Payne was only 19 when he embarked on his two-year expedition. He returned to Mesa for his sophomore year, his final year at the two-year college.

“I was recruited by a lot of schools at the time coming out of high school,” Payne says. “But I had a girlfriend at the time and wasn’t sure I wanted to leave.”

“It wasn’t me,” Rachelle clarifies.

But Payne eventually found both Rachelle and Harvard. After succeeding academically and athletically at Mesa, earning Academic All-America honors before and after leaving for Africa, Payne was recruited by Harvard and thought it was the perfect match.

“Harvard is a great fit for me, in and out of the classroom,” Payne says. “I really like the fellowship on the team. I like how the players interact with each other and how a true bond is created. The players have made my experience here worth it.”

And although Payne got married back at home in Arizona, he is not averse to staying near Harvard after graduation.

“If I get a good job offer after school, we might stick around,” Payne says. “Maybe I shouldn’t say this, but I think people at Harvard are nicer than people in Boston. Bostonians are not always that amiable, but people at Harvard come from all over the world, and I think they’re more open and friendly. So, as long as I’m around some people that are open and friendly, I’ll be okay.”

An economics major, Payne would like to pursue a consulting job and may accept an offer made by Trinity Partners in Waltham. But he and his wife are also considering moving back to Arizona—to avoid Massachusetts’ winters, if nothing else.

“I still haven’t been through a winter here,” Rachelle says. “So ask me what I think of Boston in a few months.”

Before Brad and Rachelle have to make a decision on where to spend the rest of their lives, The Game awaits. Mrs. Payne has been in attendance for every win and loss this season, both home and away, and has gotten to know quite a bit about the team.

“I’m hoping to feed Ryan Fitzpatrick enough enchiladas to get him healthy in a hurry,” says Rachelle, who has been impressed with the camaraderie of the squad. “They’ve treated me as one of the family.”

Senior defensive tackle Brendan McCafferty has gotten to know both Brad and Rachelle through team functions and parties.

“I don’t think that anyone on the team is surprised that Brad is able to successfully handle a family along with the demands of football and school,” McCafferty says.

“And Rachelle has fit right in. It was great to see the two of them dressed in costume for a Halloween Party we had. I think it’s great they found each other at a young age and I know Brad couldn’t be happier.”

As for Yale, how would Payne want the game to end? With a game-winning fumble recovery for a touchdown, perhaps? How about an interception to seal to the victory?