Tragic Car Crash Claims Life of 30-Year-Old Ex-NFL Star in Florida

Chris Payton-Jones, a former cornerback for the University of Nebraska and several NFL teams, died in a head-on collision in Alachua County.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:51am

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A cubist-style painting depicting the fragmented silhouette of a football player, with sharp geometric shapes in navy, green, and orange hues, conveying the tragic and untimely nature of the player's passing.The tragic loss of a rising football star cuts short a promising career and leaves the sports community in mourning.Today in Jacksonville

The sports world is mourning the loss of Chris Payton-Jones, a former NFL player and standout cornerback for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, who tragically passed away in a car accident at the age of 30. Payton-Jones was driving a sedan in Florida on Saturday when his vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a pickup truck. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the three individuals in the truck sustained only minor injuries.

Why it matters

Payton-Jones was a beloved figure in the football community, having played for several NFL teams and the XFL's Seattle SeaDragons and UFL's St. Louis Battlehawks. His tragic passing at a young age has left a profound impact on those who knew him, highlighting the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with loved ones.

The details

According to reports, Payton-Jones was driving a sedan in Alachua County, Florida, on Saturday when his vehicle collided head-on with a pickup truck. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the three individuals in the truck sustained only minor injuries. Payton-Jones had a successful college career at the University of Nebraska, where he was named All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2016. He went on to play in the NFL for several teams, including the Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, and Las Vegas Raiders, before signing with the XFL and UFL.

  • On Saturday, Payton-Jones was involved in a fatal car accident in Alachua County, Florida.
  • Payton-Jones played in the NFL from 2018 to 2022, signing with the Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, and Las Vegas Raiders.
  • From 2022 to 2024, Payton-Jones played for the XFL's Seattle SeaDragons and the UFL's St. Louis Battlehawks.

The players

Chris Payton-Jones

A 30-year-old former NFL player and standout cornerback for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, who tragically passed away in a car accident.

Adam Geis

Payton-Jones' coach at Sandalwood High School, who described him as a special and genuine person with an elite work ethic.

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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' high school 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' high school coach

The takeaway

The tragic passing of Chris Payton-Jones at the young age of 30 has left a profound impact on the football community, highlighting the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with loved ones. Payton-Jones was remembered as a beloved teammate, leader, and genuine person who inspired those around him with his positive attitude and relentless work ethic.