“We are pleased to be able to recognize two very deserving student-athletes with the Walter Payton Achievement Award. Walter Payton exemplified excellence on and off the field, and it’s an honor for us commemorate his legacy this way.” Nikki Godfrey, executive director, MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney “He’s happier about his accomplishments off the field than his play on the field. He was always about giving back to kids, and telling them that it’s all about having an opportunity to achieve.” Jarrett Payton (Walter Payton’s son)

What is the Walter Payton Achievement Award? The second annual Walter Payton Achievement Award was created to honor one of football’s greatest players. The award is given to one player from each team participating in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney. Payton, who ended his career as the NFL’s leading rusher, starred at Jackson State from 1971 to ’74.

 Who’s eligible for the award?
Awardees are high achievers in the classroom and key contributors on the football field.

'08 recipients Kevin Teel (left) and Marcus Smith (right) with Jarrett Payton

Who were the inaugural recipients?
Kevin Teel of Hampton University and Marcus Smith of Jackson State University were the 2008 winners.

How (and by whom) are awardees selected?
Finalists are selected by a committee consisting of academic advisers and coaches. For the first time, winners will selected via online voting at meacswacchallenge.com.

Is the Walter Payton Achievement Award affiliated with other awards bearing Payton’s name?
The Walter Payton Achievement Award isn’t the first to be named in Payton’s honor. The “Walter Payton Man of the Year Award” is given annually by the NFL, honoring a player’s volunteer and charity work as well as excellence on the field. The “Walter Payton Award” is awarded annually to the best offensive player in Division I FCS (formerly Division I-AA).

Is the Walter Payton Achievement Award endorsed by the Payton family?
Yes. Jarrett Payton, representing the Payton family, attended the 2008 MEAC/SWAC Challenge, and presented the plaque to the winners. He also spoke about what the award means to his father’s legacy.

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Payton photos courtesy AP, Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images, Mike Powell/Getty Images, Steve Liss//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images, Manny Rubio/US Presswire; Walter Payton Achievement Award logo by Glenn Riley