Rod Payne - Football Coach - Florida Atlantic University Athletics

Rod Payne

Title:
Defensive Tackles

Rod Payne was named the head strength and conditioning coach in January 2010 after serving as an FAU defensive line coach for nearly a year. He brings an extensive background in NFL draft preparation and training professional athletes to the Owls.

Before joining FAU, Payne served as the Westminster Academy head coach where he was honored as the Broward County Coach of the Year.

The Miami native was an All-American center and team MVP for the University of Michigan Wolverines, while earning a bachelor[apos]s degree in kinesiology.

Bowl Games as a Player
1993 Rose Bowl, def. Washington 38-31
1994 Hall of Fame Bowl, def. North Carolina State 42-7
1995 Holiday Bowl, def. Colorado State 24-14
1996 Alamo Bowl, def. by Texas A&M 20-22
1997 Outback Bowl, def. by Alabama 14-7

Playing Experience
1997-2002 Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
2001 Member of the Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl Championship team
1993-97 Member of the University of Michigan Football team where he was All Big-Ten, earned the Victors Award and a 1996 First-Team All-American

In the NFL
Payne played profession football from 1997-2002. He was the first center selected in the 1997 NFL Draft and was taken in the third round by the Cincinnati Bengals. He was also a member of the 2001 Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl Championship Team.

As a Collegiate Player
Prior to professional football, Payne played for the University of Michigan where he was named All Big-Ten Honorable Mention as a center in 1994. He was also a recipient of the Victors Award, bestowed to the individual who exhibits the highest level of play, in 1994, 1995 and 1996. Payne was a 1995 and 1996 All Big-Ten first team selection and was a 1996 American Football coaches Association (AFCA) First-Team All-American selection. The center was elected team captain in 1996 and was named both the 1996 Hugh Rader Most Valuable Lineman and the Glen E. [quote]Bo[quote] Schembechler Most Valuable Player. One example of his true grit is the fact that he played 37 consecutive games. Another example occurred during the University of Michigan versus Michigan State University game, when he broke his right wrist, remained in the game and used his left hand to snap.

In High School
Payne gained his prep experience at Miami Killian Senior High School ([apos]92), where he was a first team All-County and All-State honoree in 1992. He also earned First Team All-County and All-State honors in wrestling. As a wrestler, Payne earned district, regional, and the GMAC Wrestling Championship honors. Also placed third in the state tournament.

Personal Information
Birth date:June 14, 1974
Hometown: Miami, FL
Education: B.S. Kinesiology