Former NFL CB Chris Payton-Jones Dies in Car Crash at 30

The four-year NFL veteran played for multiple teams before his tragic passing.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the silhouette of a football player broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a muted color palette, conveying the somber mood of a tragic loss.The tragic loss of a young NFL player who embodied the sport's competitive spirit and camaraderie.Alachua Today

Chris Payton-Jones, a 30-year-old defensive back who spent parts of four seasons in the NFL playing for four different teams, died in a car accident on April 11 in Alachua, Florida. Payton-Jones was the only person killed when his sedan collided head-on with a pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction.

Why it matters

Payton-Jones was remembered as a hard-working and beloved player by his former coaches and teammates, making his sudden passing at a young age especially tragic for the NFL community.

The details

According to reports, Payton-Jones was driving his sedan when it collided head-on with a pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction in Alachua, Florida. Payton-Jones was the sole fatality in the accident.

  • The accident occurred on April 11, 2026.

The players

Chris Payton-Jones

A 30-year-old defensive back who played parts of four seasons in the NFL for four different teams.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He was one of my all-time favorites! The kid never missed a workout, never missed practice, and never wanted to come off the field. Everyone loved him.”

— Geis

The takeaway

Payton-Jones' tragic passing at just 30 years old serves as a somber reminder of the risks and sacrifices professional athletes make, and the lasting impact they can have on their teams and communities.