Former Nebraska DB, ex-NFL player Chris Payton-Jones dies in car crash

The 30-year-old was a rising content creator and mentor in his hometown of Jacksonville.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:38pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring a fractured, geometric silhouette of a football player in shades of navy, red, and gold, conveying the tragic nature of the subject's untimely passing.The fragmented, geometric portrait of a football player captures the tragic loss of a rising community leader and content creator.Today in Jacksonville

Chris Payton-Jones, a former defensive back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and several NFL teams, died in a car accident in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday night. Payton-Jones, who was 30 years old, had recently retired from professional football and was building a career as a content creator and mentor in the local community.

Why it matters

Payton-Jones was a beloved figure in Jacksonville, known for his positive attitude and commitment to supporting local football. His sudden passing at a young age has left the community in mourning and highlights the fragility of life.

The details

According to reports, Payton-Jones was involved in a single-car accident in Jacksonville on Saturday evening. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Payton-Jones had recently retired from professional football after stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans, and Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL, as well as the Seattle Sea Dragons and St. Louis Battlehawks in the UFL.

  • Payton-Jones died in a car accident on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • He had retired from professional football in 2025 and returned to his hometown of Jacksonville.

The players

Chris Payton-Jones

A former defensive back who played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and several NFL and UFL teams before retiring in 2025 and returning to his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida.

Adam Geis

Payton-Jones' former high school football coach at Sandalwood High School in Jacksonville.

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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.”

— Adam Geis, Payton-Jones' former high school football coach

“He was always unbelievably positive. I've never heard that kid ever say anything negative about anyone or anything. … It was always a pleasure to be around him. You were always happy to see him.”

— Adam Geis, Payton-Jones' former high school football coach

What’s next

Authorities in Jacksonville are continuing to investigate the cause of the car accident that claimed Payton-Jones' life.

The takeaway

Payton-Jones' sudden passing has left a void in the Jacksonville community, where he was known as a positive role model and mentor to local youth. His commitment to supporting football in the area and building a following as a content creator underscores the impact he had on those around him.