WALTER PAYTON NAMED 2006 PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS DOAK WALKER LEGENDS AWARD RECIPIENT

DALLAS, TEXAS -

The late Walter Payton, former Jackson State and Chicago Bears running back, has been named recipient of the 2006 PricewaterhouseCoopers Doak Walker Legends Award. The award is presented by the Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum, and the recipient is chosen by the Forum’s Board of Directors.

Payton’s son, Jarrett, will accept the award in his father’s honor at the Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet on Thursday, February 15, 2007, at The Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas. Previous recipients include Jim Swink (2005), John David Crow (2004), Doc Blanchard and Glenn Davis (2003), Earl Campbell (2002), Tony Dorsett (2001), Pete Dawkins (2000), Archie Griffin (1999), and Gale Sayers (1998).

Payton was a four-year starter and two-time first team All-American at Jackson State. He rushed for 3,563 yards and set the NCAA scoring record with 464 points. A first round draft pick of the Chicago Bears in 1975, “Sweetness” played 13 seasons in Chicago and was a nine-time pro bowl selection. The two-time NFL MVP retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. After retiring from the NFL, Payton started Payton Power Equipment Company, a successful provider of heavy equipment to industrial and construction businesses. Payton was known throughout his career for his many philanthropic works. In 1998 the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation was founded to help abused, neglected and underprivileged children.

The PricewaterhouseCoopers Doak Walker Legends Award was created by the SMU Athletic Forum to honor former running backs who excelled at the collegiate level and also distinguished themselves as leaders in their communities.

“ Walter Payton is a truly legendary figure and one of the most respected football players to ever play the game,” said Maribess Miller, Dallas Office Managing Partner for PricewaterhouseCoopers . “We are proud to honor his legacy as a player and an extraordinary individual.”

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is in its eighth year as the presenting sponsor of the Doak Walker Legends Award. PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 140,000 people in 149 countries across the PricewaterhouseCoopers network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

Doak Walker epitomized leadership, sportsmanship, and academic and athletic achievement during his storied career at SMU. Walker was a three-time All-American who won the Heisman Trophy as a junior in 1948, was a first round draft pick of the Detroit Lions, led the team to NFL championships in 1952 and 1953, and was chosen All-Pro four times. Walker is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

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Honoring the legends of sports for 18 years, the Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum celebrates outstanding success in athletics. Based in Dallas , the series features major figures from a variety of sports. The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum includes four luncheons and the prestigious Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet.  

- doakwalkeraward.com-.