NFL CAREER – Signing with the Saints as an undrafted free agent out of Pittsburg State in 2024, Rico Payton made an immediate impact on special teams. Appearing in 16 games as a rookie, The St. Louis, Mo. native finished with 13 special teams tackles and one pass breakup. Payton will look to continue his development as a defensive back while maintaining a heavy presence on the coverage units.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Agreed to terms with New Orleans Saints, 4/27/24.
2024 – Appeared in 16 games (missed Week Nine contest at Carolina with back injury), posting 13 special teams tackles (ten solo) with one pass breakup…Rotated in at CB and played on special teams in his NFL debut, finishing with one pass breakup vs. Carolina, Sept. 8…Recorded first career tackle vs. Philadelphia, Sept. 22...Finished with one stop at Kansas City, Oct. 7...Recorded one tackle vs. Tampa Bay, Oct. 13…Finished with one tackle vs. Denver, Oct. 17...Recorded two tackles, but suffered a back injury in fourth quarter at L.A. Chargers, Oct. 27…Recorded one tackle in Saints' 20-17 win vs. Atlanta, Nov. 10… Finished with a stop in 35-14 win vs. Cleveland, Nov. 17...Recorded a stop vs. L.A. Rams, Dec. 1...Recorded a tackle, reaching double-digit coverage stops in rookie season at N.Y. Giants, Dec. 8…Recorded a stop vs. Washington, Dec. 15…Posted one tackle vs. Las Vegas, Dec. 29…Finished with one tackle at Tampa Bay, 1/5/25.
COLLEGE – Spent final four college seasons at Pittsburg State (Kan.) after starting college career at Southern Illinois…In 2023, was named a team captain and recorded 35 tackles with four interceptions and 15 pass breakups. Made four tackles, two interceptions and three pass breakups in win over Central Oklahoma…In 2022, Started eight of the 13 games he played in and posted 14 tackles (11 solo) with four pass breakups and a fumble recovery to earn All-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association…Started two of the nine games played in 2021 and posted 12 tackles (eight solo), an interception and six pass breakups…Opted out of 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic shortened season)…Played in all 11 games, including two starts, in 2019. Had 14 tackles (11 solo), 1.5 stops for loss and four pass breakups…Redshirted for Southern Illinois in 2018…Graduated with a degree in recreation services, sport and hospitality with a minor in coaching.
PERSONAL – A Missouri Class 6A All-State, All-Conference and All-District performer as a senior at Lindbergh (St. Louis, Mo.) HS…Set school single-season records for touchdowns (29) and rushing touchdowns (18)...Led team to 11-2 record in 2017...All-Conference basketball player and state track & field qualifier...Earned a gold certificate for a 4.0 grade point average as junior…Represented the team in visiting the Tulane Book Festival…This spring spoke to local student-athletes at an end-of-year banquet sponsored by the Saints and Enterprise rent-a-car to welcome 18 outstanding students from 11 different parishes across Louisiana…Born November 28, 1999 in St. Louis, Mo.
