Arlington Renegades held their open practice Saturday for fans to come out and see the 2024 team for the first time. The Renegades’ defense is led by Linebacker Donald Payne, who accounted for 61 tackles which was tops on the team. I spoke with the LB Saturday after the open practice and he alluded to making sure that his guys aren’t complacent heading into this season. As the leader of the defense, he’s preventing “championship fatigue” with this year’s group by making sure the guys are building off last year’s team despite there being 32 new players on the team. Final cuts are next week, so the next couple practices are of high importance for many players trying to secure a roster spot.

Donald Payne has been a leader for years now as he almost always finds a way to lead his team in tackles. Whether it be the formerly known XFL, USFL or even in college at Stetson, he’s been a tackling machine. He’s top 3 in the NCAA all-time in tackles with 538, and that led him to being inducted into the Stetson Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022. Now with the Renegades, Payne has found success as well, and he credited coach Bob Stoops for that. He acknowledged that Stoops is a legendary coach and that, “it’s a blessing to be coached by him…and it’s my opportunity to take advantage of it.”

As the 2024 season is on the horizon, Donald Payne leaves it up to the fans to evaluate the potential championship team by stating, “March 30th you’ll see what type of time we’re on.” It’s safe to say, he’s feeling good about his guys. In two weeks, the Renegades will kick off their 2024 season against the Birmingham Stallions at home on March 30.