VJ Payne

Victor "VJ" Payne (born March 17, 2004) is an American professional football safety for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats and was selected by the Jets in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL draft.

Early life Payne attended Buford High School in Buford, Georgia. He was rated as a three-star recruit and committed to play college football for the Kansas State Wildcats.

College career As a freshman in 2022, Payne played in all 14 games and made four starts, including in the Big 12 Championship Game and the Sugar Bowl. In 2023, he recorded 57 tackles and an interception. In 2024, Payne started all 13 games, where he totaled 64 tackles with three and a half being for a loss, four pass deflections, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles, earning honorable mention all-Big 12 honors. He earned an invitation to participate in the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl.

Professional career

Payne was selected by the New York Jets in the seventh round with the 228th overall pick of the 2026 NFL draft. He was placed on injured reserve on August 30.