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

The United Football League mourns the loss of the beloved defensive back and team leader.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:25am

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An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors capturing the dynamic motion and energy of an American football player, with their features and uniform dissolving into vibrant brushstrokes.The football community mourns the tragic loss of a rising star whose passion and determination on the field were matched by his integrity and leadership off it.Today in Detroit

Chris Payton-Jones, a former NFL defensive back who most recently played for the St. Louis BattleHawks in the United Football League, tragically passed away at the age of 30 in a car crash in Florida on Saturday night. Payton-Jones' vehicle struck a pickup truck, overturned, and caught fire, with the Florida Highway Patrol pronouncing him dead at the scene.

Why it matters

Payton-Jones had a promising football career, playing for four NFL teams and the XFL's Seattle Sea Dragons before joining the UFL's BattleHawks. His sudden passing at a young age is a devastating loss for the football community, especially the UFL which remembered him as a beloved teammate and leader known for his hard work, determination, and integrity both on and off the field.

The details

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Payton-Jones was traveling in a vehicle when he struck a pickup truck, causing his vehicle to overturn and catch fire. Payton-Jones was pronounced dead at the scene. He had played in 29 NFL games over his career, recording 48 tackles and 7 pass breakups, before joining the BattleHawks where he played 18 regular-season games and had 56 tackles and 2 interceptions.

  • The car crash occurred on Saturday night, April 12, 2026.

The players

Chris Payton-Jones

A 30-year-old former NFL defensive back who most recently played for the St. Louis BattleHawks in the United Football League.

United Football League

The professional American football league that Payton-Jones played in after his NFL career, where he was remembered as a beloved teammate and leader.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— United Football League

The takeaway

Payton-Jones' sudden passing at just 30 years old is a tragic loss for the football community, especially the United Football League where he was remembered as a beloved teammate and leader known for his hard work, determination, and integrity both on and off the field.