Former NFL player Chris Payton-Jones was less than a month removed from becoming a father when he died at age 30 in a car accident on Sunday, April 12.
His sister, Clotea Jones, told The US Sun that the ex-cornerback welcomed his daughter just three weeks earlier.
“He was just excited about being a father,” Jones said in a story published Tuesday, April 14. “He was excited about where he was in life, working with kids and the birth of his daughter.”
She added, “That was my brother, my only blood brother, same momma, same daddy. I’m devastated. I’m hurt. My brother is gone. I cannot even cope with the pain.”
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Payton-Jones died from injuries sustained when his sedan collided head-on with a pickup truck before rolling over and bursting into flames. Three people in the truck suffered minor injuries in the accident.
The Gainesville, Florida, native played in the NFL from 2018 to 2022, bouncing between five different teams. He tallied 48 tackles in his career before he transitioned to the XFL in 2023, which folded into the United Football League in 2024. He ended his professional career with the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks.
His former coach with the Battlehawks, Anthony Becht, remembered him on Sunday with a touching statement via X.
“My heart is broken on the tragic news of the passing of Chris Payton-Jones,” wrote Becht, 48. “Chris was an outstanding player, a fantastic teammate and an incredible human being. Chris was a joy to coach and be around the past two seasons in St. Louis. I love that young man. Sending our deepest respect and condolences to the Payton-Jones family from myself, my staff and form all his teammates that loved and worked with him.”
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The UFL also released a statement recognizing Payton-Jones’ passing.
“The United Football League is in mourning after the tragic passing of former St. Louis Battlehawks Defensive Back Chris Payton-Jones,” the league said in a statement shared via social media on Sunday. “Chris was a beloved teammate and leader in the locker room, who demonstrated the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience throughout his career.”
The statement continued, “As importantly, Chris was always a bright soul who everyone throughout the league enjoyed spending time with off-the-field during his three-year tenure. From fan appearances and media engagements to his own content creation and openness to share the highs and lows of his personal journey, Chris carried himself with humility and integrity. Our condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, and all others who are impacted by this loss.”
