After the Denver Broncos released Samaje Perine earlier this week, the veteran running back quickly joined the Kansas City Chiefs, a division rival.
After practice on Wednesday, Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked if stung to see a cut player join a division rival.
“Listen, it all stings when they go on,” Payton said. “And yet when I say this, and I mean this: having coached a number of players that have gone on, I can think of so many — Alex Anzalone, Trey Hendrickson, Marcus Williams, Reggie Bush to the Dolphins, Samaje — you root for them.
“I want them to do well. I really do. Now not against us, but you want to see them have success because you’ve invested in them. Then there’s an attachment with that time you’ve coached them.”
Payton was also happy to see wide receiver Tim Patrick land with the Detroit Lions because they are coached by Dan Campbell, one of Payton’s good friends.
The NFL is a business and winning leads to job security for coaches, but Payton’s still human. He wants to see his players have success, even if it’s with another team. Just not against the Broncos.
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