“He’s the best football player I ever saw.” That’s how Walter Payton’s former coach, Mike Ditka, once described the man known as “Sweetness.” Payton, who starred at Mississippi’s Jackson State from 1971 to ’74, is renowned for his athletic exploits during 13 jaw-dropping seasons in Chicago. Six student-athletescompeting in this year’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge have been nominated by their schools to hoist the third annual Walter Payton Achievement Award. Two winners—one from each school—will be selected on Sept. 3, after the votes have been tallied. May the best men win! Meet the nominees »Vote now» Payton Award announcement
TICKETS & TRAVEL Individual tickets costs $20 (plus tax and fees) and will be available through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. Fans can also purchase travel packages through Anthony Travel’s website or by calling 1-888-632-6951.MORE
WALTER PAYTON ACHIEVEMENT AWARD The third annual Walter Payton Achievement Award was created to honor one of football’s greatest players. The award is given to one player from each team participating in this sixth annual game. 2009 Winners
EVENTS & HAPPS Where the party at? Our partner at Frontline Promotions will tell us. But we got plenty of other happs: the Battle of the Bands, Fan Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, The Great Tailgate … get your popcorn ready people! MORE
