Seventh-Round Draft Pick Attends NFL Rookie Minicamp

Safety V.J. Payne participated in rookie minicamp on Friday after being selected in the seventh and final round of the NFL draft. His mother, Tywonna Whelchel-Payne, was heard in the background during the call from head coach Aaron Glenn congratulating him on being drafted.

, about the significance of the occasion ahead of Mother's Day. Tywonna Whelchel-Payne said her daughters had driven VJ to the Atlanta airport to begin his NFL journey. Her voice cracked as she discussed what the holiday would mean to her.

, where VJ attended Buford High School before playing at Kansas State. “I can’t without crying. I’m so blessed to see his dream come true, I’m just so proud of him; he just doesn’t know. ” — Tywonna Whelchel-Payne (nypost.com) V.J.

Payne spoke to the media during the minicamp held in Florham Park, N.J. The event marks the start of his professional career after completing his college eligibility. His selection in the final round completes the annual draft process for this year's class of new players.

The occasion coincides with Mother's Day, providing an early celebration for Tywonna Whelchel-Payne and her family. She described herself as the mother of three, with VJ as her middle child and only son. The family had followed his football path from Georgia through Kansas State to the professional ranks.