Remembering Walter Payton “Sweetness”
American football player. Born on July 25, 1954, in Columbia, Mississippi.
Sometimes known by his nickname “Sweetness,” Payton was equally admired for his off-the-field personality as well as for his football skills. He first began to attract attention as a halfback at Jackson State University, making the starting lineup in 1971 — his freeman year. Payton was selected for the All-American team and was named Black College Player of the Year for in 1973 and 1974. In his four years at Jackson State, he rushed for more than 3,500 yards and scored more than 450 points, showing fans and opponents alike just what a versatile and talented player he was. Off the field, Payton showed his interest in helping with others, studying education with an emphasis on working with the deaf.
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