Eddie Payton is a 73 year-old former NFL player and golf coach. Born on August 3, 1951, Payton is proof that an athlete can excel in two different sports. After retiring from active football in 1982, the African-American quickly transitioned into coaching a university’s golf team. Despite having no prior coaching experience, the former running back and kick returner went on to achieve great success and build an impressive resume.
Eddie, who was once an avid golfer and football enthusiast, is now a married man with children. Though he has taken a step back from his favorite sports, he still takes pleasure in sharing his expert opinion with those who ask for it. Eddie’s unwavering commitment, discipline, and hard work have helped him accumulate wealth that has afforded his family a comfortable life.
Full name: Edward Charles Payton
Nick Name: Eddie
Date of birth: August 3, 1951
Age: 73 years old
Place of birth: Columbia, Mississippi
Parents: Peter Payton and Alyne Payton
Siblings: Pamela Payton and Walter Payton
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Black
Sexuality: Straight
Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Rica Lewis-Payton
Children: Edward Payton and Erica Payton
Networth: $2 million
Eddie PaytonEarly Life and Education
Eddie was born August 3, 1951, in Columbia Mississippi to Peter and Alyne Payton. He is currently 73 years old. The star athlete was the first of three children. His deceased younger brother Walter Payton was a superstar NFL player who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
Eddie’s parents held down multiple jobs to provide their children with a life that was only a dream for most of their community. Their strong work ethic was a significant influence on Eddie and his siblings, helping them to rise to stardom. Since childhood, Eddie Payton has shown interest in a variety of outdoor activities and sports. He has played golf, water-skied, played baseball, and gone hunting and fishing.
During his time at Jefferson High School in Columbia, Mississippi, Eddie was known for his athleticism in multiple sports, including football, basketball, and track. After graduating, he was offered a scholarship to play football at Jackson State University, a predominantly black institution. Eddie became a star player as their running back and eventually graduated with a degree in Mathematics, Physical Education, and Recreation.
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Who is Eddie Payton’s Wife?
The golf coach and also former NFL player is married to Rica Lewis-Payton. His wife is a retired healthcare executive with almost four decades of work experience. She spent 30 years at the Department of Veterans Affairs and about four years as Mississippi Medicaid Commissioner, becoming the first African American woman to hold that position. In 2016, she retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs but continues to offer executive coaching, leadership training, and consulting services. Additionally, she serves as the Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees at Talladega College.
A Look at Eddie Payton’s Children
Eddie’s marriage to Rica is blessed with two children named Edward Payton and Erica Payton.
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Edward Payton
Edward Payton is the son of Eddie Payton. Like his mother, he is pursuing a career in the healthcare system and works for the Department of Veterans Affairs. There is no doubt that his mother’s passion for the health and welfare of American veterans influenced him. In 2020, he announced through a Facebook post that he had been promoted to the position of Chief of Medical Administration Services. He got married to his sweetheart in November 2023.
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Erica Payton
Erica Payton is the daughter of Eddie Payton. She graduated with a degree in Political Science from Jackson State University. Unlike her brother, who pursued their mother’s career path, Erica decided to follow her father’s passion for playing golf. In September 2023, she was inducted into the Jackson State University Sports Hall of Fame to recognize her contributions to the sport.
His Career: From Football to Golf Coach
Eddie Payton was a Kick Return Specialist who played in the NFL from 1977 to 1982. He played for various teams during his five-year career, including the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings before retiring. After achieving success as a football player, he decided to pursue golf, which he considers his true passion.
Eddie had the perfect opportunity to play golf when Jackson State University needed a golf coach. Although he had never led a golf team before, he saw this as an opportunity to give back to the college for the role it had played in his family’s life. Eddie and his siblings had received scholarships from the institution.
Fortunately, he was hired for the position even without prior coaching experience. He was offered $4,000 to coach both the men’s and women’s golf teams for a year. Despite not having a golf course or players at the school, Eddie was not discouraged. Instead, he was inspired to build an impressive legacy.
During his tenure as a golf coach from 1986 to 2016, Eddie Payton transformed the Jackson State University golf team into a dominant force among the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) community. Eddie and his men’s golf team secured a total of 25 Southwestern Athletic Conference titles (SWAC), and in 1996, his guidance helped the team become the first HBCU to qualify for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) golf regional. The women’s team also performed remarkably well, winning 14 SWAC titles.
Eddie’s exceptional leadership qualities earned him SWAC Coach of the Year 21 times and National Minority Coach of the Year. In recognition of his efforts, Eddie was inducted into the Black College Golf Coaches Hall of Fame. During his 30-year tenure as a coach, Payton had the privilege of playing golf with four serving U.S. Presidents.
Where is Eddie Payton Now?
Eddie retired in 2016 after coaching the men’s and women’s golf teams at Jackson State University. Despite his retirement, he still offers his expert opinion to those seeking advice. Eddie enjoys speaking to and motivating young athletes whenever he is called upon. The 73 year-old still plays golf to keep fit and lives in Jackson, Mississippi.
How Much is the Former NFL Player Worth?
Eddie Payton has accumulated a considerable fortune through his successful career as an NFL player and as a coach for a university golf team. Despite the tendency for many athletes to live extravagant lifestyles, Eddie has chosen to maintain a modest way of living and has kept a low profile on social media. Nevertheless, his net worth is estimated to be $2 million.
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