VJ Payne is a safety for the New York Jets. He was selected with pick 228 of round 7 in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Kansas State. He is on an NFL roster for his 2026 rookie season. 44 college games across 4 seasons for Kansas State. At Kansas State (2022–25) he made 194 tackles (10.5 for loss), recorded 1 sack and had 4 interceptions and 9 passes defended.