DeLand, Fla. – Stetson Athletics Hall of Famer Donald Payne won the XFL Championship with the Arlington Renegades this past Saturday in San Antonio, Texas.

The Arlington Renegades defeated the DC Defenders in the XFL Championship 35-26 on Saturday. Stetson Alum Donald Payne is a linebacker for the Renegades, who had 7 total tackles in the championship game. Payne made a key play on defense to tip the pass from the Defenders quarterback to his teammate to seal the victory for the Renegades.

Throughout the season, Payne was a menace on the defensive side of the ball. Despite only playing 8 out of the 10 games, Payne still ranked in the top five in the XFL in total tackles with 61. Payne also recorded one interception and one fumble recovery on the season.

Donald Payne is a native of Fayetteville, Ga., he was a defensive superstar on the Stetson football team from 2012-16. Payne graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance in 2016 and was a part of the 2022 Stetson Athletics Hall of Fame class. During his time as a Hatter, Payne was a three-time All-American, three-time Pioneer Football League Defensive Player of the Year, and four-time First Team All-PFL selection.  
 
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.

After his collegiate career, Payne was signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Ravens. He went on to play three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2017-19), where, in 2017, he ranked third in the league in special teams tackles with 16. In 2019, he recorded a team-high 13 tackles, including one sack, in a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
 
In 2022, Payne was drafted by the Houston Gamblers of the USFL. He led the league with 117 tackles in 10 games and was named to the inaugural All-USFL Team Defense.

About the XFL from XFL.com:
The XFL is a fan-first, fast-paced global professional football league with innovative rules and an enhanced 360-degree game experience. Anchored in world-class football, the XFL brings entertainment and innovation to advance the sport, expand player opportunities, and change the way that fans experience the game. The XFL is owned by Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and Gerry Cardinale's RedBird Capital Partners and launched in February 2023.

About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.

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