Esks.com Staff

Add "Hall of Famer" to "SWAC" and "Swizzle" as appropriate monikers for Elfrid Payton, the former Eskimo defensive lineman who joins the Canadian Football Hall of Fame this year. With stops in Winnipeg, Shreveport, Baltimore, Montreal, Toronto and Edmonton during his stellar 14 CFL seasons, Payton was an impact player and personality wherever he went. The Grambling product called it a career with 154 sacks, second on the CFL's all-time list. Esks.com caught up with one of the CFL's legendary characters at his home in Louisiana.

What is your favorite memory of that 2002 season in Edmonton when you led the CFL in sacks and were named the league's Most Outstanding Defensive Player?

I was 35 years old and after playing in so many other places, I found that Edmonton was a first class organization, they did things the right way and I really enjoyed it. When I was released, it was a real shock because I really wanted to stay.

Is there a particular team or year that stands out for you more than any of the others?

1995 when I played in Baltimore. We won the Grey Cup and that was a special team. We were the only American team to win the Grey Cup and that was a definite highlight in my career.

You had great battles over the years with some O-linemen and quarterbacks, so any standout as particularly tough?

Uzooma Okeke in Montreal was tough. Earlier in my career, I would say Chris Walby and of course, Dave Hack. Those are the guys that really stick out.

Who was the toughest quarterback for you to track down?

Actually, the guy I had a problem getting to was probably the least athletic guy who ever played in the CFL. He had cinder blocks for feet and he goes by the name of Danny McManus. He got the ball away so quickly I couldn't get there in time.

Paul Jones, the Eskimos' Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personnel, played a big role in bringing you to Canada?

I had gone to an All-Star game coming out of Grambling. We were working out in Houston before the All-Star game and a guy from the Ottawa organization gave me his card and he told me about the CFL. My sights were set on the NFL, but I didn't get drafted. I had a coach at Grambling by the name of Steve Dennis who had played in Saskatchewan (1977-'84) and he told me about Paul Jones, who was working for Winnipeg at the time. I went over to Louisiana Tech to work out for Paul. He was timing us in the 40-yard dash, but because he didn't have anyone else helping him that day, we moved it up five yards. Needless to say, I ran an awesome 40 time. Paul looked at my speed and said he'd have to get me in front of Bombers GM/Coach Cal Murphy. Later that night I ran a true 40 yd dash and they didn't cut me. I signed for $35,000 and the rest is history.

You played your entire professional career up North, do you have a favorite city?

Winnipeg will always be special. When I first got there I remember telling people back home that it didn't get dark until 10 o'clock at night. When I watch a baseball or basketball game and they're playing one of the Canadian teams, I find myself singing along to the Canadian anthem.

The actual induction ceremony can be very emotional for some players. Have you thought about how you'll feel that day?

I do have a real feeling of accomplishment, but I'm not sure it's really sunk in just yet. I am very proud and privileged to be acknowledged by the Hall of Fame and take my place alongside all the great players. I enjoyed all the places I played in Canada