Alexis Anderson
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
Eddie Payton, head golf coach at Jackson State University and brother of former JSU alumnus and NFL Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, is releasing a biography about his brother, saying that he thinks there’s a record that needs to be set straight.
Payton states that “Walter and Me: Standing in the Shadow of Sweetness,” will include a better insight into the life of his famous brother, a glimpse into the childhood experiences they both shared and a look at his younger brother’s NFL career.
Payton and co-authors Paul Brown and Craig Wiley worked together for two years to write the book, which also includes a forward from his brother’s former NFL coach Mike Ditka. Ultimately Payton believes that the final product was worth the time.
“My family and I are very pleased with the reception we have received. There are people who want to see Walter’s legacy live on and the establishment he made before he died,” said Payton.
Coach Payton wasn’t thrilled with “Sweetness: The Enigmatic Life of Walter Payton,” a biography written in 2011 by Jeff Pearlman. He felt that the book portrayed his brother in a negative light by tarnishing his reputation.
“I wanted to write this book because it was therapeutic and will give a better perspective for anyone who didn’t know him,” he said. “The book that was released prior wasn’t a factual biography about my brother and I wanted to write this book because I wanted to emphasize Walter’s accomplishments and contributions.”
He added: “Jeff Pearlman wrote the book based off self recognition and making money, he didn’t care about the facts. The family didn’t see a single dime from the publication of the book.”
Payton believes that when readers learn about his brother’s status as a respected football player, they will get a humanistic depiction of him as a regular guy that grew up in Columbus, Miss.
“I think the book will provide motivation, realism and a different look about Walter’s life rather than the glamour and perfection that people see on television. Usually people only see the finished product of a celebrity’s life but it is important to know the struggles that the athlete had endured in his life and his NFL career. I want people to know the person he became,” said Payton.
Payton’s aim with the book is not to continue the legacy of Walter Payton, but to let people know about his life and career.
“The accolades and his work ethic have made his legacy what it needs to be. Most of the athletes at JSU weren’t born when Walter played football; they’re usually concerned with their own careers rather than the history. I hope they will read the book and get a better understanding about the legend,” said Payton.
Payton is also thinking about writing a second book about ways to become being goal orientated and an over achiever in sports. “Walter and Me” is currently available on Amazon.com and has been a number one seller for two months. The approximate cost of the book is $26.00. Payton is working on having the JSU bookstore sell the book for the students, faculty, and staff.
Payton is working on a book signing for students on campus. There have already been book signings in Huntsville, Ala., Birmingham, Ala., and Indiana. The proceeds of the book will go to Walter Payton scholarship at JSU for students. For more information about “Walter Payton and Me: Standing in the Shadows of Sweetness,” call JSU athletic department at (601) 979-2291 or visit www.Amazon.com.
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