Pheldarius Payne Bio
Pheldarius Payne is an American professional football defensive end who currently plays for the Orlando Storm of the United Football League (UFL). Born on July 14, 2000, in Suffolk, Virginia, Payne attended Nansemond River High School before embarking on a college football career that spanned three programs: Lackawanna College, Nebraska, and Virginia Tech. After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, he signed with the Houston Texans and later spent time with the Indianapolis Colts before joining the UFL ranks. His journey through multiple collegiate programs and professional teams demonstrates his resilience and determination to succeed at the highest levels of football.
Early Life and Background
Pheldarius Payne grew up in Suffolk, Virginia, where he attended Nansemond River High School. During his senior season at Nansemond River, Payne established himself as a dominant defensive player, earning All-District and All-Region honors. His standout high school performance caught the attention of college programs across the country, ultimately leading him to commit to continue his football career at Lackawanna College. Beyond high school football, Payne achieved early success at the youth level, winning a Pop Warner National Championship in fifth grade, demonstrating his competitive drive from a young age.
Path to American Football
Payne began his collegiate journey at Lackawanna College, where he spent two seasons developing his skills as a defensive player. His impact was immediate, as he played a key role in helping Lackawanna advance to the 2019 NJCAA National Championship Game. Following his successful junior college career, Payne initially committed to North Carolina State but changed his mind after visiting the University of Nebraska campus, ultimately deciding to continue his football journey with the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
At Nebraska, Payne transitioned to the outside linebacker position and appeared in every game during his first season with the program. His second season was interrupted by injury, limiting his availability after the first ten games. In February 2022, he entered the NCAA transfer portal seeking a fresh start. He subsequently transferred to Virginia Tech, where he was expected to be a significant contributor. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture before the 2022 season began, forcing him to redshirt. He returned to the field for the 2023 season, appearing in all 13 games for the Hokies and showcasing his resilience in recovering from the serious injury.
Pheldarius Payne Career
Early Professional Career (2024)
After his collegiate career concluded, Payne entered the 2024 NFL Draft but was not selected during the seven-round process. Despite going undrafted, his talent attracted attention from NFL teams. He signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent following the draft. Interestingly, the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL selected Payne in the third round of their 2024 draft, but he chose to pursue his NFL opportunity with the Texans instead.
Payne’s tenure with the Texans was brief and eventful. He was waived with an injury designation on July 17, 2024, but the team re-signed him approximately three weeks later on August 12. However, he was waived again on August 27, 2024, concluding his time with the organization. Following his release from Houston, Payne continued his professional journey by signing with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad on December 10, 2024.
Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Battlehawks (2025)
Payne signed a reserve/future contract with the Indianapolis Colts on January 6, 2025, securing a spot on their roster heading into the 2025 season. However, his time with the Colts concluded on May 9, 2025, when the team waived him. Seeking continued opportunities in professional football, Payne signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League on September 18, 2025. The Battlehawks opportunity allowed him to reunite with coach Anthony Becht, who had previously worked with Payne during his time with the team.
Orlando Storm (2026–Present)
On January 14, 2026, Payne was selected by the Orlando Storm in the 2026 UFL Draft, marking a new chapter in his professional career. This selection reunited him with his former Battlehawks coach Anthony Becht, providing him with a familiar face in the Storm’s organization. Payne’s journey from the NFL to the UFL demonstrates his adaptability and commitment to continuing his football career at the professional level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Payne primarily lines up as a defensive end, using his 6-foot-2-inch, 286-pound frame to disrupt opposing offenses. His experience playing multiple positions throughout his collegiate career, including outside linebacker, speaks to his versatility and football intelligence. After recovering from his Achilles injury and returning to play all 13 games in 2023, Payne demonstrated his durability and resilience. His ability to contribute immediately at the professional level, despite the injury setback, highlights his work ethic and determination to succeed in competitive football environments.
Pheldarius Payne Career Wins
Payne’s career highlights include his role in helping Lackawanna College reach the 2019 NJCAA National Championship Game during his freshman season. At the high school level, he achieved championship success by winning a Pop Warner National Championship in fifth grade. While his professional career is still developing, his collegiate accomplishments and the fact that he earned opportunities with NFL and UFL organizations reflect his progress as a player.
Collegiate Highlights
During his time at Lackawanna College, Payne was instrumental in the team’s run to the 2019 NJCAA National Championship Game, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage at the junior college level. His All-District and All-Region honors at Nansemond River High School established him as a Division I prospect. At Virginia Tech, despite suffering a season-ending injury in 2022, he bounced back to appear in all 13 games during the 2023 season, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the sport.
Professional Achievements
Payne has demonstrated the ability to compete at the professional level through his stints with the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts in the NFL, as well as his UFL opportunities with the St. Louis Battlehawks and Orlando Storm. His selection in the UFL Draft, despite having NFL experience, speaks to the value teams place on his skill set and potential.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Payne as he navigated between NFL and UFL opportunities. After beginning the year with the Indianapolis Colts organization, he signed his reserve/future contract in January, signaling the team’s interest in his development. However, his release by the Colts in May prompted him to shift his focus to the UFL, where he signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks in September 2025. This move allowed him to continue playing competitive football while maintaining his connection with coach Anthony Becht.
Payne’s ability to bounce back from adversity has been a hallmark of his football journey. From recovering from a major injury at Virginia Tech to navigating the challenges of being an undrafted player in the NFL, he has consistently demonstrated resilience. His performance throughout 2025 reflected this character, as he remained committed to his craft despite facing setbacks. The September signing with the Battlehawks provided him with a platform to showcase his abilities in game situations as he worked toward securing a more permanent role in professional football.
Looking ahead, Payne’s selection by the Orlando Storm in the 2026 UFL Draft indicates that teams continue to recognize his potential. Reuniting with a familiar coach in Anthony Becht offers him continuity and a chance to build on the foundation established during his time with the Battlehawks. His journey exemplifies the perseverance required for undrafted players to establish themselves in professional football, and his continued involvement with UFL organizations demonstrates his value as a developing defensive talent.