Chris Payton-Jones, the hard-hitting defensive back who patrolled the secondary for the St. Louis Battlehawks in the United Football League and previously starred with the Seattle Sea Dragons in the XFL, died Saturday night at the age of 30 after a head-on collision in Gainesville, Florida.
The accident occurred shortly before midnight. Payton-Jones, driving a sedan, was struck by an oncoming pickup truck. He was the only fatality. The 21-year-old driver of the truck and its passengers were treated for minor injuries and released. Family members confirmed the news Sunday morning.
Born August 13, 1995, in Jacksonville, Florida, Payton-Jones emerged as a three-star cornerback at Sandalwood High School and the lone player from his senior class to reach the professional ranks. Coaches there described him as a “true gem”—a tireless worker who never missed a practice or workout and carried an unrelenting positivity that lifted everyone around him.
At Nebraska, Payton-Jones started 26 games over three seasons and earned a sociology degree in three and a half years. His junior year in 2016 stood out: 37 tackles, three interceptions and 10 pass breakups, earning honorable-mention All-Big Ten recognition.
Undrafted in 2018, Payton-Jones signed with the Arizona Cardinals and bounced between practice squads and active rosters with five NFL clubs—the Cardinals, Lions, Vikings, Titans and Raiders. He appeared in 29 games with six starts, posting 48 combined tackles and seven pass deflections.
In 2023 he joined the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons, starting all 11 regular-season games and the playoffs as the club advanced to the North Division Championship. When the XFL and USFL merged into the UFL, he was selected by the Battlehawks in the 2024 dispersal draft.
In St. Louis, Payton-Jones quickly established himself as a leader in the secondary. He played 10 games in 2024, recording 37 tackles (31 solo), seven pass breakups and two tackles for loss while helping the unit rank second in the league in passing yards allowed. He re-signed for 2025, appeared in eight games before a hamstring injury sidelined him, and added two interceptions for 43 yards and nine more pass breakups. He announced his retirement earlier this year.
After hanging up his cleats, Payton-Jones returned to Jacksonville and carved out a second career as a photographer, videographer and content creator. His YouTube channel, Flashflix, amassed more than 1.3 million views in just 18 months with polished local sports coverage. A familiar presence on high school sidelines, he mentored young athletes and aspiring media members while offering defensive-back tips to the next generation.
James Coleman, a former Florida State fullback now working in media and coaching, captured the sentiment shared by many: “I’ve never been around a more genuine guy who has a big heart for kids in this community. Just a positive role model in action, not choice.”
The United Football League released a statement expressing its sorrow: “The United Football League is in mourning after the tragic passing of former St. Louis Battlehawks defensive back Chris Payton-Jones. Chris was a beloved teammate and leader in the locker room, who demonstrated the importance of hard work, determination and resilience throughout his career.”
Rest in peace, CPJ.
