Johnnie Walton
Boston Breakers
Johnnie Walton was a talented quarterback with all the physical tools required by the NFL -- 6'2", 200 pounds, a bazooka for an arm. But NFL scouts turned a cold shoulder for two reasons -- Walton was from a small college and he was black. Black quarterbacks just didn't have a chance in the NFL of the late 60s and early 70s. He wasn't drafted by anyone and he was cut twice by the Rams and once by the WFL's Chicago Fire. He was forced to play for minor-league outfits in Indianapolis and Columbus. Then in 1975, he signed on with the WFL's San Antonio Wings and had a great season, leading the league in completions, attempts, passing yards and touchdown passes. His performance was good enough to earn him a spot with the Eagles from 1976 through 1978. After coaching his alma mater, Elizabeth City State College in North Carolina, he came back and tore up USFL defenses like he did those of the WFL, setting league standards along the way.
