Denver Broncos receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey is very familiar with his head coach Sean Payton. The two go back to 2019 and the New Orleans Saints.
Humphrey shared this week that he is “grateful” for Payton, but at one point thought Payton would end his career when he made multiple mistakes on the field his rookie year and the Super Bowl-winning coach benched him.
But instead, Payton sought out Humphrey again earlier this season, taking him from the New York Giants’ practice squad and bringing him into the fold in Denver.
Humphrey appeared Thursday on “The Set,” a podcast hosted by former offensive tackle and Payton alumni Terron Armstead.
Lil’Jordan Humphrey thought Sean Payton would end his career
Payton, who is often intense on game day, is equally known for meticulously preparing his players for the next opponent, Humphrey said.
“He gonna be cool during the week, but he’s gonna be fiery on Sunday,” Humphrey said.
Humphrey received the full Sean Payton Experience during his rookie year in New Orleans, when he lined up wrong on one play and missed a block on another.
“He looked at me crazy,” Humphrey said.
“I don’t remember exactly what he said, but I know he was like, you’re done. I was like, alright I’m gonna see y’all boys, it might be a wrap for me. My career is probably done with now. I’m over here messing up as a rookie.”
“But no, he ended up keeping me around and I’m grateful for that.”
Humphrey has received a handful of targets in the Broncos’ previous two games against the Raiders and Packers. He found the end zone against the Packers, recording his first touchdown as a Bronco.
The Broncos (12-2) host the Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) on Sunday.