Former Jets head coach Joe Walton dies at 85
Joe Walton, who coached the New York Jets for seven seasons, died Sunday, his former college football program announced. He was 85.
A seven-year NFL veteran for Washington and the New York Giants, Walton rose through the coaching ranks after his playing days and took over the Jets in 1983 after two seasons as the team's offensive coordinator. He guided the team to a pair of playoff appearances in 1985 and 1986, but was fired in 1989 after a 4-12 season.
As a coach, Walton had a hand in the NFL careers of Rich Kotite, Bud Carson, Joe Theismann, Fran Tarkenton, Norm Snead, Ken O'Brien and Richard Todd at different stops. He held a 53-57-1 record with the Jets.
The Jets released a statement Sunday recognizing Walton's accomplishments.
A statement from the New York Jets. pic.twitter.com/Q8XxEAIVHU
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 16, 2021
After Walton's NFL career, he turned to the college ranks and took over the newly created football team at Robert Morris, which he coached for nearly two decades until his retirement in 2013.
He held a 115-92-1 record at RMU, with six conference championships and an undefeated season in 2000.
News of Walton's death triggered an outpouring of emotion from his NFL and college acquaintances:
Coach Joe Walton passed today. He was my coach, and my friend. He taught me how to play QB at the pro level. He touched so many lives whether it was in pro ball or at the college level. We all have a part of Joe with us. Rest In Peace Pops.
— Joe Theismann (@Theismann7) August 15, 2021
R.I.P to a Legend. Thank you for giving me a chance to learn from you as a player and as an assistant at @RMU. You have made a tremendous impact on me and so many other players/coaches. We are forever indebted. “The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.” Love you Coach! pic.twitter.com/qoQ5kvZgl4
— Myles Russ (@CoachMylesRuss) August 15, 2021
Coach Walton was more than just a football coach. He was a great man who taught us life lessons to become better people. His teachings reached far beyond X’s & O’s. Teachings that I share with my team today. Thank you for everything you have done for me! #ripcoachwalton pic.twitter.com/0B3zNG578g
— Jake Nulph (@CoachNulph) August 15, 2021
Loss of a legend and the architect of @RMU_Football Had the chance to play against his teams in college and was able to meet him in 2018. Great, hard-nosed teams & an unbelievable person who his players absolutely loved & admired. Our prayers & thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/FyVzZ6SaWO
— Dave Plungas (@CoachPlungasRMU) August 15, 2021
In Memoriam: Joe Walton
1935-2021 pic.twitter.com/eK2ihinpbs— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) August 16, 2021
Sending our condolences to the @RMU_Football family after hearing of the passing of legendary coach Joe Walton. pic.twitter.com/eCNOMQKXka
— Monmouth Hawks (@MonmouthHawks) August 15, 2021
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