Former Nebraska Football Star Killed in Crash

Chris Peyton-Jones, 30, died in a head-on collision near Gainesville, Florida.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game or match, with sharp overlapping planes in muted earth tones, conceptually representing the tragic loss of a young athlete.The tragic loss of a former Nebraska football star sparks reflection on the fragility of life and the need for greater road safety.Lincoln Today

Chris Peyton-Jones, a former defensive back for the University of Nebraska football team from 2014 to 2017, was killed in a weekend car crash near Gainesville, Florida. The 30-year-old had a brief stint in the NFL and was most recently playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks in the United Football League.

Why it matters

Peyton-Jones was a beloved figure in the Nebraska football community, and his tragic death at a young age has left many fans and former teammates in shock. The circumstances around the crash are still under investigation.

The details

According to authorities, Peyton-Jones was involved in a head-on collision with a 21-year-old driver near Gainesville on Saturday night. Peyton-Jones was killed in the crash, while the other driver sustained only minor injuries.

  • The crash occurred on Saturday night near Gainesville, Florida.

The players

Chris Peyton-Jones

A former defensive back for the University of Nebraska football team from 2014 to 2017, who later played briefly in the NFL and most recently for the St. Louis Battlehawks in the United Football League.

21-year-old driver

The other driver involved in the head-on collision with Peyton-Jones, who sustained only minor injuries.

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The takeaway

The tragic death of Chris Peyton-Jones, a beloved former Nebraska football player, has left the community in mourning and highlights the importance of road safety. As authorities investigate the circumstances of the crash, the focus remains on honoring Peyton-Jones' memory and supporting those affected by this devastating loss.