The Coach, the Friend and That Trophy

The three of them had a wild night to remember after the Saints won it all on Sunday.

By this time, you're probably familiar with Sean Payton, the coach of the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints. Some of you may also be aware that Payton used to live in San Diego County, back when he was coaching for the San Diego State Aztecs.

But few are likely to know that one of Payton's childhood friends is Charlie McLaughlin, bartender at the Pacifica Del Mar. The pair lived together during Payton's coaching days at SDSU. McLaughlin's friends at Pacifica Del Mar took up a collection and sent him to Miami for the big game.

Well, the coach invited his pal down to the field after the end of the Saints' 37-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, posing for the photo you see above. McLaughlin said he and his buddy partied all night, during which Payton rarely let the Vince Lombardi Trophy out of his hands. McLaughlin said the celebration was a huge party with country star Kenney Chesney and  Better Than Ezra and performing.

McLaughlin said he finally put the coach and the trophy to bed around 5 a.m. at the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami.
 

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