Walter Packer facts for kids
| No. 30, 40 | |
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| Position: | Defensive back |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | November 7, 1955 Leakesville, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight: | 174 lb (79 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Leakesville (Mississippi) |
| College: | Mississippi State (1973–1976) |
| NFL Draft: | 1977 / Round: 8 / Pick: 203 |
| Career history | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Player stats at PFR | |
Walter Packer (born November 7, 1955) is a former American football player. He played as a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers for one season. The Atlanta Falcons chose him in the 1977 NFL draft. Before joining the NFL, he played college football as a running back at Mississippi State University.
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Early Life and Beginnings
Walter Packer was born on November 7, 1955. His hometown was Leakesville, Mississippi. He went to Leakesville High School in the same town.
College Football Journey
Walter Packer was a key player for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. He played for them from 1973 to 1976. He earned a "letterman" title each of those four years. This means he played well enough to earn a special award from the school.
Freshman Year (1973)
In his first year, 1973, Walter ran the ball 50 times. He gained 181 yards and scored one touchdown. He also caught two passes for 54 yards.
Standout Seasons (1974-1975)
In 1974, he carried the ball 157 times. He rushed for 994 yards and scored six touchdowns. He also caught five passes for 35 yards. Walter led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in rushing yards that year. He was named first-team All-SEC. This means he was one of the best players in the conference.
In 1975, he had another great season. He ran the ball 180 times for 1,012 yards. He scored seven touchdowns. He also caught five passes for 67 yards. For his excellent play, he was named second-team All-SEC.
Senior Year and Records (1976)
As a senior in 1976, Walter continued to shine. He rushed 96 times for 633 yards. He scored six touchdowns. He also returned 12 kicks for 195 yards. His average of 6.6 yards per carry was the best in the SEC that year.
After his college career, on March 21, 1977, both parts of the Mississippi government praised him. The Mississippi House of Representatives and Senate passed a special resolution. At that time, Walter's 2,820 rushing yards were the second most in SEC history. In 2005, he was honored by being added to Mississippi State University's athletics hall of fame.
Professional Football Career
Walter Packer started his professional career in 1977.
Joining the NFL (1977)
The Atlanta Falcons picked Walter in the 1977 NFL draft. He was the 203rd player chosen overall. They drafted him as a wide receiver. He officially signed with the Falcons on June 21, 1977. However, the Falcons decided to release him on August 25, 1977.
Time with the Seahawks
Walter then signed with the Seattle Seahawks on September 16, 1977. He played as a defensive back for them. He appeared in ten games during the 1977 season. He returned 13 kicks for 280 yards. He also returned 20 punts for 131 yards. The Seahawks released him on November 28, 1977.
Playing for the Buccaneers
On December 13, 1977, Walter signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played in one game for them. He did not record any statistics in that game. The Buccaneers released him on August 30, 1978.
Canadian Football League (1979)
In March 1979, Walter signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. This team plays in the Canadian Football League. He was released by the team later that same year.
