[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 153 (Friday, September 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING EDDIE PAYTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 4, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable community servant, Mr. Eddie Payton.
  Eddie Payton, a native of Columbia, MS, is a 1973 graduate of Jackson 
State University. While at Jackson State, Eddie was a four-year 
letterman, three-year all SWAC player, SWAC Offensive Player of the 
Year, Ebony All American, and NAIA All American.
  Eddie was an NFL running back and kick returner who played five 
seasons in the NFL from 1977 to 1982. He played for the Cleveland 
Browns, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings. In 
1980, he led the NFL with 53 kickoff returns for 1,184 yards. Eddie is 
one of three Detroit Lions to register two touchdowns off returns in a 
single game. His 98 yard kickoff return for a touchdown is the fifth 
longest in Detroit history, and his 87 yard punt return stands as the 
third longest in franchise history. Eddie also played in the CFL for 
two seasons with the Ottawa Rough Riders and Toronto Argonauts and was 
the first player signed in franchise history with the Memphis Showboats 
of the WFL.
  After retiring from the NFL, Eddie returned to Jackson State to take 
the helm of the men's golf program. In 1995 he started the women's golf 
program. During his 30 years at Jackson State, his men's golf team won 
25 conference championships and his women's team won 16 conference 
championships. Additionally, his men's team won 8 National Minority 
Championships and his women's team won 4 National Minority 
Championships. Eddie was named SWAC Coach of the year 25 times and 
National Minority Coach of the Year 6 times. Eddie's teams made history 
by becoming the first teams from an HBCU to compete in the NCAA Men's 
and Women's Golf Championships. He has also had seven players to 
compete professionally. Eddie finished his career as the winningest 
coach in SWAC history.
  Eddie has been inducted into the Marion County Sports Hall of Fame, 
Jackson State University Sports Hall of Fame, SWAC Hall of Fame, 
National Black Golfers Hall of Fame, and the African American Golf 
Association Hall of Fame.
  Eddie is the Executive Director of the Payton Family Foundation, 
which has awarded 92 scholarships totaling over 3.1 million dollars. He 
is also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and a member of the 
Mississippi Athletic Commission.
  Since his retirement, Eddie does his favorite past-times and can be 
found on the golf course, fishing or hunting.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. 
Eddie Payton for his dedication and tenacity to serving the community 
and the desire to be an example for all.

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