a decent TE. I don't remember much about him as a coach (HC or OC). Unfortunately, my most lasting memory of him was that seemingly got caught each week on camera picking his nose.
If his Jets teams had a better QB, they may have made some noise.
Under-sized but solid TE when that and the Split End and Flanker positions were all emerging from the old and more general "End" concept of tall guys.
This was when the pro game was LEADING the evolution of football, and evolving away from the college game, not trying to emulate it like it is today.
Walton wasn't blessed with outstanding size or speed, but he was a real pro who could block and catch, a "move the chains" guy who, unlike most TEs of today, also actually helped in the running game. Wore number 80 if I remember correctly. Not a big star, but a solid starter on a serious Championship contender and an important member of the team nevertheless.
Black Jack with my girlfriend’s father and it’s just the two of us at the table and we’re having a nice run. Here comes Joe Walton who sits down at our table, and immediately the worm turns. The dealer starts hammering all three of us. After about 10 hands, my girlfriend’s father has had it and stands up to leave, saying “Let’s get out of here. This guy is a loser.”
how could the Jets head coach not be? Fast forward 20 years and I meet a friend who went to Robert Morris. He told me how they had a good football team. Go on Wikipedia probably 10 years later and find out he is the coach. Definitely served as a learning experience and a leveling event. I could actually feel happy for a former Jets head coach. Amazing how growing up changes your perspective. is a shame to hear he died.
Actually spent more time than with the Giants as a player and scout. Unfortunately it was during lean years.
I started watching the BFL in the 80's and I remember he had a really good reputation as a OC for being creative at the time. HC was pretty mixed.
RIP
If his Jets teams had a better QB, they may have made some noise.
RIP Joe.
This was when the pro game was LEADING the evolution of football, and evolving away from the college game, not trying to emulate it like it is today.
Walton wasn't blessed with outstanding size or speed, but he was a real pro who could block and catch, a "move the chains" guy who, unlike most TEs of today, also actually helped in the running game. Wore number 80 if I remember correctly. Not a big star, but a solid starter on a serious Championship contender and an important member of the team nevertheless.
Have to admit, it cracked me up at the time.
He and Walt Michael’s always blended together as Jets head coaches to me.