Sean Payton Calls Out Falcons Fans During Halftime Interview of Broncos Preseason Game in Atlanta

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton couldn't help but notice the empty seats at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where his team was playing the host Atlanta Falcons on Friday in a preseason battle.

During a halftime interview, Payton was asked by NFL Network's Cynthia Frelund about his winning record against the Falcons. Payton, who was the New Orleans Saints' head coach for 15 seasons, went 21-9 against his arch-rivals and added another win against the Falcons in 2024.

Payton had this to say in response: "There's a lot of people dressed up as empty seats today."

At that point, it was understandable for any Falcons fan to be upset and perhaps even leave this one early. Denver led 24-0 at half after scoring 17 second quarter points. That included a Jahdae Barron 97-yard pick-six.

Friday marks Atlanta's last time at home for a while, as the Falcons' final two preseason games plus their regular season opener are on the road. They'll start the home slate on Sunday, Sept. 20 vs. the Carolina Panthers.