## Who was Kevin Payne?
Kevin Payne was one of the most influential figures in American soccer history. He was a former Major League Soccer (MLS) executive who helped launch the league and build D.C. United into its first dynasty. He also served as the president of Toronto FC and was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2021.
Payne grew up with a passion for soccer and played at the college and semi-professional levels. He later pursued a career in radio journalism and won an award for his work. He joined the U.S. Soccer Federation in 1989 and became a key figure in the bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Payne was instrumental in the formation of MLS, which began in 1996 as a legacy of the World Cup. He gathered investors and sponsors for D.C. United, one of the founding teams of the league. He also acted as the general manager and president of the club, leading it to four MLS Cups, two U.S. Open Cups, and a CONCACAF Champions Cup in his tenure.
## How did Kevin Payne die?
Kevin Payne died on December 25, 2022, at the age of 69. He passed away in Charleston, South Carolina, from a lung illness called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to ABTC[^1^][3]. The Washington Post[^2^][4] was the first to report his death.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disease that causes scarring and thickening of the lung tissue, making it hard to breathe. The cause of the disease is unknown, and there is no cure. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is three to five years, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Payne’s death came as a shock to many in the soccer community, who paid tribute to his legacy and achievements. MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement that Payne was “one of the league’s most successful club executives” and “his passing will be deeply felt by everyone at MLS and throughout the entire soccer community.”
## What is Kevin Payne’s legacy?
Kevin Payne’s legacy is undeniable in the history and development of American soccer. He was a visionary leader who helped shape the sport in the country and beyond. He was a pioneer of MLS, a champion of D.C. United, and a mentor to many players, coaches, and executives.
Payne was also a dedicated advocate for the growth and promotion of soccer at all levels. He served on various boards and committees of U.S. Soccer, MLS, and CONCACAF. He was involved in the creation of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the charitable arm of the federation. He also supported grassroots initiatives and youth development programs.
Payne was honored for his contributions to the sport by being elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame as a builder in 2021. He received his Hall of Fame jacket from Sunil Gulati, the former president of U.S. Soccer, in October. He was scheduled to be formally inducted in May 2023.
Payne will be remembered as a soccer legend who left a lasting impact on the game and the people involved in it. He will be missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and fans. He will also be celebrated as a role model and an inspiration for future generations of soccer lovers.
