Detroit Lions Mourn Tragic Passing of Former Teammate

The Detroit Lions community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of former cornerback Chris Payton-Jones , who tragically passed away Saturday night following a car crash in Florida. He was just 30 years old . A Career Built on Persistence Payton-Jones’ NFL journey wasn’t easy, but it was defined by resilience.

After going undrafted out of University of Nebraska in 2018, he signed with the Lions and began what would become a well-traveled professional career. Though he didn’t make Detroit’s final roster that year, he continued to fight for opportunities. That persistence eventually brought him back to Detroit in 2020, when the Lions claimed him off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad.

He appeared in one game for the team that season, adding another chapter to a career that spanned multiple organizations. Payton-Jones also spent time with the Cardinals, Vikings, Titans, and Raiders during his NFL run. More Than Just a Teammate While his time in Detroit may have been brief, the impact he made clearly wasn’t.

Following the news of his passing, several former teammates took to social media to express their grief. ( Per Pride of Detroit ) Quandre Diggs shared a simple but emotional message: “RIH my dawg. ” Amik Robertson reacted with shock, posting: “Man wtf!