Payton family honored by tribute to NFL great

Alexander Robinson
Associate Editor

Alyne Payton is honored by Jackson State University’s tangible tribute to her son, Walter, as well as the many other honors he received both in Chicago, and in the athletic community.

As students, staff and faculty gathered at the Walton Payton Health and Wellness Center last week to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the building’s opening, the mother of the NFL Hall of Fame running back and JSU alumnus, beamed.

“Words can’t express…I am so happy. The pride this building gives me keeps me going; to think they would construct such a building in his honor,” she said, sitting with her grandchildren and some former Jackson State students.

The Payton Center, opened in 2006, serves the university and the community by providing programs and services aimed at producing more health conscious individuals.

Eddie Payton, Walter’s brother and JSU golf coach, has seen the Wellness Center go from being just an idea to the state of the art facility it is today.

“I’ve been at JSU for 20 years. President James Lyons came up with the concept, President Mason made it a reality.” said Payton.

Payton admires the facility which bears his brother’s name.

“I’m still awed by how magnificent the building has become, and thankful for the Student Government Association’s contribution to the development.” said Payton, in reference to student fees paid every semester to support the Wellness Center.

AJ Baker, a freshman therapeutic recreation major from Jackson, Miss., said the center is popular among students.  “They have state of the art facilities, and they do a lot of great things for their patrons,’’ Baker stated.

Among the people who use the facility are alumni and community members such as the Assistant Chief of the Jackson Police Department Lee Vance, who was part of a 12-week fitness program JSU PHAT (Proud, Healthy, and Trim).  Vance was recognized as the UPHAT winner for his 28 pound weight loss.

“This is a great accomplishment in my life,” said Vance. “I would like to thank the Walter Payton staff. As an alumnus of JSU, I now feel closer to the university.

Vance said one of the challenges he faced was balancing his time to get the most out of the program. “I had to prioritize because I really don’t have much time, but I made time to be a part of the program,” he stated.

UPHAT™, a concept created by officials at the Walter Payton Center, was developed for faculty/staff members who showed wavering spirits of motivation for working out consistently. The 12-week fitness system is designed specifically for those participants who are serious about changing their physical, mental, and emotional being by becoming proud, healthy, and trim. The concept promotes holistic healthy lifestyle changes through personal growth, improved nutrition and increased physical activity. Each season, WPC determines which Payton Center classification will be served during the UPHAT™ Lifestyle Challenge. Students, faculty/staff, alumni and community have participated in previous seasons.