The Walter Payton Award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in college football, specifically recognizing the best offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Named in honor of the late Walter Payton, a legendary NFL running back known for his immense talent and character, the award celebrates players who exemplify both athletic excellence and the attributes that made Payton one of the sport’s greatest figures. Throughout its history, the Walter Payton Award has been given to some of the most outstanding players in FCS football, cementing their place in the sport’s rich tradition. To fully appreciate the significance of the Walter Payton Award, it’s important to understand its history, the players who have won it, and the impact it has had on the FCS landscape.
The Birth of the Walter Payton Award
The Walter Payton Award was first introduced in 1987 by the Sports Network (now part of Hero Sports) and was designed to recognize the best offensive player in FCS football. The award was established in honor of Walter Payton, who, prior to his Hall of Fame career with the Chicago Bears, played his college football at Jackson State University. Payton’s accomplishments on the field were legendary, and his dedication and leadership qualities made him an ideal figure to have an award named in his honor. Payton’s football legacy extended far beyond his NFL career, as he was widely regarded as one of the best athletes ever to play the game.
The initial idea behind the Walter Payton Award was to bring national recognition to the outstanding offensive players in FCS football, giving them the same level of prestige and attention that players in the larger Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) received. Over time, the Walter Payton Award would become synonymous with excellence in FCS football, becoming the highest individual accolade for offensive players in the division.
The Award’s Criteria and Selection Process
The Walter Payton Award is presented annually to the best offensive player in the FCS, as voted on by a panel of sportswriters, broadcasters, and FCS coaches. The selection committee considers a variety of factors in determining the winner, including the player’s on-field performance, leadership, and overall contribution to their team’s success. Unlike many other individual awards that focus purely on statistics, the Walter Payton Award also takes into account a player’s ability to impact games in a broader sense, much like the qualities that made Walter Payton himself a standout both on and off the field.
The award’s eligibility is restricted to players competing in the FCS level, which is the second tier of college football. This makes the Walter Payton Award particularly significant because it highlights players who might not receive the same level of media attention as their FBS counterparts but who are no less talented or impactful. The winner of the Walter Payton Award is typically announced in January, during the week of the FCS National Championship Game.
A History of Standout Winners
Over the years, the Walter Payton Award has been awarded to a wide range of players from different positions and schools, underscoring the diversity of talent in the FCS. Some of the most notable winners of the award include quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional skill and playmaking ability.
1. Steve McNair (1994) – The First Winner
The first winner of the Walter Payton Award was Steve McNair, a quarterback from Alcorn State University. McNair’s selection as the inaugural recipient set a high bar for future winners. Known for his incredible arm strength and dual-threat capabilities, McNair led Alcorn State to a record-setting season in 1994, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. McNair’s performance that year helped solidify his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in FCS history. He would go on to a successful NFL career with the Tennessee Titans, further cementing his legacy as a football icon.
2. Tony Romo (2002)
Another landmark winner of the Walter Payton Award was Tony Romo, the quarterback from Eastern Illinois University, who won the award in 2002. Romo’s career at Eastern Illinois was exceptional, as he rewrote the school’s record books with his passing performance. During his senior year, Romo passed for over 4,000 yards and 34 touchdowns, leading his team to a playoff berth. Romo’s performance helped him gain national recognition, and he later went on to a successful career in the NFL, most notably with the Dallas Cowboys, where he became a franchise quarterback and earned multiple Pro Bowl selections.
3. Brian Westbrook (2001)
The Walter Payton Award is not solely for quarterbacks, and one of the most memorable winners was Brian Westbrook, the standout running back from Villanova University who won the award in 2001. Westbrook’s 2001 season was one for the ages, as he rushed for over 1,800 yards and scored 22 total touchdowns. Westbrook’s all-around skill set, which included both rushing and receiving, helped elevate Villanova to new heights. After his success in the FCS, Westbrook went on to a prolific career in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he became known for his versatility and playmaking ability, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.
4. Lamar Jackson (2016)
In more recent years, Lamar Jackson (the University of Louisville quarterback who won the award in 2016) has become one of the most high-profile players to receive the Walter Payton Award. Jackson’s incredible dual-threat ability as a quarterback—highlighted by his exceptional running and passing skills—allowed him to become the youngest player in history to win the Heisman Trophy. Though Jackson played in the FBS, his selection to the Walter Payton Award highlighted the growing crossover between the two levels, with some FCS players gaining national recognition.
5. Chris Rowland (2019)
One of the more recent winners of the Walter Payton Award was Chris Rowland, a wide receiver from Tennessee State. Rowland had an outstanding senior season, catching 100 passes for 1,500 yards and 9 touchdowns. His dominant play helped Tennessee State reach the postseason, and he finished his career as one of the top receivers in FCS history. Rowland’s selection as the Walter Payton Award winner highlighted the increasing importance of wide receivers in the modern college football landscape.
The Impact of the Award
Over the years, the Walter Payton Award has not only honored individual excellence but also helped bring greater attention to FCS football. As the award has grown in prominence, it has served as a launching pad for many players’ careers, both at the professional level and within the college football community. While many of the award’s winners have gone on to successful NFL careers, the honor itself remains a symbol of excellence within the FCS, allowing players to receive the recognition they deserve.
In addition to the individual recognition, the Walter Payton Award also helps elevate the schools and conferences that produce these outstanding players. Universities that have seen their players win the award take pride in the honor, and the recognition often boosts the school’s reputation on the national stage.
Conclusion
The Walter Payton Award is more than just an individual accolade—it is a testament to the incredible talent and determination of the best offensive players in the FCS. Named after one of football’s all-time greats, the award has come to symbolize excellence, both on the field and in terms of personal character. Over its history, the award has highlighted a wide range of players, each of whom has left their own mark on the game. As the FCS continues to evolve, the Walter Payton Award will undoubtedly continue to be one of the most coveted honors for offensive players, honoring the legacy of Walter Payton and the many athletes who follow in his footsteps.
