51 Pro Football Hall of Famers from small schools

There have been a number of players from small schools that have gone on to careers as Pro Football Hall of Famers.

Walter Payton

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The 5-10, 200-pound Walter Payton rushed for 3,563 yards in four seasons at Jackson State before being taken fourth overall by the Chicago Bears in 1975. The records he held at the time of his retirement included 16,726 total yards, 10 seasons with 1,000 or more yards rushing, 275 yards rushing in one game against Minnesota (1977), 77 games with more than 100 yards rushing, and 110 rushing touchdowns. Payton had 4,368 combined net attempts and accounted for 21,803 combined net yards. He also scored 750 points on 125 touchdowns. Payton won the NFC rushing title five straight years from 1976- 1980. Payton was selected as the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1977 and 1985, the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1977 and 1985 and the NFC Most Valuable Player in 1977.

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