|
|
Article: Football great's legend lives on with hometown statue.(Scrapbook)
- Article from:
- Mississippi Magazine
- Article date:
- July 1, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Downhome Publications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Proclaimed "Walter Payton Day" by Columbia's mayor, May 17 was set aside for residents and fans to remember the life of the city's most famous native son. Several hundred gathered at Columbia High School's Walter Payton Field to join with family and former coaches to pay tribute and to unveil a new statue of the football great.
Payton's professional accomplishments are nearly unequaled. He was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bears after graduating from Jackson State. His professional football career stretched from 1975 to 1987. He was MVP in 1977 and 1985, played in nine Pro Bowls, and for several years was the all-time leader in rushing and combined ...