Connor Payton: What You Never Knew About Sean Payton’s Son

If you’ve watched the Netflix movie Home Team, you might already know the name Connor Payton. But there’s a lot more to him than just being the son of NFL coach Sean Payton.

In fact, Connor’s life story is full of sweet family moments, football dreams, and even a real movie made about his childhood. While his dad was winning games and coaching NFL teams, Connor was quietly building a life of his own—one filled with football, family, and future plans.

In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about Connor Payton in 2025—his early life, how Home Team became a movie, where he went to school, and what he’s doing today. You might be surprised by how real, humble, and focused he truly is.

Connor Payton Quick Bio

Who Is Connor Payton?

Connor Payton is the son of Sean Payton, the famous football coach who led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl win. Connor was born on May 31, 2000, in Argyle, Texas. That makes him 25 years old in 2025.

He may be known as “Sean Payton’s son,” but Connor has always been more than just that. He grew up loving sports and spending weekends with his dad during football seasons. But instead of becoming a football star himself, he found a different path—one that still keeps him close to the game.

Connor is private, smart, and focused. He doesn’t post much online or chase the spotlight. Still, his story has caught people’s attention, especially after a movie was made about his life.

Growing Up as Sean Payton’s Son

Being the child of an NFL coach isn’t easy. Sean Payton was busy coaching the New Orleans Saints, so Connor and his older sister, Meghan, would travel from Texas to Louisiana on weekends just to see him. They made it work, even though it wasn’t always simple.

Connor saw a lot of football up close. He spent time in locker rooms, on the sidelines, and even traveled to games. But his dad still made time for “normal dad stuff,” like going to Walmart for college dorm items or watching movies at home.

Even when Sean was coaching in big NFL stadiums, he never stopped being a dad. That’s something Connor always appreciated, especially later in life when they had more time together.

Connor Payton’s Football Life as a Kid

Connor loved football from a young age. He played for his school team, the Liberty Christian Warriors, in Argyle, Texas. He worked hard, just like his dad, but he never acted like a “coach’s kid” who got special treatment. He trained, listened, and tried to be the best teammate he could be.

He also played basketball for a club team called the Black Bears, showing that sports were a big part of his childhood.

The biggest moment came in 2012, when his dad was suspended from the NFL. Instead of sitting around, Sean Payton decided to coach Connor’s sixth-grade team. This small school season would soon become a very big deal.

The 2012 Season That Changed Everything

In 2012, Sean Payton was suspended from the NFL due to the “Bountygate” scandal. That year, he moved back to Texas to spend more time with his family.

And what did he do with that time? He became the offensive coach for Connor’s middle school football team.

Sean helped call plays, cut oranges, and carry Gatorade—something most NFL coaches never get to do. Connor loved it. Their team even won their first game 30-0. It was a special time that brought the two even closer.

Sean once said, “The best thing about the suspension is the time it’s allowed me to spend with the children.” That season wasn’t just about football—it was about family.

The Netflix Movie Based on Connor Payton’s Life

The bond between Connor and his dad during that season became the heart of a Netflix movie called Home Team. The movie was released on January 28, 2022, and was produced by Adam Sandler’s company, Happy Madison Productions.

In the movie:

• Sean Payton was played by Kevin James

• Connor Payton was played by Tait Blum

• Connor’s mom was played by Jackie Sandler

The story shows how Sean’s suspension led him to become a youth coach and reconnect with his son. While some scenes were funny or made-up, the heart of the movie—family, football, and second chances—was real.

Even more special? Connor’s sister, Meghan Payton, helped spark the idea for the film after she worked on a segment for the NFL Network about that very season.

Connor Payton’s High School and College Journey

After middle school, Connor continued at Liberty Christian School, where he stayed focused on sports and studies. He stayed grounded and didn’t let his family name define him.

In 2019, he enrolled at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas. He chose TCU because he loved the team, the city, and the chance to grow on his own.

Connor didn’t play college football. Instead, he studied and looked for ways to work behind the scenes in the NFL—in scouting, management, or player evaluation. By 2022, in his senior year, he was already getting real-world experience with the Saints’ scouting department.

Connor Payton in the Saints’ Scouting Department

In his final year at Texas Christian University, Connor Payton got a chance many football fans would dream of—he worked with the New Orleans Saints’ scouting department during training camp.

This wasn’t just a “fun job.” It was real work. Connor helped review players, study stats, and learn how the team finds new talent. Since he grew up around the Saints, it felt like home. But this time, he wasn’t just a kid on the sidelines—he was part of the team’s future.

Connor said this experience helped him see how much he loves the sport, not just as a fan but as someone who wants to work in football for real. It showed he was serious about building his own path.

His Career Dreams

Many people think that if you love football, you have to play it. But Connor Payton has other ideas. He doesn’t want to be on the field—he wants to help build the team behind the scenes.

He dreams of working in an NFL front office one day. That means helping teams choose the best players, making smart decisions, and being part of a team’s success from the inside.

Connor once said, “I want to carve my own path in football, not just ride the waves of my father’s legacy.” That tells us a lot about him. He’s not just “Sean Payton’s son.” He’s working hard to become his own person in the sport he loves.

Connor Payton’s Life Today in 2025

So, what is Connor Payton doing now in 2025?

He’s living in Fort Worth, Texas, close to where he went to college. Even after graduation, he still cheers for the TCU Horned Frogs, especially when they play big games.

Connor isn’t in the spotlight. He doesn’t post much online and rarely does interviews. But that’s by choice. He prefers a quiet, normal life filled with family, football, and future plans.

Sometimes, he attends games with his dad, especially now that Sean Payton is back in the NFL, coaching the Denver Broncos. And of course, he still spends time with his sister, Meghan, and their stepmom, Skylene Montgomery.

Family Life After Divorce

Connor’s parents, Sean Payton and Beth Shuey, divorced in 2012 after nearly 20 years of marriage. It was the same year his dad was suspended from the NFL.

After the split, both parents moved on. Sean married Skylene Montgomery, a former Miss West Virginia USA, in 2021. Meanwhile, Beth married Jamie McGuire, and Connor gained two half-sisters—Maggie and Molly.

Connor now has a big, blended family. And even though life changed after the divorce, both parents stayed active in his life. Sean still coached and supported him, and Beth was there through every step.

Families come in all shapes, and Connor’s story shows how they can stay strong through change.

Is Connor Payton on Social Media?

Yes, Connor Payton does have social media, but he keeps it quiet.

You can find him on Twitter/X at @ctpayton19. He doesn’t post often, but when he does, it’s usually about football or sweet memories with his dad.

After Sean left the Saints in 2022, Connor posted a heartfelt message with pictures from over the years. He wrote: “From age 6 to 21, thank you and love you all. #WhoDat” It was simple, but full of love—and fans loved it too.

Connor’s social media shows who he is: calm, respectful, and someone who truly loves the game and his family.

Final Thoughts

Connor Payton may not be a household name like his dad, but his story is powerful in a quiet way.

He didn’t chase fame. He didn’t try to be something he’s not. Instead, he worked hard, stayed grounded, and followed his passion in his own way.

From being the reason behind a Netflix movie to helping scout players for an NFL team, Connor has shown that there’s more than one way to be part of the football world.

He’s still young, but already, his story is inspiring others to follow their path—even if it’s not loud or flashy. And maybe that’s what makes Connor Payton’s journey so special.

(FAQs)

Is Connor Payton on Twitter or Instagram?

 Yes! Connor Payton is on Twitter as @ctpayton19, but he rarely posts. He keeps a very low profile and doesn’t use Instagram publicly.

Did Connor Payton ever play football like his dad?

Yes, he played for the Liberty Christian Warriors in middle school—but he didn’t continue playing in college. Instead, he chose to study and work behind the scenes in football.

Was Connor Payton ever part of the NFL Draft?

No, Connor Payton has never entered the NFL Draft. Even though he grew up around pro football, he never aimed to be a player. He wants to work in an NFL front office, not on the field.

How old is Connor Payton now, and when is his birthday?

Connor Payton is 25 years old in 2025. He was born on May 31, 2000, in Argyle, Texas.

Does Connor Payton have a girlfriend or fiancée?

No public info! As of 2025, Connor hasn’t shared anything about a girlfriend or fiancée. He keeps his personal life private and stays away from the spotlight.