Latest news with #DaronPayne
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders All-Pro Set For Important Year
Commanders All-Pro Set For Important Year originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When he's playing at the top of his game, Washington Commanders star defensive tackle Daron Payne is an All-Pro caliber player. Advertisement The former 13th overall pick in the 2018 draft out of Alabama, Payne has been a thorn in the side of opposing offenses in the league for years. He has recorded 34 sacks in his seven seasons as a professional - a respectable mark for an interior rusher. Those numbers have come mostly with fellow first round defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, though. With Allen now in Minnesota, Payne's impact on the team will need to be even greater in 2025. And head coach Dan Quinn believes the best is yet to come for his Pro Bowl tackle. "I walked past him today. I said, man, you've had a remarkable off season. I felt that way through the drill work, through the skill and everyone you just see something that jumps out differently that's onto a new space," Quinn said of Payne. "I felt that from him coming into this off season and I've certainly been impressed by what I've seen so far. Advertisement "In fact, like literally today that I said, man, I've really been impressed by the work that you've put in this offseason and I see it, you know, happening out on the field.' Washington's defense enjoyed one of the best turnarounds in league history last season. Payne was a key part in that. If the team wants to get to the Super Bowl this season, though, they will need to get even more from Payne. And it seems like the veteran is up to the task. Related: Commanders Could Move On from 'Hail Mary Hero' in Trade Related: Commanders Trade Trey Hendrickson Would Mean Major Change in NFC East Rankings This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
UA System Board of Trustees approves Bartow Arena renovation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees voted unanimously in favor of Stage II project approval Friday. UAB Athletics is now authorized to negotiate an agreement with an architect to renovate Bartow Arena. The $14.6 million renovation project is intended to feature the following: Entrance lobby expansion Club-level lounge and club-level seating for enhanced viewing experience Replacement of some lower bowl seating with new seating to elevate fan experience Concourse improvements including lighting and updated restrooms The project is anticipated to break ground following the spring 2026 commencement ceremonies. Bartow Arena host UAB's men and women's basketball programs, as well as the women's volleyball program. Former Alabama defensive tackle Daron Payne to host football camp 'It is truly exciting to take these important steps toward approval of the Bartow Arena renovation plans,' said head men's basketball coach Andy Kennedy. 'We are 74-15 in Bartow in recent years, and renovations would increase our home court advantage even more. I am very grateful and appreciative to all who have worked tirelessly to make this happen.' 'We're incredibly excited and grateful to receive Stage II approval of the Bartow Arena renovation plans,' said head women's basketball coach Randy Norton. 'This project represents a major investment in our student-athletes, our fans, and the future of UAB Basketball. The enhancements would have a huge impact on recruiting, player development, and the overall game day experience for fans. We can't thank our trustees, administration and supporters enough for their commitment to excellence.' 'The Bartow Arena renovation project would make a huge impact on the volleyball program,' said head volleyball coach Betsy Freeburg. 'It would not only continue to elevate the experience for our growing fan base, but also make an immediate impact for our student-athletes. We are excited about the opportunity to continue developing and competing for AAC Championships.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Alabama defensive tackle Daron Payne to host football camp
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Former Alabama football defensive lineman Daron Payne is hosting a free football camp on June 16. Mark Ingram on College Football Hall of Fame ballot Payne, who plays for the Washington Commanders, was a selected with the 13th pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was part of two national championship teams during his time at Alabama, the 2015 team that defeated Clemson, 45-40, and the 2017 team that beat Georgia, 26-23. He's played for the Commanders his whole career and made the Pro Bowl in 2018. The camp is scheduled for June 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Shades Valley High School. Supported by a grant from the NFL Foundation, the event will go over the fundamentals of football, and include drills coached by Payne. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Commanders' Daron Payne is leading by example with his inspiring offseason work
ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was in trouble with head coach Dan Quinn at practice this week. Blame Daron Payne. In Tuesday's closed and padless session, Whitt challenged the revamped defensive line to attack. The amped tackle 'went after it' to the point that Whitt apologized to Quinn for the overzealous display, explaining that Payne 'did exactly what I told him to do.' Advertisement It's not that Payne's efforts were out of bounds for game action, nor was the intensity a one-off this offseason. It's why Whitt cited the eight-year veteran when asked during his Wednesday news conference which player stood out early in workouts and organized team activities. '(Payne) looks really good. He looks in tempo,' Whitt said. 'Like, every day this dude is — I'm having to tell him, 'Hey, man, let's calm down.'' Washington fans previously witnessed Payne playing the role of interior monster. The 2022 version collapsed pockets and engulfed ball carriers en route to earning his lone Pro Bowl selection with 11 1/2 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. The 2018 first-round pick signed a four-year, $90 million contract the following offseason. Whitt and Quinn will become unabashed cheerleaders if Payne's performances sniff that level. While solid in the subsequent two seasons, Payne's combined sack (8) and tackles for loss (18) numbers didn't pop. There were a few individual standout moments during Washington's all-smiles 12-win regular season. Maintaining this intensity when the games count would help regain that form. 'I walked past (Payne) today and said, 'Man, you've had a remarkable offseason,'' Quinn said following Wednesday's session. 'I felt that way through the drill work, through the skill (work). You just see something that jumps out differently. … I felt that from him coming into this offseason, and I've certainly been impressed by what I've seen so far.' The Commanders require a big-man group effort to bolster a defense that lagged significantly behind the Jayden Daniels-led offense in Washington's surprising run to the NFC Championship Game. Washington released two-time Pro Bowl tackle Jonathan Allen, yet met the internal goal of getting 'bigger and longer' up front by signing free agent linemen Javon Kinlaw and Deatrich Wise Jr. Advertisement Johnny Newton enters his sophomore season a year removed from surgeries on both feet. Frankie Luvu, Washington's top returning sacker, and Dorance Armstrong remain. 'The vision of how we want to play, how we want to be and how we want to look, you're seeing more of it right now from a size, length and speed standpoint,' Whitt said. The coaches and players understand that the eye test in these unphysical OTAs doesn't automatically translate to in-season success. There are still outside concerns about Washington's edge defender talent and pass rush effectiveness. Many of the personnel transactions, including free-agent defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, were with last season's 30th-ranked run defense in mind. Payne is the one lineman with game-changing potential. Once part of a starting lineup with four consecutive first-round picks, Payne is now the lone rotational lineman who has been with Washington for more than one season. Accordingly, Washington's second-longest tenured player behind punter Tress Way embraced defensive line coach Darryl Tapp's challenge following the season to become the group's leader. 'I've been trying to work hard … trying to show the young boys how to do it,' Payne said. 'Just going out training hard every day, and then reloading in the morning and coming back the next day, trying to do it again.' Whitt correctly notes that Payne 'doesn't talk much at all. But he is leading by example. This year, you can really see him taking that leadership role to the next step.' Usage is another area where Payne stands out. He will play on all three downs. Others might; Quinn and Whitt will spend the summer sorting out line combinations. Along with preseason games, Quinn confirmed the Commanders will hold joint practices with the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens. Advertisement 'We'll get a couple of practices against other teams, and those practices help, too, because as coaches we can emphasize (matchups and scenarios),' Quinn said. 'So those are helpful, too, which you don't get during the (preseason) game.' With Kinlaw, a hulking 6-foot-5, 319-pounder, Washington has 'the ability to move him up and down the line of scrimmage,' Whitt said. Wise, a Super Bowl champion with New England, likely starts at end opposite Armstrong, but he can play inside. Goldman is a run-game specialist. 'Man, we got some big ol' guys, bro,' said the 6-foot-3, 320-pound Payne. Measurables aside, there's no potentially bigger impact player on the line — and arguably the entire defense — than Payne. Though not entering a contract year, motivation may come from seeing Allen released. The Commanders would gain significant salary-cap savings by releasing Payne next offseason. After enduring numerous down seasons, Payne isn't looking to leave now that opponents see Washington as a considerable foe. 'Man, it's super fun being on a big stage,' Payne said. 'I know (opponents) used to single us out because they think they get an easy win. Now they want to beat us.' • Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, left tackle Laremy Tunsil and cornerback Marshon Lattimore skipped voluntary OTAs for a second consecutive week. While McLaurin and Tunsil were in town for other portions of the offseason program, Lattimore has stayed away. The four-time Pro Bowler battled hamstring injuries before and after last year's trade deadline deal with the New Orleans Saints. During the playoffs, Lattimore also labored in coverage against star receivers Mike Evans and A.J. Brown. Whitt said the team has 'been in communication' with Lattimore. 'When he gets here, we'll see exactly where he is from a conditioning standpoint. From a mental standpoint, the coaches have been talking with him. He's a smart young man, but we'll see exactly where he is when he gets here.' Advertisement Kinlaw and wide receiver Michael Gallup did not participate in Wednesday's on-field work but are with the team. • The passing game was crisper this week after an uneven OTA opener. Daniels continues his upward trajectory, displaying accuracy and his signature calm professionalism. Washington found different ways to put the ball in receiver Deebo Samuel's hands as a pass catcher and runner. While tight end Ben Sinnott worked out with a black jersey, indicating an injury, reserve Colson Yankoff had multiple receptions in 11-on-11 drills. for your viewing pleasure — Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 4, 2025 • Whitt demoted safety Quan Martin to the second-team defense last offseason because 'he was making mistakes that we can't afford to make.' The turnaround was immediate and sustainable. Martin shone in the following three practices before delivering an impressive second NFL season despite dealing with enough shoulder pain to warrant eventual surgeries. This year, Whitt sees a 'laser-focused' player capable of breaking out. 'This kid has the potential to be one of the better safeties in this league, and that's what I'm holding him to,' Whitt said.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Commanders were fortunate in this area last season
The 2024 Washington Commanders were quite fortunate. Yes, they had to compete in the NFC East division, and yes, they had to face the Philadelphia Eagles three times in 2024, including their 55-23 bad loss to the Eagles in the NFC Championship game in Philly. Advertisement Yet, there was one sphere in which the Commanders were actually quite blessed last season. So much so, that it should be remembered the odds of the Commanders having the same good fortune in 2025 is doubtful. How blessed were the Commanders with good health in 2024? Most importantly, even with Jayden Daniels suffering a rib injury, Daniels was able to play in all 17 games last season. Terry McLaurin and Zach Ertz also led the offensive skill positions by starting all 17 regular-season games. Along the offensive line, guards Nick Allegretti and Sam Cosmi both started all 17 games, but that will not be the case this season. Cosmi tore an ACL in Washington's win at Detroit in the Divisional Round of the playoffs and will likely miss several games this upcoming season. Advertisement On the other side of the ball, Daron Payne, Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Chinn all started the maximum 17 games. While defensive backs Quan Martin and Mike Sainristil started 16 of the 17 games. Consequently, the Commanders' depth will most likely need to be called upon more often in 2025. We can't naively assume Washington will be as fortunate and healthy in 2025. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: It would be unlikely for the Commanders to be as healthy in 2025
