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 in several professional football leagues. These included the Continental Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL). He also played in the World Football League (WFL) and the United States Football League (USFL). Walton played college football at Elizabeth City State University. Later, he coached football at his old college.
In 1969, Walton made history. He became the first African-American quarterback to lead a pro football team to a championship title. His team, the Indianapolis Capitols, won the Continental Football League final in an exciting overtime game.
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College Football Journey
Walton played college football at Elizabeth City State University. He was a star player for four seasons, from 1965 to 1968. His team was part of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
In his final year, 1968, he had an amazing season. He completed 114 passes for 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns. He led his team, the Vikings, to a great 8–1 record. Because of his excellent play, he was named to the All-CIAA football team. Walton earned his degree in physical education in 1969.
Playing Professional Football
Starting in the NFL
After college, John Walton was not chosen in the NFL draft. However, the Los Angeles Rams signed him as a free agent in March 1969. He played in some preseason games for the Rams between 1969 and 1972. Even though he played well, he never made the main team roster. He spent most of his time on the practice squad.
Continental Football League Champion
In 1969, after his time with the Rams, Walton joined the Indianapolis Capitols. This team was part of the Continental Football League. His first professional start was on September 2, 1969. He led the Capitols to a close 28–27 win.
Walton guided the Capitols to the 1969 Continental Football League championship game. On December 13, 1969, he completed 14 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns. Indianapolis beat the San Antonio Toros 44–38 in overtime. This made them the 1969 Continental Football League champions! Walton was named to the All-CFL team and was the MVP (Most Valuable Player) for his team. That season, he completed 109 passes for 1,713 yards and 17 touchdowns.
World Football League Experience
In 1974, 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 was a top player in the league that year. He led the WFL in both passing yards and touchdowns. Because of his great performance, Walton was named to the WFL All-Pro team. The World Football League stopped playing games on October 22, 1975.
Return to the NFL with the Eagles
After his success in the World Football League, the Philadelphia Eagles wanted Walton. Their new head coach, Dick Vermeil, recruited him. Interestingly, Vermeil had been a coach for the Los Angeles Rams when Walton first tried to join the NFL.
Walton signed a contract 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 at age 32 after the 1979 season.
United States Football League Comeback
In 1983, Dick Coury convinced Walton to play football again. Coury was the head coach of the Boston Breakers. This team was part of the new United States Football League (USFL). Coury knew Walton's talent because he had coached him on the Philadelphia Eagles.
Even though Walton was 35 years old and hadn't played pro football since 1979, he agreed. He became the starting quarterback for the Boston Breakers in 1983. The team moved to New Orleans the next year, becoming the New Orleans Breakers. Walton continued as their starting quarterback 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 led the Breakers to an 11–7 record. In 1984, he finished fifth in the league with 3,554 passing yards. Walton holds the USFL record for most passing attempts in a season, with 589 in 1983.
Coaching Career
After leaving the NFL, Walton became the head football coach at his old college. He started coaching at Elizabeth City State University on January 15, 1980. He coached there from 1980 to 1982. His overall record was 20 wins, 10 losses, and 1 tie. He left in 1983 to play pro football again with the Boston Breakers.
Walton returned to Elizabeth City State as head coach in 1989. He stayed in that job through the 1990 season. In 1991, Walton was the offensive coordinator for the Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks. This team was in the World League of American Football (WLAF). He worked under head coach Roman Gabriel. Gabriel had played with Walton on the Rams and Eagles teams. He was also Walton's offensive coordinator for the Portland Breakers in 1985.
Life After Football
After he stopped playing and coaching professional football, John Walton went back to Elizabeth City. He has worked as a teacher there. He also served as a member of the city council.
Elizabeth City State University Hall of Fame
John Walton was honored for his achievements. He was chosen for the Elizabeth City State University Hall of Fame. This special event happened on October 25, 1985.
Images for kids
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Walton, circa 1969
