Rico Payton

Rico Payton III Bio

Rico Payton III is an American professional football cornerback for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 28, 1999, in St. Louis, Missouri, Payton developed his football skills at Lindbergh High School before advancing to the collegiate level. After an impressive college career at Pittsburg State, he entered the 2024 NFL Draft but went undrafted. He signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints and has since established himself in the NFL. As of the 2025 season, Payton wears jersey number 36 for the New York Giants.

Early Life and Background

Rico Payton III was born on November 28, 1999, in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Lindbergh High School in Sappington, Missouri, where he excelled as both a wide receiver and cornerback. His dual-threat ability on the field made him a versatile player for the Lindbergh football program. During his senior season in 2017, Payton delivered a standout performance that helped lead his team to the district championship.

At Lindbergh, Payton demonstrated his exceptional talent by earning first-team all-state honors at defensive back while also receiving second-team all-state recognition as a return specialist. His offensive contributions were equally impressive, as he caught 41 passes for 845 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 836 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground. On defense, he recorded 30 tackles with three interceptions. His performances attracted attention from multiple college programs.

Path to Professional Football

Following his decorated high school career, Payton committed to play college football at Southern Illinois University. He redshirted as a freshman during the 2018 season before transferring to Pittsburg State University in 2019. The move to Pittsburg State, an NCAA Division II program, marked an important transition in his development as a player. He played in all 11 games in his first season with the Gorillas, making two starts while recording 14 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, and four pass breakups.

Payton did not play during the 2020 season, opting out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned to the field in 2021 and continued developing his craft. Over his remaining seasons at Pittsburg State, he became a defensive leader and earned recognition within the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). His dedication and performance caught the attention of NFL scouts despite playing at the Division II level.

Rico Payton III Career

College Career at Pittsburg State (2019–2023)

Rico Payton III concluded his collegiate career at Pittsburg State having appeared in 35 games. During his time with the Gorillas, he recorded 64 total tackles, including 46 solo tackles, while defending 26 passes and intercepting five passes. The 2022 season marked a turning point when he earned second-team All-MIAA honors. He started eight of 13 games that season, contributing 14 tackles, four pass breakups, and a fumble recovery.

His final collegiate season in 2023 proved to be his most productive. Payton played in 13 games and recorded 35 tackles with five tackles-for-loss. He was particularly effective in pass coverage, recording 16 pass breakups and four interceptions. His outstanding performance earned him first-team All-MIAA honors and the role of team captain. He was later named second-team Division II All-American by the American Football Coaches Association and was nominated for the Cliff Harris Award, which recognizes the top small college defensive player in the nation.

New Orleans Saints (2024)

Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Payton attracted interest from multiple teams. He ultimately signed as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints. His determination to earn an NFL roster spot drove him throughout training camp and the preseason. His performances in training camp and exhibition games impressed the coaching staff, allowing him to secure a spot on the team’s 53-man roster for the 2024 season. This achievement highlighted his ability to compete at the highest level despite not being selected in the draft.

New York Giants (2025–Present)

On August 26, 2025, Payton was waived by the New Orleans Saints with an injury designation as part of final roster cuts. The following day, the New York Giants claimed him off waivers. However, he was placed on injured reserve two days after joining the team. Payton worked through his recovery and was activated from injured reserve on November 1, 2025, ahead of the Giants’ Week 9 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. This marked a new chapter in his professional career with the Giants.

Playing Style and Strengths

Rico Payton III plays the cornerback position with physicality and awareness. His experience as both a wide receiver and cornerback in college provided him with a unique understanding of offensive schemes. He demonstrates strong ball skills, having recorded multiple interceptions and pass breakups throughout his career. His collegiate performance as a team captain reflected his leadership abilities and football intelligence.

Notable Events and Milestones

Payton’s journey to the NFL stands as a notable achievement, having navigated the challenges of being a Division II player in a competitive draft landscape. His ability to make an NFL roster after going undrafted demonstrated his work ethic and resilience. His claim off waivers by the New York Giants and subsequent activation during the 2025 season represented significant milestones in his professional development.

Rico Payton III Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career, Payton has contributed as a member of both the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. His professional statistics reflect his role as a developing defensive back in the league.

Professional Career Highlights

In his first NFL seasons, Payton recorded 23 total tackles and 2 pass deflections as of the 2025 season. His transition from the college level to professional football required adaptation to increased speed and complexity of opposing offenses. Despite the challenges, he has demonstrated the ability to contribute on special teams and in defensive packages.

College Career Summary

Payton’s college career at Pittsburg State laid the foundation for his professional success. Over 35 games played, he accumulated 64 tackles, 26 passes defended, and 5 interceptions. His progression from a redshirt freshman to a first-team All-MIAA selection and Division II All-American showcased his development trajectory. The leadership qualities he displayed as a team captain translated into his professional approach to the game.

Rico Payton III Family

Family Background and Lineage

Limited verified information is available regarding Rico Payton III’s family background. He was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where he attended Lindbergh High School. No publicly verified details about his parents, siblings, or extended family have been established through reliable sources.

Personal Life

Payton maintains an active presence on social media, with an official X (formerly Twitter) account at @rico_payton1. He continues to pursue his professional football career while residing with his teammates in the New York metropolitan area during the football season. No additional verified personal life information has been confirmed through available sources.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Rico Payton III. After beginning the year with the New Orleans Saints organization, he was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants following roster cuts in late August. His early tenure with the Giants was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve shortly after joining the team. The Giants’ decision to activate him in early November ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers indicated the coaching staff’s confidence in his recovery and potential contributions.

Throughout the season, Payton worked to establish himself within the Giants’ defensive schemes. His experience from the previous season with the Saints provided him with valuable NFL-level exposure. The Giants’ defensive coordinator incorporated him into game plans as his comfort with the system improved. His role evolved throughout the season as he built chemistry with the coaching staff and fellow defensive backs.

The outlook for Payton remains focused on continued development within the Giants organization. His journey from being undrafted to securing a roster spot demonstrates his resilience and determination. As he gains more experience within the NFL, his versatility and football IQ position him as a player capable of making meaningful contributions in the secondary. The foundation established during his college career at Pittsburg State continues to influence his professional approach.