Former NFL cornerback Chris Payton-Jones has died at age 30 after being involved in a car accident in Florida on Sunday, April 12.
The accident occurred when Payton-Jones’ car was struck by a pickup truck causing it to overturn and catch fire, Florida Highway Patrol told Fox 2 Now. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A standout cornerback at the University of Nebraska, Payton-Jones went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, later spending time with the Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders.
In 2023, he caught on with the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons and had played the last two seasons with the United Football League’s St. Louis Battlehawks.
“The United Football League is in mourning after the tragic passing of former St. Louis Battlehawks Defensive Back Chris Payton-Jones,” the league said in a statement shared via social media on Sunday. “Chris was a beloved teammate and leader in the locker room, who demonstrated the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience throughout his career.”
The statement continued, “As importantly, Chris was always a bright soul who everyone throughout the league enjoyed spending time with off-the-field during his three-year tenure. From fan appearances and media engagements to his own content creation and openness to share the highs and lows of his personal journey, Chris carried himself with humility and integrity. Our condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, and all others who are impacted by this loss.”
Payton-Jones’ former coach with the Battlehawks, Anthony Becht, said via X that “the world lost a good one.”
“My heart is broken on the tragic news of the passing of Chris Payton-Jones,” wrote Becht, 48. “Chris was an outstanding player, a fantastic teammate and an incredible human being. Chris was a joy to coach and be around the past two seasons in St. Louis. I love that young man. Sending our deepest respect and condolences to the Payton-Jones family from myself, my staff and form all his teammates that loved and worked with him.”
Sandalwood High School coach Adam Geis, who coached Payton-Jones when he was a young prospect, shared his thoughts with News4Jax.
“He was one of my all-time favorites! The kid never missed a workout, never missed practice, and never wanted to come off the field. Everyone loved him,” Geis said. “He was always unbelievably positive. I’ve never heard that kid ever say anything negative about anyone or anything. … It was always a pleasure to be around him. You were always happy to see him.”
