It was hard to miss Daron Payne at Shades Valley High School. It’s where he built a five-star recruiting profile and etched his name into history books before doing the same in Tuscaloosa for Crimson Tide football.

Nearly eight years later, Payne once again was the center of attention on a Friday night in Irondale, Alabama.

The now-26-year-old Payne had his number retired at a ceremony in the Shades Valley gymnasium. In addition to providing food for the event and receiving a key to the city, Payne thanked his hometown with a $100,000 check for the school’s athletic department.

“Man, no matter how many times I do this I’m nervous every time. But I’m excited to be here today and to be able to see all my family, my friends, my old teammates, coaches to be able to celebrate everything I did in my life,” Payne said. “… But it’s really not about me. It’s about all of y’all. All of you who helped me get to where I am today. I know for a fact that I couldn’t do this myself. I needed guidance and I got all my guidance from everyone in this building. Everybody did their best to bring me along. I just kept my ears open, kept my eyes open and I just appreciate this place.”

Members of the Irondale community, including Payne’s former coaches and teachers, told their favorite stories to a packed set of stands. He was always humble, said his old coach William Smith. Even while sidelined after getting hurt on his first practice as a freshman and dislocating his kneecap in a basketball accident, Payne never missed a practice or workout.

Payne was one of the best defensive line prospects in the country when he joined Nick Saban at Alabama in the 2015 recruiting class. He quickly found himself as a role player as a freshman on the first of his two national championship runs with the Tide.

In 2017, Payne recorded 53 tackles and was named the defensive MVP of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Payne would be the 13th overall pick by Washington in the 2018 NFL Draft, recording 266 total tackles and 26 sacks in 81 games.

Payne said he knew his No. 94 would be framed in the Shades Valley Field House for a couple of years, but they could never schedule time for a ceremony. This summer seemed to be good timing following his $90 million contract extension in March.

“We are so elated to have him to be a part of our family. He’s been successful on every level of football that he’s played on and I truly believe that is going to continue,” Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart said at the podium. ” … This city is only open on Monday to Thursday from seven to five, but this key will allow you to get into the city of Irondale anytime.

“Not only are you a blessing to Washington, D.C., but you are also the same to the city of Irondale. May the Lord keep you and bless you as you continue on your journey and your destination to be one of the greatest defensive tackles to play in the national football league.”

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Through it all, coaches reflected on Friday, Payne never forgot about his ‘why.’ He wanted to be a role model for others and one day be able to give back. Posing with a big check and a set of current Shades Valley athletes, he got his wish.

“Today we talk about this great son very quickly. Daron Payne. Daron ‘bring the’ Payne,” emphasized Nathaniel Rutledge Jr., the voice of the Mounties and retired Bessemer Police Chief. “They lose gardens every time he hits the backfield. That exciting of a ballplayer and these coaches and everybody that’s talked about his prowess and the way that he can play. … One thing we know, law enforcement 101, is if you got a kid that’s committed, involved in his or her community, involved in their scholastic abilities and doing things to make a difference in the community, that thwarts crime. That makes a difference in our community. And Daron Payne exemplifies that.”

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].