Nebraska mourns another heartbreaking loss that came far too soon

In a repeat that is happening far too often of late, former Nebraska players are mourning the loss of a teammate who passed away far too soon. Chris Payton-Jones, who was known as Chris Jones when he was a Husker defensive back from 2014-2017, died over the weekend in a Florida car crash at the age of 30.

The crash happened along State Road 24 late Saturday night. According to officials, it was a head-on collision. The other driver in the accident was a 21-year-old who escaped with only minor injuries.

After shining as a defensive back for Nebraska, he had a brief run in the NFL playing for Arizona, Detroit, Minnesota, and Tennessee. He played in 29 career games and started 6. Once his NFL career ended, he moved to the UFL, playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks.

Former Nebraska football defensive back Chris Payton-Jones dies at 30 in Florida crash

“Chris was a beloved teammate and leader in the locker room, who demonstrated the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience throughout his career,” the UFL said in a statement. “As importantly, Chris was always a bright soul who everyone throughout the league enjoyed spending time with off-the-field during his three-year tenure.”

Payton-Jones teammates from Nebraska took to social media over the weekend to express their shock and sadness.

"This guy loved football and most importantly he LOVES GOD," former Husker linebacker Mo Barry wrote on Twitter. "In my redshirt year Chris was one of the guys that kept me on track. He was disciplined, never got into partying. He didn’t want hand outs, he about EARNING IT."

Barry ended that post by offering his condolences to Payton-Jones' family.

Another former teammate, Michael Rose-Ivey posted a tribute to the ex-Cornhusker as well. “The life we live is so short! Can’t even believe this is real. Love you bro!” He then posted a video of Payton-Jones giving an interview when the XFL was still a league.

Since news of Chris Payton-Jones' passing began to spread, more Nebraska fans and former teammates have been expressing their condolences to everyone affected.