Rico Payton

Rico Payton III (born November 28, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback. He played college football for the Southern Illinois Salukis and Pittsburg State Gorillas.

Early life Payton was born on November 28, 1999, and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Lindbergh High School in Sappington, Missouri, where he played football as a wide receiver and cornerback. As a senior in 2017, he helped Lindbergh reach the district championship while being chosen first-team all-state at defensive back and second-team all-state at return specialist. He caught 41 passes for 845 yards and 10 touchdowns, ran for 836 yards and 17 touchdowns, and totaled 30 tackles with three interceptions. In his first year with the Gorillas, Payton played in all 11 games, two as a starter, and recorded 14 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss (TFLs) and four pass breakups.

In his final year, 2023, Payton played 13 games and made 35 tackles, five TFLs, 16 pass breakups and four interceptions. He ended his collegiate career having appeared in 35 games, finishing with 64 tackles (46 solo), 26 passes defended and five interceptions.

Professional career

New Orleans Saints After going unselected in the 2024 NFL draft, Payton was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent.

On August 26, 2025, Payton was waived by the Saints with an injury designation as part of final roster cuts.

New York Giants On August 27, 2025, Payton was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants, but was placed on injured reserve two days later. He was activated on November 1, ahead of the team's Week 9 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

On July 7, 2026, Payton was waived by the Giants with an injury designation.