“Guys just go anywhere”: Former Tide player Daron Payne reflects on evolution of college football landscape | College Football News
Former Alabama star Daron Payne shared his thoughts on how college football has changed since his playing days. At his youth football camp at Shades Valley High School, the Washington Commanders player said, “Guys just go anywhere.” His words highlight the shift from team loyalty to players moving freely between schools. Payne, a two-time national champion, misses the days when building team bonds was the main focus.
Daron Payne discusses changes in college football
Daron Payne, a defensive lineman for Alabama from 2015 to 2017, hosted his annual youth football camp on Monday at Shades Valley High School in Irondale, Alabama. After the event, the 2022 Pro Bowler spoke about changes in college football. “When I played, it was kinda more about the team,” Payne said. “You got in… tried to build your way up to becoming a starter and a star for the team.” He explained that players worked hard to earn their place and build strong team connections.Now, he sees players switching schools easily, saying, “Now it’s like guys just go anywhere they want to go.” This change began with the transfer portal, which started in October 2018, after Payne’s last college game. The portal lets players move to other schools quickly, focusing more on personal goals than team loyalty. Payne’s comments show how much he valued team unity, a feeling shared by many former players.Also Read: “Same game, different role”: New England Patriots hire Miami Hurricanes TE Cam McCormick as Scouting Assistant
Impact of NIL and revenue sharing on the game
College football has changed a lot recently, with new rules like the House v. NCAA settlement approved this month. This is one of the rules that gives a school a chance of sharing money with the players, which is a great change in the sport. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) transactions allow players to make money with advertisements and become more independent in their careers. Payne, who played his last college game in 2018, misses the old team spirit, saying, “I liked it when it was all about building the brotherhood of the team.” Back then, players stayed with one school to grow together, not just to chase better opportunities. Today, players often move to schools offering more playing time or money. While Payne sees the benefits of players building their brands, he wishes teamwork remained the focus. As college football keeps evolving, Payne’s thoughts remind fans of the balance between valuing tradition and embracing new opportunities in the sport.
