John Walton (American football) facts for kids
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Walton, circa 1969
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| Born: | October 4, 1947 Elizabeth City, North Carolina, U.S. |
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| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Quarterback |
| College | Elizabeth City State |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1969 | Indianapolis Capitols (CFL) |
| 1974 | Chicago Fire (WFL) |
| 1975 | San Antonio Wings (WFL) |
| 1976–1979 | Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) |
| 1983–1984 | Boston / New Orleans Breakers (USFL) |
| Honors |
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John Booker Walton (born October 4, 1947) is a former American football player and coach. He was a talented quarterback who played in several professional football leagues. These included the Continental Football League (CFL), World Football League (WFL), National Football League (NFL), and United States Football League (USFL).
John Walton also coached football at Elizabeth City State University, where he played in college. In 1969, he made history. He became the first African-American quarterback to lead a professional football team to a championship title. His team, the Indianapolis Capitols, won the Continental Football League final.
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College Football Journey
John Walton played college football for four seasons. He was a quarterback at Elizabeth City State University. This university is part of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
During his last year in 1968, he had a great season. He threw for 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns. He helped his team, the Vikings, achieve an impressive 8–1 record. Because of his excellent performance, he was chosen for the All-CIAA football team. John Walton earned his degree in physical education in 1969.
Professional Playing Career
John Walton played for many different teams. He showed his skills in several professional football leagues.
Early NFL Attempts (1969-1972)
After college, John Walton was not chosen in the NFL draft. However, the Los Angeles Rams signed him in March 1969. He played in some preseason games with the Rams. But he never made it onto their main team during the regular season. He spent most of his time on the practice squad.
CFL Championship Season (1969)
In 1969, John Walton joined the Indianapolis Capitols in the Continental Football League. He started his first professional game on September 2, 1969. He led the Capitols to a close 28–27 victory.
Walton guided the Capitols to the 1969 Continental Football League championship game. In that game, he threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns. The Indianapolis Capitols won 44–38 in overtime against the San Antonio Toros. This made them the 1969 CFL champions. John Walton was named the league's MVP and was part of the ALL-CFL team. That season, he threw for 1,713 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Success in the World Football League (1974–1975)
In 1974, John Walton played as a backup quarterback for the Chicago Fire. This team was in the World Football League. The next year, 1975, he became the starting quarterback for the San Antonio Wings. He led the league in passing yards and touchdowns that season. He was also named to the WFL All-Pro team. The World Football League stopped playing games on October 22, 1975.
Return to the NFL (1976–1979)
Because of his success in the WFL, the Philadelphia Eagles wanted John Walton. Their new head coach, Dick Vermeil, recruited him. Coach Vermeil knew Walton from their time with the Los Angeles Rams.
John Walton signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. From 1976 to 1979, he was a backup quarterback for the team. He played in fifteen games over four seasons. He left the NFL after the 1979 season when he was 32 years old.
USFL Comeback (1983–1984)
In 1983, John Walton got a call from Dick Coury. Coury was the head coach of the Boston Breakers. This team was part of the new United States Football League (USFL). Coach Coury knew Walton's talent from their time with the Eagles. Even though Walton was 35 and had not played pro football since 1979, he agreed to play again.
He became the starting quarterback for the Boston Breakers in 1983. The team moved and became the New Orleans Breakers in 1984. Walton was one of the best passers in the USFL. In 1983, he was second in the league with 3,772 passing yards. He was also third with 20 touchdowns. He helped the Breakers get an 11–7 record. In 1984, he finished fifth in the league with 3,554 passing yards. John Walton holds the USFL record for most passing attempts in a season, with 589 attempts in 1983.
Coaching Career
After his NFL playing career, John Walton became a football coach. He returned to his old college, Elizabeth City State University. He was the head coach from 1980 to 1982. During this time, his team had a record of 20 wins, 10 losses, and 1 tie. He left in 1983 to play in the USFL.
Walton came back to Elizabeth City State as head coach in 1989. He coached there through the 1990 season. In 1991, he worked as an offensive coordinator for the Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks. This team was in the World League of American Football.
Life After Football
After retiring from professional football, John Walton returned to Elizabeth City. He has worked as a teacher in the city. He also served as a member of the city council.
ECSU Hall of Fame
John Walton's achievements were recognized by his college. He was elected to the Elizabeth City State University Hall of Fame on October 25, 1985.
