The Dallas Renegades re-signed linebacker Donald Payne on Wednesday according to James Larsen.
Donald Payne is six foot and weighs 228 pounds. The 31-year-old from Fayetteville, Georgia, re-signed with the Renegades on October 14, 2024. In 2025, he made 66 tackles (36 solos, 30 assists), seven tackles for loss, one interception, and four pass breakups in 10 games.
Payne signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2017. He also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Football Team, Miami Dolphins, and San Francisco 49ers. He played three seasons in Jacksonville with 76 tackles (47 solos, 29 assists), three tackles for loss, one sack, one pass breakup, and two fumble recoveries in 30 games.
The Houston Gamblers (USFL) drafted Payne in the 30th round (246th pick) of the 2022 USFL Draft. In 2022, he made 117 tackles (71 solos, 46 assists), six tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, two touchdowns, and one forced fumble in 10 games. He was named to the All-USFL Team.
The Arlington Renegades (XFL) drafted Payne in the third round (19th pick) in the 2023 XFL Supplemental Draft. In 2023, Payne made 51 tackles (22 solos, 39 assists), five tackles for loss, three interceptions, two touchdowns, half a sack, and three pass breakups in eight games, helping Arlington win the XFL Championship.
The Arlington Renegades re-signed Payne on January 23, 2024. In 2024, he made 63 tackles (30 solos, 33 assists), four tackles for loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles in 10 games.
Collegiately, Payne played four seasons at Stetson University (2013-16) with 538 tackles (343 solos, 195 assists), 65.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, nine interceptions for 14 yards, 42 pass breakups, 7 forced fumbles, 8 fumble recoveries, three blocked kicks, seven punt returns for 44 yards, and one touchdown in 44 games for the Hatters.
He was named a three-time FCS All-American, three-time PFL Defensive Player of the Year, and was inducted into the Stetson University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.
