Payne finished his college career as a three-time All-American and a three-time
Pioneer Football League Defensive Player of the Year, the first PFL athlete to win the award three times during their career.[1][2] In his first season at Stetson, Payne was named the 2013 Pioneer Football League Defensive Freshman of the Year.[3] In his sophomore season, Payne led the entire
NCAA with 185 total tackles on the year and at the time tied an all-time all-division NCAA record with 30 total tackles in the win over
Campbell University.[4][5] Payne recorded 538 career tackles, which is the 3rd most in Division 1 history, 14 sacks and 9 interceptions during his collegiate career.[6][7] Donald Payne was inducted into the Stetson University Athletics Hall of Fame on October 29, 2022.[8][9]
Professional career
Baltimore Ravens
Payne signed with the
Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2017.[10] He was waived on September 2, 2017.[11]
Jacksonville Jaguars
On September 3, 2017, Payne was claimed off waivers by the
Jacksonville Jaguars.[12] The Jaguars advanced all the way to the AFC Championship where they lost to the
New England Patriots, 20–24.[13] Payne finished the season third in the NFL in special teams tackles with 16.[14][15] On October 25, 2018, Payne was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.[16] He was activated off injured reserve on December 28, 2018.[17] On May 9, 2019, the Jaguars waived Payne.[18]
Baltimore Ravens (second stint)
On August 16, 2019, Payne signed with the
Baltimore Ravens.[19] He was waived on August 31, 2019, and was signed to the practice squad the next day.[20] He was released on September 10.[21]
Jacksonville Jaguars (second stint)
On October 22, 2019, Payne was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars.[22]
In week 13 against the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Payne recorded a team high 13 tackles and sacked
Jameis Winston once in the 28–11 win.[23] Payne was also featured on NFL's mic'd up in week 15 vs. the
Oakland Raiders.[24] The Jaguars won 20–16, the last Raiders game ever played in the
Oakland Coliseum before they relocated to Las Vegas.[25] Payne finished the 2019 season playing in nine games (five starts) and registered 61 tackles, a sack, a pass defense and a fumble recovery.[26][27]
Washington Football Team
Payne signed with the
Washington Football Team on July 28, 2020.[28] He was waived on September 5, 2020, and signed to the practice squad the next day.[29] He was released on October 26.[30]
Miami Dolphins
On November 11, 2020, Payne was signed to the
Miami Dolphins' practice squad.[31] He was released on November 23, 2020.[32]
San Francisco 49ers
On August 11, 2021, Payne signed a one-year contract with the
San Francisco 49ers,[33] but was waived a few days later.[34]
Houston Gamblers
Payne was selected by the
Houston Gamblers in the inaugural 2022
USFL draft.[35] On May 31, 2022, he was named the USFL Defensive Player of the Week in Week 7.[36] In Week 10, Payne was again named the USFL Defensive Player of the Week in the final regular season game.[37] Payne lead the USFL in tackles with 117 tackles in 10 games.[38][39] He was named to inaugural All-USFL Team Defense.[40]