November 10, 2011

EIU Communication Alumnus Sean Payton honored by NCAA

Sean Payton

One of Eastern's most well-known graduates in Communication is being honored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Sean Payton (B.A. '87) is one of six former student-athletes named as recipients of the NCAA's Silver Anniversary Award, which annually recognizes distinguished individuals on the 25th anniversary of the conclusion of their college athletic careers.

Payton is the coach of the Super Bowl XLIV Champion New Orleans Saints and was NFL Coach of the Year in 2006.  Prior to becoming head coach of the Saints, Payton served as an assistant coach for NFL and college teams.  Payton played in the NFL, Arena Football League, and Canadian Football League and still holds eleven passing records at Eastern.  The E.I.U. Athletics Hall of Famer also created the Play It Forward Foundation to raise funds for families in need and was a key figure in helping to revitalize the Saints and the city of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Payton will receive the award at the NCAA's Honors Celebration on January 13th at the NCAA Convention in Indianapolis.  Other recipients for 2012 are ESPN announcer Doris Burke, former NFL and Notre Dame star Tim Brown, former NBA stars David Robinson and Kevin Johnson, and Amy Perko, who is Executive Director of the Knight Foundation.