The most asked question after every college football offseason is, "Who won the Walter Payton Award?" It's an honor given to the most skilled athlete. The FCS football and sports media are always looking forward to the hardworking recipient who proves their excellence.

The winner of this award is never an ordinary player, but an athlete who proves himself to be a winner. In this article, we will explore the most recent recipient whose excellence led him to the Walter Payton Award.

What is the Walter Payton Award?

What was its origin?

The Walter Payton Award, which was once known as the Division I-AA, was for the recognition of the most outstanding player. The award is named after a brilliant player Walter Payton and his brilliant performance is still remembered.

How is the winner selected?

To determine "Who won the Walter Payton Award," there is a voting process that includes more than 100 people. On the basis of these votes from media members, sports information directors, and broadcasters, the winner is selected and the results are announced. The regular-season performance of all the players is judged, and on the basis of this judgment, voting is done.

Have quarterbacks made history?

Over the past eight to nine years, quarterbacks have not given this honor to anybody else. They have made history by winning the title more than two dozen times. Cooper Kupp and Adrian Peterson also won the title occasionally.

Walter Payton Award’s Significance

The Walter Payton Award is not merely a trophy rather it is an honor that highlights the most skilled athlete. When people are curious to know about the winner of the Walter Payton Award they are pointing toward the athlete who has always been a leader of all.

Who is the latest winner?

What does the Frisco Awards Banquet have to say?

The honor of announcing the latest winner of the Walter Payton Award one day before the beginning of the national championship game goes to the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet in Frisco, Texas. Everyone was really eager to know the name of the winner.

The Actual Winner

Tommy Mellott is the name that will be remembered for years. He was the senior quarterback from Montana State University. Now, when someone asks about who won the Walter Payton Award just say Touchdown Tommy.

He was the first athlete from his school to win this award. He was always considered one of the best students in the field of financial engineering apart from his sports life.

Was the final voting tough?

It was extremely tough to select the winner. About 147 votes were cast for Mellott and 137 for Cam Miller, which made clear who the actual winner was. Targhee Lambson got 115 votes and secured third place. The difference in votes was minor among the players, but only one remained at the top, and that was Tommy Mellott.

What is the benefit of winning this award?

The National Visibility

When the winner is announced, he gains national popularity. If the player belongs to a school, he, along with his school’s team, becomes famous and their confidence is boosted, as was done with Tommy Mellott and Montana State.

Comparison and The Future Benefits

Sports media and fans compare the winner of the Walter Payton Award to previous winners such as Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Cooper Kupp, and Trey Lance. The award opens many professional opportunities for the athlete.

What does the future hold for Tommy Mellott?

• In the sixth round, the Las Vegas Raiders decided to enter Tommy Mellott into the professional ranks.
• Mellott was a quarterback in college, but now he was seen as an athlete.
• Mellott secured his rookie contract. The benefit of this contract was that he would be able to participate in the Raiders’ rookie minicamp immediately.
• He is considered a special weapon on the team.
• A transition from FCS to NFL could be seen as the Raiders consider him a returner and not just a receiver.
• Mellott will get a chance to be trained under professional trainers like Chip Kelly and the WR coach, which will help him grow in his profession.
• He has paved the way for future FCS athletes to make it in the league.
• His name is listed alongside other greats in the history of college football.
• The winner is invited to speak at banquets and alumni events and becomes the face of the programs.

In Conclusion

We can say that the question of "Who won the Walter Payton Award?" refers to the honor given to the best athlete. The title is awarded after a voting system. Currently, Tommy Mellott holds this honor.

He achieved this milestone himself, and also paved the way for his school and his juniors. This win is a very special moment in college football history and it will definitely be remembered forever.