| Pheldarius Payne | |
| Currentteam: | Houston Texans |
| Number: | 72 |
| Position: | Defensive tackle |
| Birth Date: | 14 July 2000 |
| Birth Place: | Suffolk, Virginia, U.S. |
| Height Ft: | 6 |
| Height In: | 3 |
| Weight Lb: | 275 |
| College: | Lackawanna (2018–2019) Nebraska (2020–2021) Virginia Tech (2022–2023) |
| Undraftedyear: | 2024 |
| Pastteams: |
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| Status: | Active |
| Pfr: | PaynPh00 |
Pheldarius Payne (born July 14, 2000) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Lackawanna College, Nebraska, and Virginia Tech.
Payne grew up in Suffolk, Virginia, and attended Nansemond River High School.[1] At Nansemond River, he played football and during his senior season was an All-District and All-Region selection.[2] He committed to play college football at Lackawanna College.[3]
Payne spent two seasons at Lackawanna College. He helped Lackawanna advance to the 2019 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.[4]
During his first season at Nebraska, Payne switched to playing outside linebacker and appeared in every game of the season.[5] 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.[6]
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.[7] He returned for the 2023 season and appeared in all 13 games for the Hokies.
After not being selected in the 2024 NFL draft, Tipton signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent.[8] Payne was also selected by the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL during the third round of the 2024 UFL draft, but chose not to sign with them.[9]
He was waived by the Texans with an injury designation on July 17, 2024.[10] [11] On August 12, 2024, the Texans re-signed Payne.[12]
Payne is the son of Phelton and Johnnetta Payne. In fifth grade, Payne won a Pop Warner National Championship.