| Walter Payton was born on July 25, 1954 and | | | | was one of the best players in the state of |
| passed away on November 1, 1999. But even | | | | Mississippi during high school, all of the big name |
| though Payton is no longer living, one thing is for | | | | colleges passed him by because of his race as |
| sure. Football fans from all over the world will | | | | well as his lack of experience. But with that being |
| always remember him as one of the greatest | | | | said, Payton would go on to prove everybody |
| running backs of all time. Not only did he have all | | | | wrong during his days at Jackson State. While in |
| of the right moves on the field, but off the field | | | | college Payton racked up 3,500 yards, and also |
| Payton was also a joy to be around. It was this | | | | scored 65 touchdowns. |
| reputation that captivated fans and other players | | | | In the 1975 NFL Draft the Chicago Bears drafted |
| for many years. | | | | Payton with the fourth overall pick in the first |
| Payton attended Columbia High School, and | | | | round. After a slow NFL start, he began to pick |
| immediately established himself as one of the top | | | | up the pace quite a bit during his second season. |
| running backs in the state. During his senior | | | | It was this year that he rushed for more than |
| season he led his team to an 8-2 record while | | | | 1,000 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. During his |
| also earning a spot on the Mississippi all state | | | | time in the NFL Payton was selection to nine Pro |
| team. | | | | Bowls, and also collected many other awards |
| After high school Payton decided to take his | | | | along the way. |
| game to Jackson State University. Although he | | | | |
