Broncos coach Sean Payton calls New Year’s Eve ‘most overrated holiday’

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is focused on the playoffs, so much so that reporters had to remind him it was New Year’s Eve on Wednesday.

The longtime NFL coach was asked by reporters before Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers whether he should talk to his players about 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 making his true feelings about the day known. “Honestly, it’s the most overrated holiday. Seriously. I didn’t know it was New Year’s Eve.”

Payton was asked if he ever had to remind his New Orleans players to celebrate responsibly, to which he responded, “Not the good teams.”

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) celebrates after scoring during the third quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 25, 2025. (Denny Medley/Imagn Images)

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“I think what’s interesting is that as we get older and you coach younger players, these guys are a lot more in tune with their bodies. Today’s generation doesn’t drink as much. They’re in tune with their sleep… They’re dealing with it a lot.”

The Broncos won their first AFC West title in a decade after the Houston Texans beat the Chargers on Saturday. Because they hold the tiebreaker against the New England Patriots, a win on Sunday will secure the AFC’s top seed.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Missouri on December 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

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That means home-court advantage throughout the AFC playoffs and a first-round bye.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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