Virginia Tech wide receiver medically retires from football

Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Jaden Payoute will be medically retiring from football, he announced via Twitter on Tuesday. Breaking his foot before the 2020 season, Payoute has dealt with injuries throughout his entire career and will now take a medical disqualification.

Payoute released a statement on Tuesday, talking about the decision. He said it was a “difficult one” but thanks both Virginia Tech coaching staffs for allowing him the opportunity to play college football in Blacksburg.

“After lengthy conversations with my family and coaches, as well as many hours of prayer, I have made the difficult decision to take a medical disqualification and conclude my football career at Virginia Tech,” Payoute said. “I will forever be grateful to Coach Fuente and his staff for recruiting me and giving me the opportunity to pursue my dream of playing for the Hokies. The last 18 months have been exceedingly difficult for me and I believe the best thing for my long-term mental and physical health is to walk away from the game. I appreciate Coach Pry, Coach Mines, my teammates, and many other individuals at Virginia Tech for supporting me in this decision. Go Hokies!”

Payoute had one reception during his career with Virginia Tech, making a diving catch against the Maryland Terrapins in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl in December. His career stat line will read as one catch for 42 yards with no touchdowns. He also got game time against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Richmond Spiders, and West Virginia Mountaineers during the 2021 season.

As a recruit, Payoute was a four-star prospect according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services. He was a member of Virginia Tech’s 2019 recruiting class, coming in at No. 156 in the country. Payoute ranked as the No. 26 wide receiver and No. 3 within his home state of Virginia.