Hall of Fame
A three-time All-American, three-time Pioneer Football League Defensive Player of the Year, and four-time First Team All-PFL selection, Donald Payne was a defensive superstar in his four seasons with the Hatters. Â
Payne finished his college career as the third leading tackler in Division I (FCS/FBS) history with 538 tackles. The defensive back registered 65.5 career tackles for loss, 14 sacks, had seven forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries and nine interceptions. He scored five touchdowns in his career on defense or special teams. Payne earned multiple All-America honors throughout his career, including two selections to the prestigious Walter Camp All-America team. He also became the first three-time winner of any of the PFL's major awards, and he set a PFL record by being named league player of the week eight times in his career.
