Johnnie Walton joins Black College Hall of Fame
Fred Jeter | 12/15/2022, 6 p.m.
Johnnie Walton, the first African-American quarterback to lead his team to a professional championship, is part of the Black College Hall of Fame Class of 2023.
In 1969, the Elizabeth City State alumnus helped the India- napolis Capitols defeat the San Antonio Toros, 44-38, for the Continental League title.
Walton, now 75, played three seasons with the NFL Philadelphia Eagles, appearing in 15 games in late 1970s.
Other HBCU players selected for the Hall include:
•Leslie Frazier (Alcorn State)
•Harry Lawrence and Tyrone McGriff (Florida A&M)
•Jim Marsalis (Tennessee State)
•Albert Lewis (Grambling)
•Elijah Pitts (Philander Smith)
Pitts scored two touchdowns for the Green Bay Packers in the first Super Bowl in 1966.
Also honored as a coach is Pete Richardson, who led the programs at Southern University and Winston-Salem State.
The Class of 2023 will be recognized Feb. 25 at halftime of the Legacy Bowl in New Orleans with the NFL Network covering the game.
The BCHOF induction ceremonies are scheduled to take place in Atlanta on June 10, 2023.
