CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Donald Payne ’16

Donald Payne sits at a desk signing papers.
former Hatter star Donald Payne
Donald Payne ’16 starred on the football field and graduated with a degree in Finance.

Donald Payne ’16 (Finance) was typically referred to as a tackling machine at Stetson. Not coincidentally, Payne, a linebacker, became the Hatters’ first player to sign a contract with an National Football League team in the modern era — signing with the Baltimore Ravens in May 2017. 

Payne went on to be a part of the Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Football Team, Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers. During the 2017 season with the Jaguars, he finished third in the NFL in special teams tackles with 16. In 2019, he totaled an impressive 61 tackles for the Jags.

Donald Payne, wearing his Jacksonville Jaguars uniform, readies for a play on the football field.
Payne with the Jacksonville Jaguars

Currently, Payne is on the roster of the Arlington Renegades, which begins play this month in the XFL, a springtime football minor league.

For the Hatters, Payne was a three-time All-American who finished his college career as the third leading tackler in Division I history with 538. Also, he scored five touchdowns on defense/special teams. 

In 2020, Donald Parham Jr. (to be featured later this month) joined Payne in the NFL at a tight end with the Los Angeles Chargers. He left Stetson in 2019 and has now returned to complete his degree.