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]
Payne signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2017.[11] He was waived on September 2, 2017.[12]
Jacksonville Jaguars (first stint)
On September 3, 2017, Payne was claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars.[13] The Jaguars advanced all the way to the AFC Championship where they lost to the New England Patriots, 20–24.[14] Payne finished the season third in the NFL in special teams tackles with 16.[15][16] On October 25, 2018, Payne was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.[17] He was activated off injured reserve on December 28, 2018.[18] On May 9, 2019, the Jaguars waived Payne.[19]
Baltimore Ravens (second stint)
On August 16, 2019, Payne signed with the Baltimore Ravens.[20] He was waived on August 31, 2019, and was signed to the practice squad the next day.[21] He was released on September 10.[22]
Jacksonville Jaguars (second stint)
On October 22, 2019, Payne was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars.[23]
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.[24] Payne was also featured on NFL's mic'd up in week 15 vs. the Oakland Raiders.[25] The Jaguars won 20–16, the last Raiders game ever played in the Oakland Coliseum before they relocated to Las Vegas.[26] Payne finished the 2019 season playing in nine games (five starts) and registered 61 tackles, a sack, a pass defense and a fumble recovery.[27][28]
Washington Football Team
Payne signed with the Washington Football Team on July 28, 2020.[29] He was waived on September 5, 2020, and signed to the practice squad the next day.[30] He was released on October 26.[31]
Miami Dolphins
On November 11, 2020, Payne was signed to the Miami Dolphins' practice squad.[32] He was released on November 23, 2020.[33]
San Francisco 49ers
On August 11, 2021, Payne signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers,[34] but was waived a few days later.[35]
Houston Gamblers
Payne was selected by the Houston Gamblers in the inaugural 2022 USFL draft.[36] On May 31, 2022, he was named the USFL Defensive Player of the Week in Week 7.[37] In Week 10, Payne was again named the USFL Defensive Player of the Week in the final regular season game.[38] Payne lead the USFL in tackles with 117 tackles in 10 games.[39][40] He was named to inaugural All-USFL Team Defense.[41]
