Pheldarius Payne
Pheldarius Payne is an American professional football defensive end for the Orlando Storm of the United [Football League (2024)|United Football League]. He played college football for the Lackawanna Falcons, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and Virginia Tech Hokies.
Early life and high school
Payne grew up in Suffolk, Virginia, and attended Nansemond River High School. At Nansemond River, he played football and during his senior season was an All-District and All-Region selection. He committed to play college football at Lackawanna College.College career
Lackawanna College
Payne spent two seasons at Lackawanna College. He helped Lackawanna advance to the 2019 National [Junior College Athletic Association|NJCAA] National Championship Game.Payne committed to NC State before his sophomore season, but flipped his commitment to Nebraska after a visit to their campus.
Nebraska
During his first season at Nebraska, Payne switched to playing outside linebacker and appeared in every game of the season. During his second season, he appeared in the first ten games before being sidelined by and injury. On February 28, 2022, Payne opted to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal.Virginia Tech
After two seasons at Nebraska, Payne transferred to Virginia Tech. Before the start of the 2022 season, Payne suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture. He returned for the 2023 season and appeared in all 13 games for the Hokies.Professional career
Houston Texans
After not being selected in the 2024 NFL draft, Payne signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent. Payne was also selected by the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL during the third round of the UFL draft">United Football League (2024)">UFL draft, but chose not to sign with them.He was waived by the Texans with an injury designation on July 17, 2024. On August 12, the Texans re-signed Payne. He was waived on August 27.