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**Summary:**

The article details Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s obscure playing history, specifically a six-month stint with the Leicester Panthers in England’s Budweiser National League (now the British American Football Association) in 1988. At 23, fresh out of college, Payton played quarterback for the Panthers, effectively acting as a player-coach. He joined the team after short stints in the Arena Football League, CFL and as a replacement player for the Chicago Bears. He took the gig after the owner of the Panthers reached out to him, despite pressure from his mother to get a real job with health insurance. Payton’s experience involved creating practice plans for teammates who balanced football with full-time jobs. He reflects fondly on the experience, recalling the camaraderie and the memories. The article also touches on how some of his current Broncos players were unaware of this chapter in his career and notes Payton’s recent reunion with former Leicester teammates during the Broncos’ trip to London for a game against the New York Jets.

**News Article:**

**From Leicester to London: Broncos Coach Sean Payton’s Unlikely Football Journey**

**LONDON** — Before leading the Denver Broncos against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, head coach Sean Payton took a trip down memory lane, reflecting on his unexpected playing days in England. In 1988, a 23-year-old Payton, fresh out of Eastern Illinois University, found himself quarterbacking the Leicester Panthers in the Budweiser National League (now the BAFA) – a far cry from the NFL sidelines he now commands.

“I was 23 years old, right out of college and basically playing for pizza, because you enjoyed it,” Payton recalled. “It was a good six months.”

After stints in the Arena Football League, the CFL and a short time during the NFL players’ strike of 1987, Payton joined the Panthers. He said that he took the job after he was contacted by the team’s owner, Barry Wardle. Despite pressure from his mother to take a more stable path, Payton embraced the opportunity to continue playing. His role extended beyond quarterback; he essentially served as a player-coach, drawing up practice plans for teammates who juggled football with various day jobs, from construction workers to bouncers.

“Practice would be 5:30ish, so when everyone was finished working, we’d go for a couple hours,” Payton said. “For them, it was the love of the game.”

While many of Payton’s current Broncos players were unaware of his European adventure, Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton noted that Payton often brings up his playing experience, though Sutton noted he prefers talking about his coaching experience.

Payton’s time with the Panthers marked a turning point. After receiving a coaching opportunity at San Diego State, he transitioned into coaching. After Wednesday’s practice, Payton said he hoped some of his former Leicester teammates would be able to attend Friday’s Broncos practice. Four of them did, and the Broncos also hosted the Panthers’ under-17 team as well.

“It’s easiest to say you want to play until everyone tells you to go home,” Payton said. “So, I got to that point where everyone told you to go home and then it’s like, ‘Well I don’t want to leave [the game]. What else can I do?'”

During this week’s London visit, Payton had a reunion with former Leicester teammates, further underscoring the enduring impact of that unexpected chapter in his football journey.

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