Pheldarius Payne
Pheldarius Payne (born July 14, 2000) is an American professional football defensive end for the Orlando Storm of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Lackawanna Falcons, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and Virginia Tech Hokies. Standing about 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed near 286 pounds, Payne has traveled a winding road from junior college standout to NFL training-camp roster to the UFL, building his game across multiple levels of competition.
Early Life and Background
Payne grew up in Suffolk, Virginia, where he attended Nansemond River High School. At Nansemond River, he played football and, during his senior season, earned All-District and All-Region recognition for his work along the defensive line. His football foundation traces back even further: in fifth grade, Payne won a Pop Warner National Championship, an early signal of the competitive drive he would carry forward.
He is the son of Phelton and Johnnetta Payne, and his family remained rooted in Suffolk throughout his youth. After high school, Payne committed to continue his football career at Lackawanna College, a junior college program known for sending players on to major four-year schools. His combination of size, length, and motor made him an attractive prospect at the next level.
Path to Professional Football
Payne spent two seasons at Lackawanna College, where he helped the Falcons advance to the 2019 NJCAA National Championship Game. That postseason run put him on the radar of Power Five programs. He originally committed to NC State before his sophomore year, but a visit to Lincoln changed his plans, and he flipped his commitment to Nebraska.
At Nebraska, Payne transitioned to outside linebacker and appeared in every game during his first season, then played in the first ten games of his second year before an injury cut his campaign short. On February 28, 2022, he entered the NCAA transfer portal and landed at Virginia Tech, looking to finish his college career closer to home. The move set the stage for his eventual leap into professional football.
Pheldarius Payne Career
College Years (2018–2023)
Payne’s college journey spanned three programs and several position changes. At Lackawanna from 2018 to 2019, he developed into a national-title-game player before flipping his commitment from NC State to Nebraska after a campus visit. The two years in Lincoln were defined by his switch to outside linebacker, durability in his first season, and a frustrating injury cut short in year two.
He transferred to Virginia Tech ahead of the 2022 season but suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture before the year began. After rehabbing through that setback, Payne returned for the 2023 campaign and appeared in all 13 games for the Hokies, finishing his college eligibility with renewed health and a clearer projection as an edge defender.
Houston Texans Chapter (2024)
After going unselected in the 2024 NFL draft, Payne signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent, earning his first opportunity at the top level of professional football. He was also picked by the St. Louis Battlehawks in the third round of the 2024 UFL draft, but opted to pursue his NFL path instead of signing.
Payne’s time in Houston was turbulent. He was waived with an injury designation on July 17, 2024, re-signed on August 12, and waived again on August 27 as rosters were trimmed. The brief stay offered valuable reps inside an NFL building, even though a roster spot did not stick.
Indianapolis Colts (2024–2025)
On December 10, 2024, Payne signed with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad, giving him another foothold in the NFL. He later signed a reserve/future contract with Indianapolis on January 6, 2025, extending his stay through the offseason and into the next league year.
His time with the Colts ended on May 9, 2025, when he was waived. The stint reaffirmed his professional readiness and kept him on NFL radars while he evaluated his next move.
St. Louis Battlehawks (2025)
On September 18, 2025, Payne signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League, making the spring league his new full-time home. The move paired him with a competitive defensive line group and a structured UFL schedule that let him continue developing as an edge rusher.
Orlando Storm (2026–Present)
On January 14, 2026, Payne was selected by the Orlando Storm in the 2026 UFL Draft, reuniting him with his former Battlehawks coach, Anthony Becht. The selection underlined how his previous UFL film and NFL camp experience had caught the attention of league decision-makers. Heading into the 2026 UFL season, Payne lines up as a defensive end for the Storm.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the signature moments of Payne’s career are his fifth-grade Pop Warner National Championship, his appearance in the 2019 NJCAA National Championship Game at Lackawanna, and his comeback from a 2022 Achilles injury to play all 13 games for Virginia Tech in 2023. Each milestone reflects a player who has consistently fought through adversity to stay on the field.
Pheldarius Payne Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Payne is the son of Phelton and Johnnetta Payne, and he grew up in Suffolk, Virginia, where his family remains a steady presence. His parents supported his football journey from Pop Warner through high school and into a winding college career that ultimately led to professional football.
2025 Season Performance
Payne’s 2025 storyline centered on his September signing with the St. Louis Battlehawks, which gave him consistent game action after an offseason of NFL limbo following his release from the Colts. Working within the Battlehawks’ defensive scheme, he provided depth and edge-rush presence on a unit competing in the UFL’s spring-to-summer calendar.
The campaign also served as a showcase stage leading into the 2026 UFL Draft, where his tape and positional fit drew attention from across the league. His play down the stretch helped reinforce his reputation as a high-motor defensive end with NFL-level measurables.
Looking ahead, Payne’s outlook for the 2026 UFL season with the Orlando Storm is anchored by his reunion with coach Anthony Becht and continued development as a pass rusher. With his NFL training-camp experience now behind him, the UFL offers a platform to stack production and pursue another shot at an NFL roster.
