Samuel Thaw Walton (January 3, 1943 – May 9, 2002) was an American professional football tackle who played three seasons with the New York Jets and Houston Oilers. He was selected by the Jets in the third round of the 1968 NFL/AFL draft after playing college football at East Texas State University. He was a member of the Jets team that won Super Bowl III.

Early life and college

Samuel Thaw Walton was born on January 3, 1943, in Memphis, Tennessee.[1] He attended Melrose High School in Memphis.[1]

Walton was a member of the East Texas State Lions of East Texas State University from 1964 to 1967 and a three-year letterman from 1965 to 1967.[1]

Professional career

Walton was selected by the New York Jets in the third round, with the 72nd overall pick, of the 1968 NFL draft.[2] He started all 14 games for the Jets in 1968.[2] He also played in both playoff games, including the Super Bowl III victory over the Baltimore Colts.[2] Walton appeared in six games, starting five, during the 1969 season.[2]

In May 1970, Walton was traded to the New Orleans Saints for a draft pick, which was dependent on Walton making the team.[3] On September 18, 1970, before the start of the season, it was reported that Walton had been waived by the Saints.[4]

Walton signed with the Houston Oilers in 1971.[5] He played in all 14 games, starting 13, for the Oilers during the 1971 season. He was released in 1972.[5]

Walton was drafted by the New York Stars of the World Football League in March 1974.[5] He signed with the team but was released later that year.[5]

Personal life

After his football career ended, Walton became homeless on the streets of Memphis and died of a heart attack in 2002. His teammates had attempted to help him but were unsuccessful.[6][7]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Sam Walton". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d "Sam Walton". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  3. ^ Fox, Larry (May 3, 1970). "Jets Deal Walton to NO, Neidert to Chi for Picks". New York Daily News. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  4. ^ "Axe Falls Sharply". Corpus Christi Caller-Times. September 18, 1970. p. 12. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d "Sam Walton Transactions". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  6. ^ EeskenaziI, GErald (May 16, 2002). "Sam Walton, 59, Jets Tackle Who Wound Up Homeless". The New York Times. Retrieved August 3, 2014.
  7. ^ Martino, Andy (October 26, 2008). "Offensive tackle Sam Walton becomes casualty of Jets' success". nydailynews.com. Retrieved August 3, 2014.
Allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Walton_(American_football)
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