Chris Payton-Jones

Chris Payton-Jones (August 13, 1995 – April 11, 2026) was an American professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) and United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

College career Payton-Jones started 26 games for the Cornhuskers over the course of four seasons at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. As a junior, he had 3 interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and 37 tackles (including three for loss), and one sack and was named All-Big Ten honorable mention. Payton-Jones missed the first half of his senior season due to a knee injury, but returned to the field to start the Cornhuskers' last six games.

College statistics Year Team G GS Tackles Interceptions Solo Ast Tot Sacks Sacks-Yards Int PD FF FR 2014 Nebraska 6 0 5 2 7 0 0 0 0 0 1 2015 Nebraska 13 7 21 4 25 1 1–0 3 5 1 0 2016 Nebraska 13 13 33 4 37 1 1–0 3 10 0 0 2017 Nebraska 5 5 6 1 7 0 0 0 1 0 0

Professional career

Detroit Lions (first stint) Payton-Jones signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2018. Payton-Jones failed to make the Lions' 53-man roster at the end of training camp and was waived by the team on September 1.

Arizona Cardinals On September 3, 2018, Payton-Jones was signed to the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad. Payton-Jones was promoted to the Cardinals' active roster on November 20, and made his NFL debut on November 25, against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was waived on November 27, and re-signed to the team's practice squad two days later. Payton-Jones was promoted to the active roster on December 18.

Payton-Jones made his first career start on September 22, 2019, against the Carolina Panthers. Payton-Jones was waived by the Cardinals on October 9, and was re-signed to the team's practice squad. On November 8, Payton-Jones was again promoted to the active roster.

On September 5, 2020, Payton-Jones was waived during the final roster cuts. He was re-signed to the practice squad a day later.

Detroit Lions (second stint) On September 16, 2020, Payton-Jones was signed by the Detroit Lions off the Cardinals practice squad. He was waived by the Lions on October 17. Payton-Jones was re-signed by the team on October 21, but was waived again on October 24.

Minnesota Vikings Payton-Jones was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Vikings on October 26, 2020.

Tennessee Titans

Payton-Jones signed with the Tennessee Titans on April 23, 2021. He was released on September 6, and was re-signed to the team's practice squad. Payton-Jones was promoted to the active roster on November 10. He was waived by Tennessee on January 4, 2022, and was re-signed to the practice squad.

Las Vegas Raiders Payton-Jones signed as a free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders on June 13, 2022. He was released by the Raiders on August 23.

Seattle Sea Dragons On November 17, 2022, Payton-Jones was drafted by the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL. The Sea Dragons folded when the XFL and USFL merged to create the United Football League (UFL).

St. Louis Battlehawks On January 5, 2024, Payton-Jones was selected by the St. Louis Battlehawks during the 2024 UFL dispersal draft. He signed with the team on January 29. Payton-Jones re-signed with the team on August 26. He was placed on injured reserve on May 20, 2025.

Payton-Jones announced his retirement from pro football in January 2026.

Death On April 11, 2026, Payton-Jones died in a car crash in Gainesville, Florida. He was 30 years old.