Walter Payton Hall of Fame Sweetness
Born July 25, 1954 - Columbia, Mississippi - Walter Payton Pro Football Hall of Fame running back of the Chicago Bears was born. The Jackson State product was also enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in the 1999 class.
Walter ran on the Jackson State gridiron from the 1971 season through 1974 and was the key cog in the offense. According to the FootballFoundation.org, Sweetness finished his career at Jackson State with 464 points and 3,563 yards rushing. The point total was a modern record for college football. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry for four years.
Walter is remembered at the collegiate level still to this day as he was honored in 1987 with the founding of the Walter Payton Award, given each year to the leading player in 1-AA football. Payton was a great player who worked hard and was known for his outstanding runs during his career. He even was the NFL's all-time leading rusher until Emmitt Smith surpassed him. In just 13 seasons, Payton rushed for 16, 726 yards, hauled in 492 passes and scored 125 touchdowns per the ProFootballHOF.com website.
We honor this great player and human who had an untimely death in 1999 at the age 45 due to a rare disease. Please see our story on "Sweetness" here Walter Payton.
Walter ran on the Jackson State gridiron from the 1971 season through 1974 and was the key cog in the offense. According to the FootballFoundation.org, Sweetness finished his career at Jackson State with 464 points and 3,563 yards rushing. The point total was a modern record for college football. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry for four years.
Walter is remembered at the collegiate level still to this day as he was honored in 1987 with the founding of the Walter Payton Award, given each year to the leading player in 1-AA football. Payton was a great player who worked hard and was known for his outstanding runs during his career. He even was the NFL's all-time leading rusher until Emmitt Smith surpassed him. In just 13 seasons, Payton rushed for 16, 726 yards, hauled in 492 passes and scored 125 touchdowns per the ProFootballHOF.com website.
We honor this great player and human who had an untimely death in 1999 at the age 45 due to a rare disease. Please see our story on "Sweetness" here Walter Payton.
Robert Brazile A Quiet Storm of Defensive Dominance
Robert Brazile, a linebacker renowned for his speed, athleticism, and relentless pursuit of the ball, carved a Hall of Fame career defined by consistent excellence and a quiet, yet impactful, leadership. From his college days to his professional triumphs, Brazile exemplified the qualities of a defensive stalwart, leaving an enduring legacy on the game of football.
-College Career
Robert Brazile's college career at Jackson State University laid the foundation for his professional success. Playing under the legendary coach, Walter Payton's older brother, Charles Payton, Brazile excelled as a linebacker, showcasing the speed and agility that would become his trademarks. He earned All-SWAC honors and garnered national attention for his disruptive play. While individual accolades were significant, Brazile's time at Jackson State instilled in him a strong work ethic and a team-first mentality, principles that guided him throughout his career. His experience at a smaller college provided him with the motivation and drive to prove himself at the highest level of competition.
-Road to the Pro Game
Brazile was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the first round of the 1975 NFL Draft.
He quickly made an impact, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. His speed and range allowed him to cover vast areas of the field, making him a force against both the run and the pass. Brazile's ability to read plays and react quickly made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. He became a cornerstone of the Oilers' "Luv Ya Blue" era, a period of exciting football in Houston. While the Oilers teams of this era fell short of a Super Bowl appearance, Brazile's consistent excellence and leadership were instrumental to their success. He was a constant presence in the opponent's backfield, disrupting plays and making game-changing tackles.
-Football Legacy
Robert Brazile's legacy is one of consistent dominance and quiet leadership. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and a five-time All-Pro selection. His impact on the Oilers defense was immeasurable, and he was a key figure in the team's rise to prominence in the late 1970s. Brazile's play was characterized by his speed, agility, and relentless pursuit of the ball. He was a versatile linebacker who excelled in all facets of the game. Beyond his on-field performance, Brazile was a respected leader in the locker room, setting an example for his teammates with his work ethic and dedication. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, a testament to his extraordinary career and lasting impact on the game. Robert Brazile's legacy is not just about the numbers; it's about the way he played the game, with passion, integrity, and a quiet determination that made him one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history.
-Career history
-Houston Oilers (1975–1984)
-Career highlights and awards
-NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1975)
-2× First-team All-Pro (1978, 1979)
-4× Second-team All-Pro (1976, 1977, 1980, 1981)
-7× Pro Bowl (1976–1982)
-NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
-PFWA All-Rookie Team (1975)
-Titans/Oilers Ring of Honor
-Career NFL Statistics
-Total tackles: 1,281
-Sacks: 48
-Fumble recoveries: 14
-Interceptions: 13
-Interception yards: 201
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Robert Brazile. (2024, December 1). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Brazile
-College Career
Robert Brazile's college career at Jackson State University laid the foundation for his professional success. Playing under the legendary coach, Walter Payton's older brother, Charles Payton, Brazile excelled as a linebacker, showcasing the speed and agility that would become his trademarks. He earned All-SWAC honors and garnered national attention for his disruptive play. While individual accolades were significant, Brazile's time at Jackson State instilled in him a strong work ethic and a team-first mentality, principles that guided him throughout his career. His experience at a smaller college provided him with the motivation and drive to prove himself at the highest level of competition.
-Road to the Pro Game
Brazile was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the first round of the 1975 NFL Draft.
He quickly made an impact, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. His speed and range allowed him to cover vast areas of the field, making him a force against both the run and the pass. Brazile's ability to read plays and react quickly made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. He became a cornerstone of the Oilers' "Luv Ya Blue" era, a period of exciting football in Houston. While the Oilers teams of this era fell short of a Super Bowl appearance, Brazile's consistent excellence and leadership were instrumental to their success. He was a constant presence in the opponent's backfield, disrupting plays and making game-changing tackles.
-Football Legacy
Robert Brazile's legacy is one of consistent dominance and quiet leadership. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and a five-time All-Pro selection. His impact on the Oilers defense was immeasurable, and he was a key figure in the team's rise to prominence in the late 1970s. Brazile's play was characterized by his speed, agility, and relentless pursuit of the ball. He was a versatile linebacker who excelled in all facets of the game. Beyond his on-field performance, Brazile was a respected leader in the locker room, setting an example for his teammates with his work ethic and dedication. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, a testament to his extraordinary career and lasting impact on the game. Robert Brazile's legacy is not just about the numbers; it's about the way he played the game, with passion, integrity, and a quiet determination that made him one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history.
-Career history
-Houston Oilers (1975–1984)
-Career highlights and awards
-NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1975)
-2× First-team All-Pro (1978, 1979)
-4× Second-team All-Pro (1976, 1977, 1980, 1981)
-7× Pro Bowl (1976–1982)
-NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
-PFWA All-Rookie Team (1975)
-Titans/Oilers Ring of Honor
-Career NFL Statistics
-Total tackles: 1,281
-Sacks: 48
-Fumble recoveries: 14
-Interceptions: 13
-Interception yards: 201
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Robert Brazile. (2024, December 1). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Brazile
Related Searches
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