Jaylen Payne: A Community in Grief | Columbus News

Columbus News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 28, 2026 · 1m

Eleven-year-old Jaylen Payne, beloved “Big J” of the Columbus Raiders youth football team and a sixth grader at Southwood Elementary, died suddenly during practice — just months after turning 11. Hundreds gathered at Krumm Park in a heart-wrenching vigil, teammates, rivals, and community members united in grief, wearing his jersey number 57 and releasing balloons to honor his bright spirit. Known for his church service, karate dreams, and promise to his grandmother at age five, Jaylen touched countless lives. The Raiders are honoring him by potentially embedding his number into their gear, as…