JACKSONVILLE, FL. — The football world is reeling following the official confirmation of the death of Chris Payton-Jones. The former Nebraska standout and professional defensive back passed away Saturday night in a car accident in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. He was 30 years old.
The United Football League (UFL) released an official statement on Sunday, joining a chorus of former coaches and teammates in mourning a man they described as much more than just an athlete.
A «Bright Soul» Remembered
The UFL, where Payton-Jones recently competed with the Seattle Sea Dragons and St. Louis Battlehawks, issued a moving tribute highlighting his impact beyond the gridiron:
«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 league stated. «As importantly, Chris was always a bright soul who everyone throughout the league enjoyed spending time with off-the-field.»
St. Louis Battlehawks head coach Anthony Becht also took to social media to express his grief, sharing a photo of Payton-Jones with the caption: «Loved and Missed❤️🙏🏼.»
From Lincoln to the Pros
Payton-Jones, who played at Nebraska from 2014-17, was a cornerstone of the Huskers’ defense. An All-Big Ten honorable mention, he finished his collegiate career with 76 tackles, five interceptions, and a memorable pick-six. His former teammate, Michael Rose-Ivey, shared his disbelief on X (formerly Twitter), writing: «This life we live is so short! Can’t even believe this is real. Love you bro! 🕊️»
After his time in Lincoln, Payton-Jones defied the odds as an undrafted free agent, carving out a multi-year career in the NFL with the Cardinals, Lions, Vikings, Titans, and Raiders before transitioning to the UFL.
A Legacy of Resilience
At the time of his passing, Payton-Jones had recently retired from professional football to focus on his growing media brand, Flashflix, and mentoring youth in Jacksonville. He was widely regarded as a «success story» for his ability to reinvent himself after sports, making the news of the fatal wreck even more difficult for the community to process.