Jeff Thorne, who named Payton after Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, took two years off to be able to watch his son play at Auburn and now works in sales for GoRout.

A 13-time Pro Bowler and 3-time Super Bowl champion, Rice’s influence extends far beyond his stats—he made every small-school dream look possible. 2. Walter Payton – Jackson State (Drafted ...