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Congratulations Damon Payne Jr.! signed and headed to the Kansas City Chiefs. ❤️💛

AEA client Damon Payne Jr. has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent after a college career that moved from Alabama to Michigan and into the NFL. His path shows how modern athlete representation supports the full NCAA-to-pro transition: development, transfer strategy, draft positioning, and opportunity fit.

Congratulations Damon Payne Jr. @dinero.dame @DamonPayne2021  signed and headed to the Kansas City Chiefs. ❤️💛

Damon Payne Jr. Signs With Kansas City Chiefs as UDFA

Former Alabama and Michigan defensive tackle Damon Payne Jr. has officially signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft.† For an interior defensive lineman whose value is built on leverage, strength, and discipline, finding the right developmental landing spot is critical.

Payne’s college-to-pro transition is a perfect example of the modern football résumé. Represented by the Athletes Empowerment Agency (AEA), his path required careful management of transfer positioning, draft preparation, and the UDFA market.

From Elite Recruit to SEC Development

Hailing from Belleville, Michigan, Payne emerged as a premier interior defensive line prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. He possessed the base traits evaluators look for, including a national profile built around size, point-of-attack power, and a high school résumé strong enough to attract programs across the country.‡ His high school track-and-field background, including shot put and discus, also fits the profile of an interior player trained in rotational power, hip explosion, and controlled force transfer.§

Payne chose to begin his collegiate career at Alabama, entering a crowded defensive room where players are evaluated against NFL-caliber competition daily.

  • Redshirt Year: Payne redshirted his first season in 2021 to focus on strength and technique development.

  • Rotational Value: Between 2022 and 2024, he appeared in 32 games for Alabama.

  • SEC Production: He recorded 30 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries during that span.¶

  • System Foundation: Alabama provided Payne with a vital understanding of front mechanics and assignment reliability.

The Strategic Transfer to Michigan

Following the 2024 season, Payne needed a final college season with meaningful snaps to strengthen his pro profile. He entered the transfer portal and returned to his home state to play for the Michigan Wolverines.

This move made perfect football and geographic sense, as Michigan needed experienced interior help. It also required careful management from his representation to clarify public reporting and protect his leverage during the transfer process, including the distinction between initiating paperwork and being officially bound to a school.#

  • Senior Season Impact: At Michigan in 2025, Payne played in 13 games and made five starts.

  • Box Score: He tallied 16 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, and one pass breakup.

  • Accolades: He earned shared Michigan Defensive Player of the Week honors twice.††

  • Big Ten Starts: He contributed significantly in Big Ten play, including starts against Wisconsin, Northwestern, and Ohio State.‡‡

Why the Kansas City Chiefs are the Right Fit

The label of "undrafted free agent" is not an afterthought; it often allows the player and their representation to evaluate depth charts, coaching staffs, and schemes to find the best opportunity. For Payne, Kansas City offers a highly competitive but meaningful environment.

Under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs utilize a defensive system that highly values interior discipline.

  • Run Defense: Payne's sturdy frame and low center of gravity translate perfectly against the NFL run game.

  • Leverage: His background in wrestling and throwing sports helps explain his excellent understanding of force and leverage.

  • Development Path: To climb the depth chart, Payne will need to expand his pass-rush plan beyond sheer power and develop a reliable counter move.

  • Immediate Goals: Earning trust as an early-down interior defender and maintaining gap integrity will be his key to staying in the conversation.

The Role of AEA in the Modern NFL Transition

The transition from college to the professional level is no longer a simple handoff; it is a sequence of highly managed market decisions. Athletes now require representation that understands the intersection of football, law, business, and brand management.

Steven Fantetti, founder of Athlete Empowerment Agency, is listed by the NFLPA as an agent with Athlete Empowerment Agency LLC, and Michigan Tech identifies him as a certified licensed NFL Player Agent, attorney, and founder of AEA.§§ AEA supported Payne through every phase of his journey: from strategic positioning in the transfer portal to role clarity at Michigan, and finally, fit analysis during the UDFA phase. While representation cannot guarantee a roster spot, it ensures the process is aligned with an athlete's best actual opportunities.


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