Former Saints WR Michael Thomas gives Sean Payton a shoutout and reminds fans why they may miss him in New Orleans

Sean Payton continues to impress the NFL.

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton greets New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara, center, linebacker Demario Davis (56), left, and tight end Taysom Hill (7), right, at the end of the game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints saw a ton of Michael Thomas and Sean Payton over the years. Both played key roles to their offensive success with Drew Brees, among other key pieces. With Thomas no longer playing in the league and Payton coaching in the AFC, it’s always a sight to see either one of them mention each other.

In this most recent instance, it was a positive remark from Thomas that received some attention from New Orleans’ fan base during their team’s bye week.

Michael Thomas shows love for Broncos HC Sean Payton on social media

We all know that the former Saints star wideout always lets his opinion be known on social media, but his latest post is an intriguing one for multiple fan bases. Thomas clearly watched the end of the Denver Broncos’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Wil Lutz, a former teammate of Thomas in New Orleans, kicked a game-winning field goal for Denver.

Thomas played for Payton for quite some time with the Saints, so he understands his coaching style and abilities. The long-time receiver acknowledged Payton’s commitment to winning. The Broncos are sitting at 9-2, one of the most surprisingly accomplished teams so far this season.

Payton’s experience and offensive prowess have helped him rebuild Denver rather swiftly. As Thomas notes, it hasn’t taken long for him to create another powerhouse in the NFL once he departed from New Orleans.

“The Denver Broncos had suffered six consecutive losing seasons and missed the playoffs seven straight years before Sean Payton arrived in 2023. In his second season, they went 10-7 and made the playoffs and are now 9-2 in Year 3.” — Jeff Duncan

We will see if the Broncos can transition this excitement and success into some postseason success. Quarterback Bo Nix has plenty of doubters, but Payton has full faith in him to help them get where they want to be.

Meanwhile for the Saints, they amidst a long-term rebuild. Kellen Moore is a trusted young coach, but there are still lots of folks who miss watching Payton coach in black and gold.

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