Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne is under heavy scrutiny after he was ejected from the team’s Week 10 matchup against the Detroit Lions. In the first half of the game, Payne punched Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in the helmet. The play was immediately flagged, and Payne was ejected.
The punch may have been an act of frustration, as the Commanders found themselves down early to the Lions, which included St. Brown scoring an early touchdown. A former Commanders first-round quarterback was watching the game and offered his thoughts on the incident.
Robert Griffin III Reacts to Daron Payne’s Punch
Former Washington Commanders quarterback Robert Griffin III, who played for the team from 2012 to 2014 and is now a prominent analyst, weighed in immediately on social media. Griffin didn’t hold back, making his stance clear regarding Payne’s actions and emphasizing the leadership responsibilities he carries.
“As a leader of Washington’s defense, Daron Payne should know better than to throw a punch on the field. He should be suspended. There is no place for this in sports,” Griffin said.
As a leader of Washington’s defense, Daron Payne should know better than to throw a punch on the field. He should be suspended. There is no place for this in sports. pic.twitter.com/A5YMmmyrZ0
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) November 9, 2025
Griffin’s comments ring true, as Payne, 28, has been part of the Commanders organization since 2018 and knows better than to make such a mistake. Payne is a seasoned veteran familiar with the expectations of NFL players. A fine is likely coming his way, and a suspension could follow.
Payne is an integral part of the Commanders’ defense, which ranks 25th in PFSN’s Defensive Impact rankings. They are facing the Lions, who sit ninth in PFSN’s Offensive Impact rankings and rely heavily on running backs Jahmyr Gibbs, who has 551 rushing yards this year, and David Montgomery, who has 395.
Payne has been a consistent force for the Commanders throughout his tenure. The defensive tackle is among the best at clogging the line of scrimmage and disrupting plays.
In nine games this season, Payne has 30 combined tackles, 12 solo tackles, one sack, five tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, one safety, one forced fumble, and five passes defended. Payne is one of the most versatile defensive tackles in the league, and his absence will be felt for the rest of the game against the Lions — and potentially beyond if he’s suspended.
