This week in Pine Belt history.
Walter Payton born in Columbia, Mississippi, July 25, 1953
Walter Payton was born on July 25, 1953, in Columbia, Mississippi. He attended John J. Jefferson High School and later integrated Columbia High School in 1970. Payton excelled in multiple sports, leading the football team to an 8–2 season. He then played college football at Jackson State University, where he set a school record with 65 rushing touchdowns. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1975, Payton became the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 16,726 yards. He won the NFL MVP award in 1977 and led the Bears to a Super Bowl victory in 1985. Payton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. He passed away on November 1, 1999, at the age of 45. In Columbia, his legacy is honored with a statue and the naming of the local football field as Payton Field.
