The Lead

In his second season leading the Broncos, Head Coach Sean Payton has continued to make Denver his home.

Throughout his 15 years in New Orleans, the former Saints head coach constantly found ways to embrace the city, specifically through giving back to the community. Payton has now brought that passion to Denver, and Troy Renck of The Denver Post took a closer look at how the Broncos' head coach and his wife, Skylene, recently provided support to Children’s Hospital Colorado.

After a two-hour visit of the hospital earlier this year, Payton and his wife discussed ways they could make a meaningful contribution to the children, and ultimately decided to make a $150,000 donation to help build a playground.

"At a time when nerves are frayed and the suffering is agonizing, this space can offer a chance for kids to be kids and for their families to suspend reality," Renck wrote.

Renck noted that Payton's "understanding of this area, of Broncos Country, of what the Broncos mean to this region has evolved and grown," and the head coach has embraced the opportunity to make a difference in his new community.

"If you are able to give, whether it's time or resources, it creates that feeling of fulfillment and balance in your life," Payton said.

Payton has also presented his team with opportunities to play a role in these efforts, as many Saturday practices before home games have featured visits from pediatric patients from Children's Hospital Colorado.

"It's their wish to be there, to be with our guys," Payton said. "It's so good for our team to see. It is humbling and really puts everything in perspective."

Kicker Wil Lutz, who has known Payton for nine years after first playing for him in New Orleans, says he has consistently seen his coach's passion for making a difference in his community — and values the impact it can have on him and his teammates.

"He wants to be part of and buy into the community that he's part of," Lutz said. "I think it is truly important. You don't want to be a coach who only cares about the locker room. When he was in New Orleans for 15 years, you saw him embrace the city. And he's doing it here now."

To read Renck's article, click here.