Remembering Sean Payton’s Six-Month Stint as Leicester Panthers QB Playing for Pizza
Sean Payton’s journey in football is highlighted by a unique chapter during his six-month experience as a quarterback for the Leicester Panthers in 1988. This particular stint stands out in his extensive coaching career, which boasts 173 wins and a Super Bowl title.
Sean Payton’s Leicester Panthers Era
In 1988, Sean Payton found himself in Leicester, England, as the quarterback of the Leicester Panthers, a team part of the Budweiser National League. At the time, Payton, then 23 years old, had just completed his college football career at Eastern Illinois University, where he threw for over 10,000 yards. His aspirations to continue playing football led him across the Atlantic.
Playing for Passion
Reflecting on his time with the Panthers, Payton noted that he was essentially playing for pizza, fueled by his love for the game. The Leicester Panthers allowed four American players on their roster, and Payton became a player-coach, owing to his experience. This arrangement provided him the opportunity to develop practice plans and mentor teammates, many of whom balanced football with full-time jobs.
Life in Leicester
- City Population: Approximately 370,000
- Distance from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: About 103 miles
Payton and his fellow American teammates lived together and often trained in the mornings, combining workouts with a homemade camaraderie. Their camaraderie forged a close-knit community, with team members coming from diverse backgrounds, including bouncers and construction workers.
Career Transition
At the end of the 1988 season, Payton faced a pivotal moment in his career. He pursued coaching opportunities while in England and eventually received an offer from San Diego State University. This offer required him to relocate to California within three days, marking the beginning of his coaching journey.
Payton’s insights from his playing days have since influenced his coaching style. His experience in England serves as an invaluable anecdote he shares with current Denver Broncos players, shedding light on his diverse football background.
Today, while leading the Broncos, Payton hopes to connect with his roots by inviting former Leicester teammates to trainings, highlighting the lasting impact of that six-month journey.
Memories That Last
Sean Payton cherishes the memories from his time with the Leicester Panthers. He recalls the treatment he received and the friendships forged during those days. Although professional football often prioritizes statistics and victories, Payton emphasizes that the relationships and experiences gained carry more significance than any stat sheet.
