Jamaal Payton brings veteran instincts and downhill pop to NIU’s linebacker room
In the 2016 season, Jamaal Payton was a steady, productive middle linebacker for Northern Illinois, finishing with 42 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and a sack, while earning a reputation as a reliable run defender who could flash playmaking juice with tackles for loss, sacks, and even an interception. He also stepped into a bigger leadership role after years of development, which matters for a defense that values trust, toughness, and assignment discipline. That combination makes him a fit for teams wanting a physical, experienced linebacker who can handle the dirty work and still make momentum-swinging plays.
