Former NFL, UFL player Chris Payton-Jones dies at 30

Payton-Jones played cornerback for several teams over his career before retiring in January 2026.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:39pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the raw energy and movement of a football player, their face and uniform details dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of color.A vibrant tribute to the life and career of Chris Payton-Jones, a beloved teammate and leader whose passion for the game shone through until the very end.Seattle Today

Chris Payton-Jones, a former cornerback who played in the NFL and UFL, has died at the age of 30 following a car accident on Saturday night. Payton-Jones was undrafted out of Nebraska in 2018 and went on to play for the Cardinals, Lions, Vikings, and Titans, appearing in 29 regular-season games with six starts. He also played for the Seattle Sea Dragons in the XFL in 2023 and the St. Louis Battlehawks in the UFL in 2024 and 2025 before retiring from football in January 2026.

Why it matters

Payton-Jones' passing is a tragic loss for the football community, as he was described as a beloved teammate and leader who demonstrated the importance of hard work and resilience throughout his career. His death at a young age is a somber reminder of the risks and sacrifices professional athletes make.

The details

According to reports, Payton-Jones was involved in a car accident on Saturday night. He was undrafted out of Nebraska in 2018 and went on to play for several NFL teams, including the Cardinals, Lions, Vikings, and Titans, appearing in 29 regular-season games with six starts. He also played for the Seattle Sea Dragons in the XFL in 2023 and the St. Louis Battlehawks in the UFL in 2024 and 2025 before retiring from football in January 2026.

  • Payton-Jones was involved in a car accident on Saturday night (April 12, 2026).
  • Payton-Jones was undrafted out of Nebraska in 2018.
  • Payton-Jones played for the Seattle Sea Dragons in the XFL in 2023.
  • Payton-Jones played for the St. Louis Battlehawks in the UFL in 2024 and 2025.
  • Payton-Jones retired from football in January 2026.

The players

Chris Payton-Jones

A former cornerback who played in the NFL and UFL before retiring in January 2026.

Seattle Sea Dragons

A team in the XFL that Payton-Jones played for in 2023.

St. Louis Battlehawks

A team in the UFL that Payton-Jones played for in 2024 and 2025.

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The takeaway

Payton-Jones' passing at the young age of 30 is a tragic loss for the football community, as he was remembered as a beloved teammate and leader who embodied the values of hard work and resilience throughout his career. His death serves as a somber reminder of the risks and sacrifices professional athletes make.