New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has called off any virtual offseason program. Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Payton tells Saints players no offseason program amid coronavirus pandemic

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 4/22/20

Less than 48 hours before the start of the 2020 NFL Draft that will be a virtual experience with general managers and other executives making picks from their homes amid the coronavirus pandemic, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is already putting the safety of his players ahead of any other goals.

On Wednesday morning, ESPN's Dianna Russini reported that Payton has informed his team that he'll conduct no offseason workout regardless of any changes to NFL rules during the virus outbreak.

According to Saints players I talked to, Head Coach Sean Payton told them this morning they are not having a team-lead offseason program even if rules change. Payton held a zoom meeting with over 80 players a short while ago and said “We are not having an offseason program."
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) April 22, 2020

Saints players were told "no virtual workouts, no online meetings, no workouts at the facility, even if its allowed Show up in July for training camp in the best shape of your life” They were told, “take care of your families, your health, and be ready this summer” #Saints
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) April 22, 2020

As ESPN's Mike Triplett explained later in the day, the league and NFL Players Association had already agreed upon a different kind of offseason workout program that could include "classroom instruction and virtual workouts for an indeterminate period."

A memo from the league shared by ESPN earlier this month also states that if the coronavirus situation forces one team's facility to remain closed, all other franchises must also keep their facilities closed.

In mid-March, Payton became the first NFL personality confirmed to test positive for coronavirus. The one-time Super Bowl coach took to social media on March 19 to explain he was recovering:

Appreciate the well wishes. I'm feeling better and fortunate to not have any of the respiratory symptoms. 4 more days at home.#BEATCovid pic.twitter.com/vvjbnqoeZx
— Sean Payton (@SeanPayton) March 19, 2020

On April 20, Amie Just of Nola.com reported Payton had donated plasma to attempt to assist others who've been infected with the coronavirus.

"Until there's a vaccine for it, this allows us to do something we think can help," Payton told reporters.

Los Angeles Rams center Brian Allen and Denver Broncos superstar Von Miller have also tested positive this offseason.

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