Denver Broncos Head coach Sean Payton showed his team a series of video clips Wednesday morning, attempting to prove how often difficult moments in life occur.

Payton, former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, used a number of well-known plays, from the “Minneapolis Miracle” playoff loss to a controversial non-call in another home loss in playoffs a year later.

But before Payton played those two clips, he showed another one from his time in New Orleans: an extra point blocked by then-Broncos safety. Justin Simmonswhich was then returned for a two-point score with 83 seconds left. The Saints had no more timeouts and Denver won 25-23.

This was perhaps Payton’s first heartbreaking moment with Simmons. The latest came this spring, when Payton and the Broncos released Simmons, a four-time All-Pro who is now with the team. Atlanta Falconsafter eight years in Denver.

“It was tough, holy cow,” Payton said during his press conference Wednesday. “I remember him going out in the draft. I was only with him one season, but it’s always tough when you’re dealing with a veteran, especially. Someone who played so well for the organization .

“These are never easy decisions.”

Simmons was one of the cornerstones of Denver’s defense for nearly a decade. He started the final 117 games in which he played for the Broncos, collecting a league-best 31 interceptions, 639 tackles and 20 tackles for loss.

Beyond his statistical impact, Simmons was captain and representative of the NFL’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for the Broncos. He has long been the norm in Denver’s secondary and helped pave the way for a handful of young stars, including Broncos corner Pat Surtain II.

“He was a very unselfish guy,” Surtain said Wednesday of Simmons. “Just with what he’s relied on, helping his teammates, being an advocate for the community and things like that that he does off the field. He’s a leader in a lot of ways.

“I kind of took that and learned that from him and tried to apply it to my leadership as well. I’ve learned a lot from Justin over the years and I’ll definitely carry that over with me over the years .”

Simmons, 30, signed with the Falcons in mid-August and has started nine games this season, missing one with a hamstring injury. He had 35 tackles and an interception in Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite his drop in numbers to remember, Simmons teamed up with All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III to give the Falcons one of the best safety tandems in the NFL – one that limits opponents to just 6.6 passing yards per attempt, seventh best in the league.

Now, Simmons and the Falcons prepare for their Week 11 matchup with the Broncos.

Simmons said Wednesday as he expects to hear a few boos from the Denver faithfulhe is excited to return to the city where his career began. Falcons coach Raheem Morris is also excited to help Simmons return to Atlanta with a victory.

“You’re bringing him back to a place where he’s played a lot of time in his career,” Morris said Wednesday. “Obviously, we were fortunate to be able to include him in the process. So, how great would it be to go out there and get a win for Justin and his family that’s there right now, the encouraging and hopefully get a chance to come watch him play this week.”

The Falcons (6-4) will face the Broncos (5-5) Sunday at 4:05 p.m. at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.