When Wayne Gretzky had only words of praise for his close friend and NFL star Sean Payton

Wayne Gretzky and Sean Payton may come from different sporting backgrounds, but their friendship proves that true companionship knows no boundaries. The Great One and the NFL coach have been close friends for years, and their bond has only grown stronger with time. Gretzky's recent words of encouragement and praise for Payton have shown just how much their friendship means to each other.

It was after Payton's last game as the coach of the New Orleans Saints that Gretzky sent him a text message. The former quarterback had just experienced defeat after making it to the playoffs, and he was feeling down. But the message from Gretzky lifted his spirits, as he wrote:

"That was the best job of coaching I've ever seen."

Those simple words of praise meant a lot to Payton, especially coming from someone he admired so much.

It's not just on the golf course where Gretzky and Payton find common ground. They both love sports and share a deep passion for their respective games. The camaraderie between the two is evident, as they follow each other's sport and offer support whenever needed.

Despite their differing careers and interests, they have found common ground in their love for sports and their genuine care for each other. As Payton himself said,

"He's one of the nicest people I've ever met."

It's clear that Gretzky feels the same way about his friend, describing him as a "special man" and a "really good person."

Wayne Gretzky texted Nathan MacKinnon words of inspiration during playoffs

During the 2022 NHL playoffs, Nathan MacKinnon received praise from many experts and hockey legends. However, one compliment stood out above the rest: a text from Wayne Gretzky himself.

MacKinnon revealed on the 32 Thoughts Podcast that he received numerous texts from Gretzky praising his exceptional performance. For any hockey player, receiving a compliment from Gretzky would be a dream come true, and for MacKinnon, it was no different.

MacKinnon's outstanding performance in the playoffs was truly one for the ages. He scored the most playoff goals and was a standout player for the Colorado Avalanche as they ended their 21-year-long Stanley Cup drought. His hard work and dedication have paid off, and many believe that he will be the best-paid player in the NHL as he negotiates a new contract.