New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has something of a kindred spirit in Mike Zimmer, his counterpart on the Minnesota Vikings. The pair once worked together on Bill Parcells’ famous Dallas Cowboys staff, and they maintain a close relationship years later. They’re often spotted together at NFL gatherings like the Scouting Combine. That closeness factored into Payton’s decision to trade for Bridgewater last year; Zimmer once called the young quarterback to let Bridgewater know the Vikings would be drafting him, and Payton knew Zimmer would have unique insight.
Now, all three of them will be brought together again. The Saints and Vikings will meet in a preseason game on Friday night, with Bridgewater expected to see plenty of time at quarterback, and Payton and Zimmer on opposing sidelines.
For his part, Zimmer isn’t approaching the game differently. He and his defenders may appreciate Bridgewater personally, but at the end of the day he’s just another opponent to get after.
“We’re going to try to hit (Bridgewater) just like any other quarterback,” Zimmer said earlier this week. He later told Chad Graff of The Athletic, “(Payton) said he’s the same guy, no restrictions, doing well. And Teddy is a competitor. He’s going to try to stick it to us just like we’re going to try to stick it to him.
“I wish him all the best in the world,” Zimmer added. “I want to hit him like any other quarterback, but I don’t want to hurt him. He’s a great kid. I’m proud of him that he’s been able to overcome that injury and I’ve heard that he’s been doing pretty good down there.”
Still, Bridgewater won’t be the only former player of Zimmer’s on the Saints sideline. The team signed several former Vikings this offseason including running back Latavius Murray, guard Nick Easton, and punt returner Marcus Sherels. Payton dismissed the volume of signings as coincidental, and Zimmer is just happy to see them succeed — to an extent.
“I love all those guys,” Zimmer said. “They were great Vikings for us, and they are good players. Hope they are not good Friday night, but either way.”
