Kevin Payne (American football)

Kevin Payne (born December 5, 1983 in El Dorado, Arkansas) is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana-Monroe.

He has also been a member of the St. Louis Rams and Carolina Panthers.

College career
Payne started out his college ball playing the running back position and backup Punter. However, after Safety Chris Harris was drafted by the Chicago Bears, Payne was moved to Safety. Payne was a four-year starter who began his career at running back, before moving to safety as a junior. He was an All-Conference selection in 2006, totaling 98 tackles and three interceptions after posting 87 tackles as a junior when he was a Second-team All-Sun Belt selection.

Chicago Bears
Payne was drafted by the Bears in the 5th round of the 2007 draft. An injury cut his rookie season short playing in only three games. In 2008 Payne was the starting strong safety for the Chicago Bears. In his first season as the starter, Payne posted career highs in tackles (88), interceptions (4), and pass deflections (7). In 2009 he again was injured and missed three games, playing in 13 and starting five. He finished with 46 tackles and five passes deflected.

St. Louis Rams
On April 28, 2010, Payne was traded to the St. Louis Rams for a conditional seventh round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Payne was injured preseason and was placed on injured reserve. However, on September 12, 2010, the Rams waived Payne from injured reserve with an injury settlement. Since it was contingent on Payne making the roster the Rams kept their 7th round pick.

Carolina Panthers
On July 29, 2011 Payne signed with the Carolina Panthers. He was released on September 4.