William Payne Durham (born June 15, 2000) is an American professional football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers.

Early years

Durham attended Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia. He played lacrosse in high school and did not start playing football until his senior year. In his lone season, he had 22 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns. He committed to Purdue University to play college football.

College career

Durham played in two games his first year at Purdue in 2018. In 2019, he started four of 12 games and had nine receptions for 82 yards and four touchdowns. He started all six games in 2020, recording 16 receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns. Durham started 10 of 12 games in 2021, finishing with 467 yards on 45 receptions and six touchdowns. He returned to Purdue as the starter in 2022.

Durham played in the 2022 Senior Bowl.

Professional career

Durham was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round, 171st overall, of the 2023 NFL draft. He appeared in 13 games and started two as a rookie in the 2023 season. He finished with five receptions for 58 yards. He scored his first receiving NFL touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the 3rd quarter of a 2024 week 16 home match up.

References

External links

  • Career statistics from Yahoo Sports
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers bio
  • Purdue Boilermakers bio

Purdue Boilermakers tight end Payne Durham runs in for a touchdown

Payne Durham Draft Press Conference

Bucs Trade Up, Draft TE Payne Durham In Round 5

Sleeper Payne Durham? Tampa Bay Bucs Blog

Payne Durham Drafted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers