Rico Payton III Bio
Rico Payton III is an American professional football cornerback for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 28, 1999, he grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. Payton attended Lindbergh High School, where he had an impressive football career as a wide receiver and cornerback. He continued his football journey at Southern Illinois before transferring to Pittsburg State, enjoying a successful collegiate football career. Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, he signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints and has since made a name for himself in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Rico Payton III was born in St. Louis, Missouri, where he spent his formative years. He attended Lindbergh High School in Sappington, Missouri, where he excelled in football. During his senior year in 2017, Payton played a pivotal role in leading Lindbergh to the district championship. His performance earned him first-team all-state honors as a defensive back and second-team all-state recognition as a return specialist. He recorded impressive statistics, including 41 receptions for 845 yards and 10 touchdowns, as well as 836 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.
After high school, Payton committed to play college football for the Southern Illinois Salukis. He redshirted his freshman year in 2018, which allowed him to develop further before transferring to Pittsburg State in 2019. His time at Pittsburg State was marked by significant growth and achievement, showcasing his talent on the field.
Path to American Football
At Pittsburg State, Rico Payton III quickly made an impact. In his first season with the Gorillas, he played in all 11 games, starting in two, and recorded 14 tackles along with four pass breakups. However, he opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Returning in 2021, he continued to build on his skills, making 12 tackles and six pass breakups while starting in two of the nine games he played. His performance in the 2022 season was notable, as he started eight of 13 games and totaled 14 tackles, four pass breakups, and a fumble recovery.
In his final year at Pittsburg State in 2023, Payton’s performance peaked. He played 13 games, making 35 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, 16 pass breakups, and four interceptions. His efforts earned him first-team All-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association honors and recognition as a second-team Division II All-American by the American Football Coaches Association. He concluded his collegiate career with impressive statistics, including 64 tackles and five interceptions over 35 games.
Rico Payton III Career
Early Career (2024)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Rico Payton III was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. His performance during training camp and preseason was strong enough to earn him a spot on the team’s 53-man roster for the 2024 season. Payton’s journey in the NFL began with the Saints, where he aimed to establish himself as a reliable cornerback.
However, on August 26, 2025, Payton was waived by the Saints with an injury designation during the final roster cuts. This marked a challenging moment in his early career, but it also opened the door for new opportunities.
Breakthrough (2025)
On August 27, 2025, Rico Payton III was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants. Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve just two days later, which temporarily sidelined him. Despite this setback, he was activated on November 1, 2025, ahead of the team’s Week 9 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. This activation marked a significant moment in his career, as he had the chance to contribute to the Giants’ defense.
Notable Works and Milestones
Rico Payton III’s journey in professional football has been characterized by resilience and determination. His collegiate achievements, including All-MIAA honors and recognition as a second-team All-American, set the stage for his entry into the NFL. As he continues his career with the New York Giants, Payton aims to build on his early successes and make a lasting impact in the league.
Rico Payton III Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Rico Payton III has received recognition for his performances, particularly during his collegiate years. His accolades include being named a second-team All-American and earning All-MIAA honors, showcasing his talent and potential on the field.
Rico Payton III Awards Won
Rico Payton III’s achievements in college football have been noteworthy, including his selection as a second-team Division II All-American and first-team All-MIAA. These awards highlight his skills and contributions to his teams during his collegiate career.
Rico Payton III Family
Details about Rico Payton III’s family background are not publicly available. As he continues to focus on his professional career, personal information remains private.
Personal Life
Rico Payton III has kept his personal life private, with no public information regarding relationships or children. His dedication to football remains a primary focus as he navigates his career in the NFL.
