The Walter Payton Trophy (also known as EAS Speed & Strength Award) has been awarded annually since 2005 to the most athletic high school football player in the United States. Modeled after one of the NFL's all-time greats, Walter Payton, the award is given to the nation's fastest, strongest and most dedicated high school football player that best represents Payton's athleticism, hard work and ideals.
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee and EAS announce four finalists annually in December. These four athletes traveled to the Athletes' Performance training facility in Tempe, Arizona. Here they work out with athletic trainers and competed in a series of speed, strength and agility tests. The Trophy presentation takes place after the high school season at a formal dinner on the evening before the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in early January.
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High school football awards
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| Team award |
- USA Today/National Prep Poll High School Football National Championship
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| Overall trophies |
- Hall Trophy
- Sam B. Nicola Trophy
- Gatorade Player of the Year Award
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| Overall media awards |
- Parade Player of the Year
- USA Today Offensive Player of the Year
- USA Today Defensive Player of the Year
- Mr. Football USA
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| Positional awards |
- Anthony Muñoz Award (Lineman)
- Dick Butkus Award (Linebacker)
- Walter Payton Trophy (Best Athlete)
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| All-Americans |
- Parade High School All-Americans
- USA Today All-USA Team
- ESPN RISE All-Americans
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| Class awards |
- ESPN RISE National Junior Player of the Year (Best Junior)
- ESPN RISE National Sophomore Player of the Year (Best Sophomore)
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| Head Coaching awards |
- Bill Yoast Trophy
- USA Today Coach of the Year
- ESPN RISE Coach of the Year
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| Academic, inspirational, and versatility awards |
- Rudy Award (inspirational/motivational)
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| Regional awards |
- Glenn Davis Award (Los Angeles)
- Kennedy Award (West Virginia)
- Thomas A. Simone Award (Kansas City)
- Mr. Football Award (Multiple States)
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Walter Payton Trophy winners
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- 2005: R. Reynolds
- 2006: T. Mays
- 2007: A. Benn
- 2008: N. Bradham
- 2009: C. Michael
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