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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is focused on the playoffs, so much so that he had to be reminded by reporters that it was New Year’s Eve on Wednesday.
The longtime NFL coach was asked by reporters ahead of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers if he had to speak to his players about the ringing in the new year responsibly.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton works on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
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"I didn’t know it was New Year’s Eve," he said before letting his true feelings about the day be known. "The most overrated holiday, honestly. Like, seriously. I didn’t know it was New Year’s Eve."
Payton was asked if he ever had to remind his players in New Orleans to celebrate responsibly, to which he said, "Not the good teams."
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) celebrates after scoring during the third quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 25, 2025. (Denny Medley/Imagn Images)
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"I do find what’s interesting is as we get older and you’re coaching younger players, these guys are much more in tune to their bodies. Today’s generation doesn’t drink as much. They're in tune to their sleep… They handle all this stuff tremendously."
The Broncos earned their first AFC West title in a decade after the Houston Texans defeated the Chargers on Saturday. Because they hold the tiebreaker over the New England Patriots, a win on Sunday will secure the top seed in the AFC.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Missouri, on Dec. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
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That means home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs and a first-round bye.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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