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Vetoed Fake Punt Leads Payton Toward Belichick Hire

7/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sean Payton’s fake-punt call on fourth down in overtime of Broncos’ win over Bills was vetoed, forcing a punt and a Josh Allen interception.
ESPN reporter Seth Wickersham spent shadowing Payton during the playoffs, attending meetings.
After the game, Payton called Bill Parcells and Jerry Rice for advice, learned Bo Nix broke his ankle, and drafted a plan to hire Bill Belichick as coach to chase Don Shula (coach)’s record.

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Story summary

Sean Payton’s fake-punt call on fourth down in overtime of Broncos’ win over Bills was vetoed, forcing a punt and a Josh Allen interception.
ESPN reporter Seth Wickersham spent shadowing Payton during the playoffs, attending meetings.
After the game, Payton called Bill Parcells and Jerry Rice for advice, learned Bo Nix broke his ankle, and drafted a plan to hire Bill Belichick as coach to chase Don Shula (coach)’s record.