First-year Broncos coach Sean Payton has stressed that his team be a cohesive whole this preseason, dressing and acting in unison as the team gears toward a rebound of a dreadful 5-12 record.
Much has been made about Payton's more disciplined approach to leading Denver, which include a ban of "Gilligan" hats and harsh critiques of predecessor Nathaniel Hackett. Payton's criticism hasn't been universally well received, particularly among members of the Jets, whom he also took aim at while critiquing Hackett.
Payton's message to his team — and the Jets — will only raise more scrutiny now that details have emerged of an apparel deal between himself and Jordan Brand. The Broncos coach will wear an exclusive style as he leads Denver in 2023, part of a deal that arose after Michael Jordan noticed he wore Jordans while he was still coach of the Saints.
"(Payton) brags about it a little bit, (saying) 'You haven’t seen these in stores yet,'" third-year cornerback Pat Surtain II told The Denver Post. “Every day he’s showing off new shoes.”
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Here's everything you need to know about Payton's shoe deal, including how it arose and what he will wear throughout the Broncos' 2023 campaign:
Sean Payton Jordan Brand shoe deal, explained
Per the Post, Jordan first approached Payton about becoming a brand ambassador in 2020 after he noticed the then-Saints coach wearing his shoes on the sidelines. Payton reportedly visited the Bulls legend's private golf course in Jupiter, Fla., and, after touring the club, spoke with Jordan about a potential deal.
"He said, 'I noticed you are always wearing Jordan 11s, and I’m going to make you the first Jordan Brand coach,'" Payton told The Post. "I said, 'That sounds good.'"
Payton said two weeks later he received an email about joining the Jordan Brand family alongside athletes such as Dak Prescott, Davante Adams, Luka Doncic and more. He has since received hundreds of pairs of Jordans, of which his favorite pair are the Jordan 11s.
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The Broncos coach said he couldn't possibly wear all of his shoes but, luckily, has someone to help him break in his gear:
"I filled out the information and got more Jordan gear and shoes that are still coming," Payton said. "Fortunately for me, my son wears the same size because I can’t possibly wear all these shoes."
The Post reports Payton will wear a new style of Broncos-colored Jordans this year that — while not a signature model — will be exclusive to the Denver coach.
That's more than fine for Payton, who told the Post he doesn't mind showing off his merch to players:
"These guys pay attention to all that stuff," Payton said. "When a new pair comes (out), they will be looking at me, and I'll be like, 'These are not for everybody. You gotta be in the club to get these.'"