Gillespie, Bobo reunite in opener Aug 25, 2008
Quarterback Jayson Foster, the Walter Payton Award winner as the FCS' most valuable player, set an NCAA record for most rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,844. "The ball will be in the air more," Gillespie said. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Predict and click Aug 23, 2008
Aug. 30, Sanford Stadium: Under first-year head coach Chris Hatcher, Georgia Southern (7-4, 4-3 Southern Conference) improved its record on the arm and legs of senior quarterback Jayson Foster, winner of the Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision. The season opener marks the fourth meeting between the in-state squads, and first since 2004. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Five Patriot Leaguers Receive Sports Network Preseason All-America Honors Aug 23, 2008
Randolph is one of six players on the list that finished the 2007 campaign as a Walter Payton finalist. In addition to his Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year honor, he was selected as the No. 3 quarterbacks in the nation by The Sports Network and earned second-team All-America recognition from Consensus Draft Services in the preseason. (Patriotleague.com)
Scott is good at giving, receiving Aug 15, 2008
His favorite player is Walter Payton. And last year for the Ducks, he took one for the team. (OregonLive, OR -- Sports)
Who has the bigger ego: Favre or New York? Aug 9, 2008
Favre was not totally blameless in all this but as Mike Ditka has said: If Walter Payton retired and wanted to come back 6 weeks into the season; you take him back. Same with Favre. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Slaton Understands History Aug 8, 2008
"The Jim Brown, the Walter Payton, the Emmitt Smith and the breaking of the rushing record." Slaton said. "Thats one of the things I wanted to see and take some pictures of". (InsideHouston.com)
Shaun Phillips More Than Just 'The Other Guy' Aug 7, 2008
" --Inside linebacker gets to enjoy one of his hobbies by playing for the Chargers -- surfing. "I'm not that good, but it's fun just to get out there," he said. --Quarterback took off his first practice on Friday, as the team takes it easy with his surgically repaired knee. "That was the plan all along," Turner said. --Norv Turner said the team doesn't have an interest in safety , the Torrey Pines (Del Mar) High product who was granted his release from the Broncos. "We like our group of guys and... (ChargersUpdate.com)
Jaguars: Fast feats Aug 4, 2008
Taylor's combo numbers are better than those of Emmitt Smith, Eric Dickerson, Walter Payton and 14 others. That includes eight members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and several others who will get there when their time comes, players like San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson. (CBS News)
Forte could make big impact (908) Aug 4, 2008
The biggest thing I want to see him do is something I've seen other times in my career with great players like Walter Payton and Herschel Walker, Thayer said. I saw in a game where they got the heck knocked out of them in a one-on-one collision and then popped to their feet, got back in the huddle and did it again. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Georgia Southern starts football season with lots of 'unknowns' Aug 1, 2008
Billy Lowe, who was effective in spot relief of Walter Payton Award winner Jayson Foster, opted for a medical redshirt season because of back problems. Chapple won the job with a strong spring and led Blue team to a win in the spring game. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
2008 Patriot League Preseason Football Poll and Award Winners Announced Aug 1, 2008
His 34 touchdowns responsible for (four rushing) tied a League record, and Randolph was named as a candidate for the Walter Payton Award (FCS Most Outstanding Player) in addition to his Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-League recognition. He enters the 2008 season as the active FCS and all-time Patriot League leader with 292 passing yards per game. (Patriotleague.com)
FANTASY CLICKS: The NFL's 'Over The Hill At 29' RB theory Jul 30, 2008
Fantasy Clicks: Is 29 the new 40. Posted: Tuesday July 29, 2008 12:01PM; Updated: Tuesday July 29, 2008 12:17PM. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
James vows turning 30 won't slow him down Jul 29, 2008
If he maintains that pace, he would be in the top five by the end of his contract, trailing only Emmitt Smith (who finished his career with two forgettable seasons in the desert), Walter Payton, Barry Sanders and Curtis Martin. "I'm not too far away, and I still feel good and I'm still interested in it,'' James said. "So I'll be one of those top guys, no doubt. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Big Ten Notes: Rodriguez finds good help Jul 26, 2008
"When I was at and ," says Bielema, "we used to have our guys run stadium stairs. But that's too hard on the knees. So, I had our guys run Beacon Hill on campus. It's sort of a landmark in Madison. I got the idea because I was a Walter Payton fan, and he used to train by running up sand dunes.". Did Bielema ever join his troops in trudging up the hill. (Notre Dame Sports -- Rivals.com)
Six Patriot League Football Players Earn Preseason Recognition Jul 23, 2008
Randolph finished the season as a candidate for the Walter Payton Award (Most Outstanding Player in FCS), and finished 12th in the balloting. Scott was also on the final Payton Award ballot, placing 14th in the voting. (Patriotleague.com)
Kings of your hearts Jul 21, 2008
Chicago: Walter Payton was everything you want in a king, even stepping away at just about the right time. Also, Michael Jordan (but about that "stepping away" thing. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Redskins Acquire Dolphins' Taylor In Trade Jul 21, 2008
In 2007 he was selected to receive the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. At a news conference in early June, Taylor announced he will play just one more season and expressed his willingness to accept a trade if it was in the best interest of the Dolphins organization. (WNBC.com, NY)
Refreshing Brees has no hard feelings Jul 18, 2008
For his community service, Brees, along with buddy and former Chargers teammate LaDainian Tomlinson, were co-recipients of the NFL's 2007 Walter Payton Award. Winning the Payton Award is not a reward for what you do in the past, Brees said. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Guest conductors Jul 13, 2008
Damien Anderson '01 Bernard Berrian '07 Drew Brees '00 Lance Briggs '08 Marty Booker '03 Derrick Brooks '03 Dick Butkus (HOF) '00 Kevin Butler '02, '07, '08 Marc Colombo '02 Rosevelt Colvin '02 Richard Dent '06 Paul Edinger '04 Gary Fencik '00, '05 Jim Flanigan '99 Robbie Gould '07, '08 Rex Grossman '04, '06 Dan Hampton (HOF) '99, '02, '05 Tommie Harris '07 Devin Hester '07 Hunter Hillenmeyer '08 Paul Hornung (HOF) '01, '02 Bernie Kosar '03 Erik Kramer '99 Jim McMahon '98, '02 Steve McMichael... (ESPN -- Baseball)
Hilliard battles for Dolphins roster spot Jul 8, 2008
In 2007, his collegiate senior year, Hilliard was a frontrunner to receive the Walter Payton award as the most outstanding offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision. A shoulder injury derailed his chances. (Montana Standard, MT)
TWO MINUTE DRILL: QB Nathan Enderle Jul 4, 2008
By his senior year in 1989 Friesz was named a consensus 1st Team All-American (by AP, Kodak, TSN, and FBG), the Coaches Choice 1-AA Player of the year (Walter Payton Award), and FBG Offensive Player of the Year. How will the sophomore year for Enderle - or Ashley - compare to the statistics posted by Vandal legends Friesz, Ken Hobart, Doug Nussmeier, and (among others). (VandalVenue.com)
Pam Pack’s Daniels voted WDN 2008 Male Athlete of the Year Jun 30, 2008
Daniels tried to mold his game around NFL Hall of Famer, Walter Payton, who was a star with the Chicago Bears. My role model was Walter Payton, Daniels said. (Washington Daily News, NC)
SilverSneakers keeps seniors active Jun 27, 2008
Shes currently planning a trip to Chicago to attend an NFL Mothers Gala, where, as the mom of famed running back Walter Payton, she will be the guest of honor. She also brags on her son Eddie Payton, former NFL running back and current golf coach at Jackson State University, and her granddaughter Erica Payton, a recent high school graduate and championship golfer. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Williams - LT is knocking on Hall of Fame doors Jun 27, 2008
"Who s better," McCracken asked, "you or Walter Payton? My friends ask me, and I say it s you." ... "Tomlinson doesn t care if he passes Smith, saying "if it happens, it happens," but he adds that breaking Smith s rushing touchdowns record would be meaningful. Tomlinson has 115 in his career, third all time behind Smith (164) and Marcus Allen (123). A Super Bowl, though, is all Tomlinson really still is playing for. "It s the thing that makes you feel complete as a player," LT said.His career,... (Gofrogs.com)
Changes are coming Jun 26, 2008
His personal favorite NFL game came when he played defense end against the Bears in Chicago s Soldier Field against the likes of Walter Payton and William The Refrigerator Perry. His work with arena teams also proved very successful. (The Citizen - online, TX)
Carrier finding his niche with Oilers Jun 25, 2008
Guys like Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith, Marshall Faulk were little guys. I d go to battle with them every time, just like I would Kasey. (Pearland Journal, TX)
Georgia Southern expects to beat Georgia to open season Jun 25, 2008
" For all the fuss about the Bulldogs, who return nine starters on defense and seven on offense from a team that finished ranked No. 2 last season, and a potentially brutal schedule, who mentions Georgia Southern? This shouldn't surprise anybody. GSU has 74 freshmen, redshirt freshmen and sophomores on its roster, and lost eight starters including All-America quarterback and Walter Payton Award winner Jayson Foster on offense, and two on defense. The Eagles were 7-4 last season, Hatcher's first... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Henton makes transfer official, enrolls at GSU Jun 24, 2008
It certainly appears to be a good fit for GSU, as they look to replace quarterback Jayson Foster, who led the Eagles to a 7-4 record last season as the recipient of the Walter Payton Award given annually to the best offensive player in Division I FCS (formerly Division I-AA) football. Like Henton, Foster was a dual-threat quarterback who passed for 1,203 yards and rushed for over 1,800 yards while racking up a combined 30 touchdowns. (Ohio State Sports -- Rivals.com)
Henton expected to transfer Jun 20, 2008
Foster was given the Walter Payton Award as the best offensive player in Division I FCS (formerly Division I-AA) football a year ago after passing 1,203 yards and rushing for over 1,800 yards while racking up a combined 30 touchdowns. He signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent. (Ohio State Sports -- Rivals.com)
2008 WhatIfSports.com NFC North Preview Jun 18, 2008
Unless Matt Forte becomes the next Walter Payton, Chicago seems to be a team that may fall even further after 2008. The Bears average 19. (BearReport.com)
Young hoping for a title with the Bears Jun 17, 2008
Martin won the Walter Payton Award as Division I-AA s top player in 1992 and has spent some time in the NFL, while Otton transferred to USC and led the Trojans to a Rose Bowl victory in 1996. Young s high school quarterback was Tony Graziani, who was a standout signal caller at the University of Oregon and now plays in the Arena League. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Please, do not call him 'Jelly' Jun 15, 2008
Back in their "Kill the Man with the Football" days, Stevenson fancied himself a Walter Payton type -- a quick-stepping runner with sweet moves. Stevenson had the ball one day and thought he was in the clear when -- wham. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Florida flash Jun 13, 2008
A: Growing up, I was a Walter Payton fan, but now I am a huge LaDainian Tomlinson fan. Q: Your coach said you get along with people pretty easy. (USA Today -- Sports)
Eye-Opener: Lakers repaired, not fixed Jun 11, 2008
There isn't much chance Matt Forte is going to remind anyone of Walter Payton. But that's the running back that Bears GM Jerry Angelo is stuck with as he the memory of Cedric Benson in Chicago. (USA Today -- Sports)
Dolphins' Long, other rookies tour Hall of Fame Jun 10, 2008
While quarterback stood next to the bust of Dan Marino for a photo, a group of players gathered around a video screen to watch film of Walter Payton breaking tackles, drawing the occasional "Oooh.". The tour got more serious as Horrigan told the story of how Marion Motley and Bill Willis broke the color barrier in 1946 -- a year before Jackie Robinson did in baseball. (ESPN -- Football News)
Rayner released and more from camp Jun 7, 2008
I recall the warrior himself, Walter Payton, talking retirement after a couple of years of the same, before the Bears got McMahon and a passing game. By Deof Movestofca. (The Palm Beach Post)
Best running back of all-time? Jun 6, 2008
Names such as Barry Sanders, Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith, Gale Sayers, Eric Dickerson, etc ... Walter Payton was one of the most well-rounded runners ever, with blazing speed and power to go along with it. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
George: Lovie knows what Bears must do in '08 Jun 5, 2008
" This formula especially holds true for the Bears. It is a franchise built in part on the foundation of Hall of Fame backs Gale Sayers and Walter Payton. This franchise will always seek a commitment to rushing excellence. But with quarterbacks and Rex Grossman battling for the starting spot, the question the Bears are often asked is if their quarterbacks are good enough to take heat off of the running game? In this instance, in today's game, must the pass preclude the run to make the run game... (ESPN -- Football News)
NY Giants Sign Defensive End Renaldo Wynn Jun 3, 2008
In 2006, Wynn played in 15 games with one start and was honored as the Redskins nominee for the NFLs Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which is given annually to the player that is not only outstanding on the field, but also in the community. As a senior at Notre Dame in 1996, Wynn played left defensive end and had 61 tackles (41 solo), with nine sacks and was named the teams Most Valuable Player. (FOX23 News, NY)
Marshall HOF Adds Seven In 25th Year Of Hall Jun 1, 2008
Donnan won the Herds first outright SC title in 1994 and had the Walter Payton I-AA Player of the Year in 1992, Michael Payton. He moved to the University of in 1996, winning 40 and losing just 19 in the SEC. Donnans Bulldogs were 4-0 in bowl games and He was the first football coach in school history to lead Bulldog teams to four consecutive bowl victories. (Goherd.com)
Insider Exclusive: Q&A with Tim Hightower May 29, 2008
Hightower talks about playing under Edgerrin James, his popular comparison to Marion Barber, what makes him look up to Barry Sanders and Walter Payton, why he hasn't fumbled in more than 700 carries and much more inside. to read the rest of this story. (CardinalsInsider.com)
Steelers OK Polamalu's alternative training plans May 17, 2008
"As a child, I remember watching Walter Payton running the hill in his Kangaroos. You know, Jerry Rice had his regimen. Everybody's looking for an edge. That's the reality of it. When I worked with John Lynch, he had a unique training regimen. That's something the great ones see. "If Troy were capable of practicing, he would be here. He's not; it's an opportunity for him to do his thing. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Post-Spring 2008 Preview: Quarterbacks May 16, 2008
He won the Walter Payton Award awarded to the nations top FCS (I-AA) player in 1993 at Idaho. Furthermore, Nussmeier, QB coach, and McElwain, WR coach, were on the same coaching staff at Michigan State. (BarkBoard.com)
St. Aug's star pursues NFL dream May 9, 2008
"Walter Payton. Jerry Rice."Vega said Hall seems prepared for the road ahead, calling him a "high-character" guy. "You got a sincere feeling from him," Vega said. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Dolphins Sign 14 Free Agents May 5, 2008
He also returned punts and kickoffs, and as a senior he won the Walter Payton Award, given to the top offensive player in Division I-AA.. Here's the complete list of the Dolphins rookie free agent signings. (DolphinDigest.com)
Rookie Minicamp Report: Saturday May 4, 2008
By PublisherDate: May 3, 2008 After spending Friday inside the climate-controlled confines of the Walter Payton Center, the newest Chicago Bears fought the elements on a windy and rainy Saturday at Halas Hall. Which of the rookies is starting to make his mark. (BearReport.com)
Nick Hill impresses at Bears minicamp May 3, 2008
Quarterbacks Caleb Hanie of Colorado State and Nick Hill of Southern Illinois threw all the passes on the first day of camp in the Walter Payton Center. Right now they haven't had a chance to digest a lot of the offensive play book,'' Bears coach Lovie Smith said. (Marion Daily Republican, IL)
Josh Johnson 5th round pick by Tampa Bay May 2, 2008
Johnson finished 3rd in the final voting for the Walter Payton Award, and was a 2nd Team AP All-American and 3rd Team Sports Network All-American. In 2007 he tossed a school record 43 touchdowns while ranking first in the nation in total offense, passing efficiency and points responsible for. (Usdtoreros.com)
2008 Patriot League Football Spring Prospectus Apr 23, 2008
Scott and Randolph were both finalists for the Walter Payton Award, given to the most outstanding player in the Football Championship Subdivision. They are two of only eight finalists returning in 2008. (Patriotleague.com)
NFL pipeline tapping players from big states and schools Apr 22, 2008
Historically black colleges and universities have produced two of the greatest players in NFL history Jackson State running back Walter Payton and Mississippi Valley State wide receiver Jerry Rice. Small schools, major players. (USA Today -- Sports)
Knox Hall honors Witten Apr 19, 2008
Witten was a finalist in 2007 for the NFLs Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Witten played tight end at from 2000-02, earning All-SEC honors in 2002 when he led the team in receiving. (InsideTennessee.com)
McNair says goodbye after 13 NFL seasons Apr 18, 2008
He carried the banner for small historically black colleges and universities and the SWAC in a way unseen since Jackson State University's Walter Payton did while playing for the Chicago Bears in the early 1980s ... " McNair turned Alcorn football games into an event. Cars lined up for miles on U.S. 61 as fans poured into tiny Lorman for a glimpse of the phenom. On Oct. 29, 1994, Samford University's 6,700-seat stadium in Birmingham was packed with 11,189 to watch the Braves rally from a 42-13... (The Clarion-Ledger)
All-Time First Round Mock Draft Apr 18, 2008
Walter Payton, RB Jackson State taken by Chicago Bears, 1975. Keith McCants, DL Alabama taken by Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1990. (CowboyUpdate.com)
'We Want To Win A National Title' Apr 10, 2008
He will make Georgia Southern proud, Hatcher said about Foster who won the Walter Payton Award in 2007. He s what Georgia Southern is all about. (Dublin Courier Herald, GA)
Farley, UNI to get physical Apr 9, 2008
One position the coaches are watching closely is quarterback, where UNI must replace four-year starter and Walter Payton Award runner-up Eric Sanders. The starting job currently belongs to junior-to-be Pat Grace of Sioux City, said Farley. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Coen, Calicchio, Smalls, Collier Named 2008 UMass Football Captains Apr 9, 2008
(Newport, R.I.) was a 2007 Walter Payton Award Candidate and named the 2007 CAA Second-Team quarterback. In just three seasons at UMass, Coen holds virtually every career record including first in passing yards (8,282), passing efficiency (152. (Umassathletics.com)
Preparation Begins for 2008 Football Season Mar 28, 2008
native should be among the top candidates for the 2008 Walter Payton Award. For the third straight year McLeod is joined by a new starting FB after second-team All-Ivy pick graduated. (Goyalebulldogs.com)
Daily Leader welcomes nicknames in sports Mar 26, 2008
Chicago Bears running back the late Walter Payton was nicknamed Sweetness when he played college football at Jackson State. Payton truly was a great running back that gave the Bears 13 excellent seasons and, at one time, he was the NFL s leading rusher. (Stuttgart Daily Leader, AR)
BJC preps for Bettis speech Mar 25, 2008
Bettis holds the fifth spot overall in rushing in the NFL and was also the recipient of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2001, according to his Web site, www. thebus36. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Rattlers QB Campbell embraces role Mar 8, 2008
Campbell won the Walter Payton Award for the top offensive player in NCAA Division II his senior season in 2004 at William. Since then, it's been one stop to the next, trying to stick in the NFL.. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Don BanksINSIDE THE NFL Mar 5, 2008
Walter Payton comes to mind. And now we can add to that list Favre, whose story was always about more than just his strong right arm and playmaking skills. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NFL)
Falcons release Dunn, could Bucs be suitor? Mar 4, 2008
"His contributions, not only to the Falcons but to the entire NFL both on and off the field, have been well documented. The legacy he leaves in Atlanta will be long-remembered and appreciated by his fellow players, fans and the community. Dunn spent the first five seasons of his career with the Buccaneers, after being drafted in the 1997 NFL Draft with the 12th overall pick. In Tampa Bay, Dunn combined with Alstott to form one of the NFLs most productive rushing tandems. He rushed for... (BucsInsiders.com)
Falcons release Warrick Dunn Mar 4, 2008
" Dunn spent six seasons with the Falcons, finishing as the third-leading rusher in franchise history with 5,979 yards. He was nearly as well known for his charitable work, most notably the "Home For The Holidays" program that helped single parents become first-time homeowners by making the down payment on new furnished homes. In 2004, Dunn received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. "Warrick Dunn epitomizes all that is good about the National Football League and professional sports,"... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Is Rice Running Past His Expiration Date? Feb 29, 2008
" When people watch Rice, one thing that raises concern is the fact that he's carried the ball so much before even taking a handoff in the NFL -- though his school-record 4,646 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns are impressive, the 910 total carries over the last three years gives people pause, and for good reason. Even the best backs have short shelf lives, and most under 200 pounds not only benefit from a dual-back system, they require it if they want to play past their first contracts. To hit... (SeahawksInsider.com)
Letters to the Editor Feb 27, 2008
He is no Walter Payton, but he can juke and jive. He has the ability to shed the first contact and has an uncanny ability to see the hole as it is starting to open. (PackerReport.com)
