Former NFL player Chris Payton-Jones has died after a devastating car crash. He was just 30.
The former defensive back was killed Saturday night in a head-on collision in Alachua County, Florida, according to local reports. Authorities say Payton-Jones was driving a sedan when it crashed into a pickup truck.
He was the only person who died in the accident. Three people in the truck survived with minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
Payton-Jones’ family later confirmed the heartbreaking news, as tributes quickly began pouring in from across the football world and his hometown community.
The UFL, where he most recently played for the St. Louis Battlehawks before retiring in January, remembered him as more than just a player.
“Chris was a beloved teammate and leader in the locker room,” the league said in a statement. “He showed hard work, determination, and resilience throughout his career — and off the field, he was someone everyone genuinely enjoyed being around.”
Payton-Jones spent time in the NFL with multiple teams, including the Lions, Titans, Vikings, and Raiders, appearing in 29 games over six seasons. During that time, he recorded 48 tackles and seven passes defended.
He later continued his career in spring football leagues, playing in both the XFL and UFL, where he built a reputation as a high-energy presence and a respected teammate.
Off the field, he had started carving out a new path. Payton-Jones launched a media company called Flashflix and ran a YouTube channel focused on local sports in Jacksonville, which drew more than a million views.
Those who knew him say that’s exactly who he was — driven, positive, and always working toward something bigger.
His former high school coach, Patrick Clark, said watching him reach the NFL was a moment he’ll never forget.
“He had so much more to give to the world,” Clark said.
Another coach, Adam Geis, echoed that sentiment, calling him one of his all-time favorites.
“He never missed a workout, never missed practice, and never wanted to come off the field,” Geis said. “He was always positive. You were always happy to see him.”
Another member for the Lord’s team!