Since Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne signed a four-year, $90 million extension in March, he’s been giving back. We know of Payne’s generosity with his family, particularly his mother, but the star defender recently went home to his old high school.
Payne played high school at Shades Valley High in Irondale, Alabama. Multiple professional athletes played for the Shades Valley Mounties, but perhaps none more successful than Payne. So just before Payne was scheduled to report to Washington’s training camp this week, his alma mater had him back for a special moment.
The Mounties were retiring Payne’s No. 94. These types of festitivies often happen during football season, but Payne will be occupied in the fall for foreseeable future.
In turn, Payne wanted to give back to his high school. Payne donated $100K to Shades Valley’s athletic department.
Ex Shades Valley High School football Daron Payne returned to his alma mater Fri. The current Washington Commander and former Univ. of Alabama defensive lineman had his jersey retired. Payne also donated $100,000 to the high school’s athletic department during a ceremony. 🏈 💰 pic.twitter.com/p4EARsVtiQ
— Kelvin Reynolds (@Fox6Kelvin) July 22, 2023
Payne spoke after the ceremony, looking back fondly to his time at Shades Valley.
Shades Valley High School honors former Alabama All-American Daron Payne by retiring his high school number. #RollTide #RTR #AlabamaFootball #BuiltByBama pic.twitter.com/i1zUjaBQrH
— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) July 22, 2023
As far as professional news, the Commanders were officially sold from Dan Snyder to a group led by Josh Harris for a record $6.05 billion. Payne was asked if this meant there was a new era of Washington football.
“I hope so,” Payne said via Nick Alvarez of AL.com. “I hope we got a bunch of winning coming ahead. We got some good dudes coming in. I hope they come in with some great changes. I know we got a lot of good players this year and I feel like we got a good squad, I’m excited,” Payne said.
