Charles Hughes receives Walter Payton Achievement Award
SWAC.org
Alcorn State’s Charles Hughes has been named the 2016 recipient of the Walter Payton Achievement Award. Named in honor of Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, an All-American who starred at Jackson State from 1971-1974. Launched in 2008, and presented for the first time in partnership with The Undefeated — the award is presented to one player from each school participating in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)/Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Challenge, who are high achievers in the classroom and key contributors on the field.
Voting for the 2016 Walter Payton Achievement Award began July 19 and closed Aug. 19. The final two winners were announced be announced at the welcome banquet this afternoon at the Daytona International Speedway.
The 12th annual game, which showcases and celebrates teams from historically black colleges and universities, will feature Bethune-Cookman University (from the MEAC) vs. Alcorn State University (SWAC). The game is set for Sept. 4 at 1 p.m. EST at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium and be televised on ESPN. A member of the College and Pro Football halls of fame, the elder Payton played his entire NFL career with the Chicago Bears (1975-87). Payton died in 1999 at the age of 45 after struggling with a rare liver disease. Payton’s legacy also includes college football’s Walter Payton Award and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
Charles Hughes
Hometown: Macon, Mississippi
Major: Chemistry
Class: Senior
Hughes played in all 11 games as the Braves sure-handed wide receiver last season. The versatile wideout and return man — the third person in his family to wear the No. 5 — also runs track. “He is the true definition of a hard worker both on and off the field,” McNair said.