JaVonta Payton

JaVonta Cosby Payton (born October 7, 1998) is an American football wide receiver for the Arlington Renegades of the XFL. He played college football at Mississippi State, and Tennessee. He has also played for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL), and the Orlando Guardians of the XFL.

Early years
Payton attended and played high school football at Hillsboro High School. He was considered a three-star recruit by Rivals.com.

Northwest Mississippi C.C.
Payton attended Northwest Mississippi Community College from 2017 to 2018 where he played 21 games, while recording 67 catches for 840 yards, and two touchdowns.

Mississippi State
Payton transferred to Mississippi State in 2019, where he played in 22 games, recording 28 receptions for 372 yards and one touchdown from 2019 to 2020.

Tennessee
Payton transferred to Tennessee in 2021, where he played and started in all 12 games, recording 18 catches for 413 yards, and six touchdowns. On January 17, 2022, Payton declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.

Arizona Cardinals
After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Payton signed with the Arizona Cardinals on May 1, 2022. He was released on August 30, 2022. On September 14, 2022, Payton was re-signed to the Cardinals practice squad. He was released from the practice squad the next day on September 15, 2022.

Orlando Guardians
On January 23, 2023, Payton signed with the Orlando Guardians of the XFL.

Arlington Renegades
On March 6, 2023, Payton was traded to the Arlington Renegades of the XFL in a three-team trade with the Orlando Guardians receiving offensive tackle TJ Storment and the DC Defenders receiving tight end Alex Ellis. On May 13, 2023, Payton won the 2023 XFL Championship with the Renegades, recording two receptions for 23 yards.

After the 2023 season, Payton worked out for the Philadelphia Eagles on July 15, 2023. Payton re-signed with the Renegades on January 22, 2024. He was placed on Injured reserve on May 28, 2024.