Sean Payton, the highly respected NFL coach and former quarterback, has had a decorated career in football. While he is often in the limelight for his coaching prowess, his personal life has also drawn interest, particularly his marriage to Skylene Montgomery. The couple, who tied the knot in 2021, share a strong bond that has flourished alongside Payton’s coaching career. Montgomery, a former beauty queen, nurse, and philanthropist, has built an impressive life of her own. Here’s everything you need to know about Skylene Montgomery, her background, and her relationship with Sean Payton.
Early Life and Education
Skylene Montgomery was born and raised in Parkersburg, West Virginia, where she spent her childhood as an only child of Skylar and Darlene Montgomery. A self-described tomboy growing up, she preferred sports over traditional activities like dance. She excelled in athletics and became an all-state volleyball and softball player during high school.
After graduating, Skylene attended Marshall University, where she pursued a degree in exercise physiology. She later earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from West Virginia University, which laid the foundation for her career in healthcare.
Meeting Sean Payton and Their Love Story
Sean Payton and Skylene Montgomery’s love story began at an NFL game in 2014. At the time, Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints, and Skylene, who was working as a nurse in North Carolina, was looking for game tickets. A friend gave her a phone number, which turned out to be Payton’s. She met him at a pre-game ceremony to thank him for the tickets, marking the start of their relationship.
Their romance blossomed over the years, with the couple keeping their relationship relatively private. In November 2019, Payton proposed to Skylene during a surprise celebration. The couple was attending what Skylene thought was an anniversary party, only to realize it was a carefully planned proposal. Country singer Heidi Newfield performed Johnny and June before Payton got down on one knee, making the moment even more special.
Wedding in Cabo San Lucas
Sean Payton and Skylene Montgomery officially tied the knot on June 18, 2021, in an intimate ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Originally, their wedding was planned for March of that year but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Payton’s longtime friend, Avery Johnson, a former basketball coach and commentator, officiated the ceremony.
Before their wedding, Skylene shared that not much would change after marriage, aside from being on Payton’s insurance and sporting a “big ol’ rock” on her finger. The couple has been happily married since and continues to enjoy their life together while navigating Payton’s demanding coaching career.
Professional Life: From Nursing to Philanthropy
Skylene Montgomery has an extensive background in nursing and healthcare. She worked in the Gastrointestinal Intensive Care Unit at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, where she cared for critically ill patients. Her medical expertise and dedication to helping others have been integral to her professional journey.
Apart from her work in healthcare, Skylene has been actively involved in philanthropy and community service. She plays a role in Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation, which focuses on helping children and families in need, particularly in health, education, and social welfare. She has also worked with New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson to support the Moonlight & Miracles Ball, an event benefiting the Ochsner Cancer Institute.
Beauty Pageant Career
Before pursuing a career in nursing, Skylene Montgomery competed in beauty pageants. She won Miss West Virginia in 2008 and went on to represent the state in the Miss USA pageant that same year. However, her journey in pageantry began much earlier—at just 14 years old, she competed in Miss Teen West Virginia and finished as the first runner-up.
Her experiences in beauty competitions helped her develop confidence, grace, and a deep sense of community involvement, which she has carried throughout her professional and personal life.
Her Life as an NFL Coach’s Wife
Being married to an NFL head coach comes with a unique lifestyle, and Skylene has embraced the role with grace and enthusiasm. When Payton accepted the position as head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2023, Skylene was right by his side. Payton described her as “excited” about the new chapter in their lives, supporting him throughout the transition.
Despite being in the public eye due to her husband’s high-profile career, Skylene prefers to keep a low profile. According to her close friend Jennifer Ansardi, Skylene is independent, wise, poised, and fun. She rarely seeks attention and prefers to focus on her passions, career, and charitable work.
Passion for Fitness and Sports
A former athlete herself, Skylene is committed to fitness and an active lifestyle. She enjoys boxing, CrossFit, hot yoga, and golf, often playing rounds with Payton. The couple even named their dogs after CrossFit workouts, a testament to their shared love for staying active.
Skylene’s personal trainer, Keith Director, has praised her strength, agility, and dedication to her workouts. She incorporates a variety of training techniques, including battle ropes, resistance bands, jump ropes, and weightlifting to maintain peak physical fitness.
Her Private Nature and Charitable Efforts
Though married to a well-known NFL coach, Skylene remains relatively private. She is rarely seen making public statements or attending high-profile events without Payton. Even when cameras caught her on the Jumbotron at a Saints game, she thought they were focused on actor Vince Vaughn, who was sitting next to her.
Her charitable work remains a major part of her life, as she continues to support various community efforts through Payton’s foundation and other initiatives. She is passionate about helping those in need, particularly in healthcare and social services.
