Distinguished journalist and extraordinary football player, Walter Payton, hails from Jackson, Mississippi. He began as a humble local high school star and emerged as a national NFL icon. His amazing journey is all about talent, hard work and advocacy — his and others. Payton‘s impact extends beyond the gridiron; he is known for his enthusiasm for basketball, particularly as an Allen Iverson fan, and his dedication to supporting HBCUs and women’s sports.
Integrated Columbia High School was as much a birthplace for Payton’s career as his family home. His remarkable ability soon drew the notice of music great Bob Hill, who would later become Jones’ greatest mentor and figure at Jackson State University. Guided by Hill from 1971 to 1976, Payton developed his game playing with his teammate Robert Brazile. Their influence at the school led to their involvement in the string of four consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles they helped lead as student-athletes at the university.
Payton’s college career was anything but ordinary. That made him college football’s all-time scoring king—66 touchdowns, 464 points tallying an impressive 66 touchdowns and 464 points. His record-setting performance on the field was national news. This success earned him enough attention to be chosen in the 1975 NFL Draft.
In a historic moment for Jackson State and its football program, both Payton and Brazile were chosen in the first round of the draft. Payton took the football world by storm when he was drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Bears. Brazile was mere minutes behind him, taken sixth overall by the Houston Oilers. This was an historic achievement for the players. The honor delivered to the university the national recognition it had long-deserved but never received.
The rigorous training and competition between teammates Payton and Brazile under coaches Hill and W.C. Gorden brought out the best in both players. While their practice sessions often devolved into intense competitions, a reflection of their determination to be the best.
“Let’s go out there and stop this [Payton] dancing machine.” – Robert Brazile
Their dedication, grit, and determination really paid off when Payton signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Bears. The deal was incredible, almost $150,000 per year with a large signing bonus of over $100,000. This contract made him the second-highest paid professional athlete ever, confirming his position as one of the top talents in any sport.
Even with all his success, Payton’s ascendancy was not without challenges. The 1975 NFL Draft would prove to be an equally transformative step for him and Brazile. They wanted to show they belonged at the top level of their profession.
“Nobody could be on the phone that day,” – Robert Brazile
Over 20 years after his death, the legacy of Walter Payton continues to inspire thousands and millions today. Since 2003, only three players who attended Jackson State have reached the NFL. This has included the likes of Robert McDaniel and Irv Mulligan, underscoring how impactful Payton’s successes are.
Looking back on the talent and effects his teammates made, former JSU player Lackey said,
“I had four classmates — Verlon Biggs, Frank Molden, Gloster Richardson, and Roy Hilton — who played in the NFL. However, I was convinced that those two [Payton and Brazile] were the greatest football players who ever lived on any level.”
was like a Power [Four] school in the 1970s.”“JSU
Payton’s incredible quest reminds us, beauty often springs from adversity when you commit your heart and soul to the pursuit. His impact therefore stretched beyond what he accomplished on the playing field as a player and coach, but forged an imprint of advocacy for HBCUs and women’s sports.
Jack Pardee, who recognized Payton’s talent during his career evaluation, remarked:
“I don’t pay much attention to 40-yard speeds, but the thing about Payton’s 4.3 [40-yard dash] is his quick start.”
This perceptive comment was a precursor to the type of career Payton would go on to have in the NFL. Pardee further asserted:
“He wasn’t any deep secret. Had we been in Atlanta’s [Falcons] [No. 1 pick] spot, we’d have chosen Walter Payton.”
As an athlete, Walter Payton defined greatness in his life on and off the field. His commitment to his team and fans culminated in a powerful statement:
“When I get through with Chicago, they’ll be loving me.” – Walter Payton
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