Last Updated on October 22, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Payne Durham’s family has attracted interest among Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans, particularly following news about his romantic relationships. The NFL tight end became engaged to a woman named Megan in February 2025, while more recent reports identify singer Macy Kate as his girlfriend.
Born William Payne Durham on June 15, 2000, in Georgia, the American football player grew up in Suwanee before becoming a standout tight end at Purdue University.
Although Durham has publicly discussed aspects of his upbringing and career, he has kept much of his family background private. His mother’s connection to Florida has been reported, but detailed information about his parents and siblings is limited.
Here is everything publicly known about Payne Durham’s girlfriend, children, parents, siblings and family background.
Who Is Payne Durham’s Girlfriend?
Payne Durham’s girlfriend is reportedly Macy Kate, an American singer and songwriter. Their relationship received public attention during the 2026 NFL season.
On August 3, 2026, OutKick published an article identifying Macy Kate as Durham’s girlfriend and discussing their appearances together on social media.
Further reporting published by Gridiron Heroics on September 22, 2026, documented Macy Kate supporting Durham before a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game against the Cleveland Browns.
During that appearance, she wore customized jeans featuring Durham’s name and jersey number.
The couple also shared an affectionate moment on the sideline before the game.
As of now, Macy Kate is the most recently publicly identified romantic partner of Payne Durham.
Who Is Macy Kate?
Macy Kate is an American singer and songwriter who first attracted attention through online music performances and pop recordings.
She subsequently developed an interest in country-influenced pop music, expanding her musical style.
In August 2026, OutKick highlighted her performance of the American national anthem at a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game.
The publication also discussed her relationship with Durham and the attention they had attracted through social media.
Although Kate has her own career in entertainment, she has increasingly appeared in coverage involving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end.
How Did Payne Durham Meet Macy Kate?
According to a September 2026 report by Gridiron Heroics, Durham and Macy Kate met at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Their first meeting reportedly occurred during a soundcheck before Kate performed the national anthem at a Buccaneers game.
The two subsequently developed a romantic relationship.
The stadium therefore holds personal significance for the couple beyond Durham’s professional football career.
However, the precise date when they began dating has not been independently confirmed through a detailed interview with both individuals.
Was Payne Durham Previously Engaged?
Yes. Payne Durham was previously publicly announced as engaged to a woman named Megan.
On February 17, 2025, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers congratulated Durham and Megan on their engagement through the team’s official social media account.
ESPN reporter Jenna Laine also shared congratulations on February 16, 2025.
The engagement was reported by The Cold Wire, which described the announcement as an important personal milestone for the young NFL player.
Although the couple received public congratulations, relatively little information was disclosed about Megan’s personal or professional background.
What Happened to Payne Durham and Megan?
The circumstances surrounding Payne Durham’s earlier engagement to Megan have not been publicly explained in reliable reporting.
However, reports identifying Macy Kate as his girlfriend in 2026 indicate that his publicly reported romantic situation changed after the February 2025 announcement.
No verified public statement establishing the date or circumstances of a breakup was found.
There is also no reliable announcement confirming that Durham married Megan.
Consequently, it would be inappropriate to invent details about why the relationship may have ended.
Is Payne Durham Married?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Payne Durham is married.
Although he became engaged in February 2025, a wedding has not been verified through official team reporting or established news coverage.
Recent reports instead describe Macy Kate as his girlfriend.
Therefore, Durham should not be described as having a confirmed wife based solely on his previous engagement announcement.
Does Payne Durham Have Children?
As of now, there is no publicly verified information confirming that Payne Durham has children.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter.
His official NFL and Purdue University biographies do not identify any children.
Although Durham has shared occasional personal milestones, most of the available reporting about him concerns football and romantic relationships.
Consequently, there is no reliable basis for identifying him as a father.
Who Are Payne Durham’s Parents?
Payne Durham’s parents have maintained relatively private public profiles. His official Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Purdue University biographies do not provide a confirmed identification of both parents.
However, his mother’s connection to Florida was publicly documented around the time he entered the NFL.
Payne Durham’s Mother
Payne Durham’s mother has been mentioned in coverage of his transition from college football to the NFL.
On April 29, 2023, NFL reporter Greg Auman reported that Durham’s mother was living in Bradenton, Florida.
The information became relevant after Tampa Bay selected Durham in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Because his mother was already living in the region, joining the Buccaneers provided Durham with an existing family connection to Florida.
However, her full name, occupation and personal background have not been independently confirmed through the team’s official biography or reliable firsthand reporting.
Although the player’s relationship with his family has remained largely private, the Bradenton connection is one of the few publicly documented details concerning his parents.
Payne Durham’s Father
Payne Durham’s father’s identity has not been conclusively established through official NFL or Purdue University player biographies.
His full name is William Payne Durham, but that fact alone does not establish the name of his father.
There is also limited verified reporting about his father’s education, occupation or involvement in Durham’s childhood sports development.
Rather than assigning an unsupported identity, the available evidence supports leaving those details unconfirmed.
Does Payne Durham Have Any Siblings?
As of now, Payne Durham’s siblings have not been conclusively identified in official football biographies or established sports reporting.
Neither the Buccaneers nor Purdue University provides a confirmed list of his brothers or sisters.
Although family records bearing his name exist, they do not establish every relationship to the professional football player with sufficient certainty for a definitive biography.
Therefore, the number, names and individual backgrounds of his siblings remain unconfirmed.
That lack of public information should not be interpreted as proof that he has no siblings.
Payne Durham’s Childhood and Family Background
Payne Durham grew up in Suwanee, Georgia, and attended Peachtree Ridge High School.
Unlike many NFL players who begin organized football as young children, Durham initially concentrated on lacrosse.
He became a successful high school lacrosse player before eventually deciding to pursue football.
His transition occurred during his senior year of high school, following an unusual challenge from football coach Reggie Stancil.
According to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Stancil promised to stop encouraging Durham to join the football team if he missed a three-point basketball shot during a school pep rally.
The coach made the shot, and Durham subsequently joined the football program.
The decision proved important because Durham quickly demonstrated that his height, physical strength and catching ability suited the tight end position.
Despite playing only one season of high school football, he attracted interest from major college programs.
Payne Durham’s High School Football Career
During his senior season at Peachtree Ridge High School, Durham became an important member of the school’s offense.
He recorded 22 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns.
His performances earned him first-team All-County honors and All-Region recognition in 2017.
Durham also served as a team captain, demonstrating leadership during his short high school football career.
His emergence attracted the attention of Purdue University, which offered him an opportunity to play college football.
Durham accepted the opportunity and joined the Boilermakers in 2018.
Payne Durham’s College Career at Purdue University
Payne Durham played college football at Purdue University from 2018 through 2022.
He initially received limited playing time before developing into one of the program’s most productive tight ends.
During the 2021 season, Durham caught 45 passes for 467 yards and six touchdowns.
His performances earned him All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition.
He enjoyed his most productive season in 2022, recording 56 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns.
Durham was named a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award, which recognizes outstanding college tight ends.
He also earned second-team All-Big Ten honors.
Across his Purdue career, he totaled 126 receptions, 1,275 receiving yards and 21 receiving touchdowns.
His 21 receiving touchdowns ranked among the highest totals in school history and demonstrated his effectiveness as a red-zone receiving target.
Academically, Durham studied selling and sales management and pursued graduate studies in technology leadership and innovation.
Payne Durham’s NFL Career With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Payne Durham in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 171st overall pick.
The selection was an important milestone for a player who had not started playing football until his final year of high school.
Durham joined a tight end group featuring Cade Otton and Ko Kieft.
He also received jersey number 87, the same number he had worn in high school and college in honor of former NFL star Rob Gronkowski.
During his rookie NFL season, Durham appeared in 13 games and recorded five receptions for 58 yards.
His role expanded in 2024, when he appeared in 16 regular-season games and recorded 11 catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns.
He scored his first NFL receiving touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in December 2024.
During the 2025 season, Durham appeared in all 17 regular-season games and made 10 starts, contributing as both a blocker and a receiving option.
As of now, Durham remains part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ tight end group, wearing number 87.
Frequently Asked Questions About Payne Durham’s Family
Who is Payne Durham’s girlfriend?
As of now, Macy Kate is the most recently publicly identified girlfriend of Payne Durham. Their relationship was reported in August and September 2026.
Who is Macy Kate?
Macy Kate is an American singer and songwriter associated with pop and country-influenced music. She has appeared publicly supporting Payne Durham at Tampa Bay Buccaneers games.
Was Payne Durham engaged?
Yes. Payne Durham and a woman named Megan were publicly congratulated on their engagement by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February 2025.
Is Payne Durham married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Payne Durham is married. Although he previously announced an engagement, subsequent reporting identifies Macy Kate as his girlfriend.
Does Payne Durham have children?
As of now, Payne Durham has not publicly confirmed having any children.
Who is Payne Durham’s mother?
His mother’s full name has not been conclusively verified through official football sources. NFL reporter Greg Auman reported in April 2023 that she was living in Bradenton, Florida.
Who is Payne Durham’s father?
His father’s identity has not been conclusively established through the official Purdue University or Tampa Bay Buccaneers biographies.
Does Payne Durham have siblings?
The number and names of Payne Durham’s siblings have not been reliably confirmed through established sports reporting or official player biographies.
What is Payne Durham’s real name?
His full name is William Payne Durham. He is professionally known as Payne Durham.
How old is Payne Durham?
Payne Durham was born on June 15, 2000.
Where is Payne Durham from?
Payne Durham is from Suwanee, Georgia. He attended Peachtree Ridge High School before playing college football at Purdue University.
What NFL team does Payne Durham play for?
As of now, Payne Durham plays tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
