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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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After the Denver Broncos earned a 26-21 win on Sunday over the Carolina Panthers, head coach Sean Payton mistakenly called out a reporter during his postgame press conference. However, Payton couldn't help but chuckle at himself after realizing his embarrassing mistake, suggesting he had a "flashback" to another era.
The awkward incident came at the start of his press conference, when Payton thought an unidentified reporter in the room was smoking a cigarette. However, the joke was on Payton, as the reporter simply had a pencil in his mouth.
"Um, can we not smoke in here?" Payton said, staring over at an individual off-camera. "Please."
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"Oh, you're not smoking; you've got a pencil. I'm sorry. I thought you were smoking," the Broncos' head coach said after realizing his blunder. "I owe you ... But I had a flashback, thinking, 'Who's smoking a cigarette?' I'm sorry. I'll start again, though."
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The former Super Bowl-winning coach's reference to a flashback brings to mind a previous era when smoking was far more common around professional sports, including in locker rooms and media areas.
That wasn't the case on Sunday, and smoking is prohibited inside many NFL venues, including Carolina's Bank of America Stadium.
As Payton's postgame mistake gained traction on social media, many commenters blasted the Broncos' head coach for his awkward moment.
"His first instinct was to lash out and be rude instead of realizing it’s 2026 and no one is smoking in the press room grandpa," one commenter wrote.
"Bro thinks he’s on the same level as Belichick when he owes his one ring to Drew Brees," someone wrote.
Others said, "Payton is a good Head Coach, but a [expletive]. I can't stand him," and "Most unlikable coach in the NFL and it isn’t even close."
Despite the awkward postgame moment, Payton appeared pleased with his team's latest "gritty" performance. They trailed 14-13 at the end of the third quarter, but outscored Carolina 13-7 in the fourth to seize the win.
With the 26-21 win over the Panthers, Denver became the first NFL team to reach seven wins this season.
"Obviously, a big win, and I'm proud of just the grit to hang in there," Payton said, adding, "There's so many ebbs and flows to that game, which kind of makes our league compelling."
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix completed 25 of 37 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns, with Jonah Coleman also scoring a rushing touchdown. It was Denver's fifth straight win, helping them strengthen their case as a serious AFC contender.
Next up, the Broncos will get a bye week to rest and recover before hosting the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 22.
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