giants' flight landed at Newark Liberty International Airport next to United Airlines Flight 93. Sean Payton recalls this moment in his autobiography Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life.

Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life

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June 2010: Publication of "Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life"

In June 2010, Sean Payton published his book, "Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life", co-written with journalist Ellis Henican. It opened at number 8 on The New York Times non-fiction bestseller list.

Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life

Check it on Amazon

October 16, 2011: Broke Tibia and Tore MCL in Sideline Collision

On October 16, 2011, while coaching against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sean Payton broke his tibia and tore his MCL in a collision with tight end Jimmy Graham's helmet after Graham was tackled on the sideline.

2011: Move to Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex

In 2011, the Payton family moved back to the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, purchasing a home in the Vacquero Club in Westlake due to issues with their home in Mandeville.

June 2012: Filing for Divorce

In June 2012, Sean Payton and his wife Beth filed for divorce.

2012: Coaching Sixth-Grade Football

During his 2012 suspension from the NFL, Sean Payton served as the offensive coordinator for his son Connor's sixth-grade team in Argyle, Texas. He used a simplified version of the Saints' playbook.

2014: Move to Uptown New Orleans

In 2014, after his suspension and the finalization of his divorce, Sean Payton moved from the New Orleans suburbs to Uptown New Orleans, buying a condo in that neighborhood.

2015: Presents Rolex watches to coaches and players

Shortly before the 2015 season, Sean Payton hosted a dinner for the four coaches and four players who had continuously been with the Saints since he became head coach, and presented each of them with a Rolex watch.

January 2018: "Hit the Sean Payton" song dedicated to Sean Payton

In January 2018, New Orleans musician Shamarr Allen dedicated a song to Sean Payton entitled "Hit the Sean Payton", which he composed after watching an Instagram live video of Payton dancing in celebration with the Saints players after defeating the Carolina Panthers.

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November 10, 2019: Engagement Announcement

On November 10, 2019, at the end of the Saints vs. Falcons game, it was announced that Sean Payton had gotten engaged two days prior on November 8 to his girlfriend, Skylene Montgomery.

March 19, 2020: Tests Positive for COVID-19

On March 19, 2020, it was reported that Sean Payton had tested positive for COVID-19. Payton became the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the NFL.

June 18, 2021: Marriage to Skylene Montgomery

On June 18, 2021, Sean Payton married Skylene Montgomery in a private ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The wedding was officiated by former NBA player and coach Avery Johnson.