Hall of Fame
Phil Payne was a starting tight end and defensive end for the Mocs from 1967-69. He once posted 116 receiving yards on four catches in the season opening win over Austin Peay in 1968.
The Tucker, Ga., native was injured in a diving accident at Lula Lake in the summer of 1970, prior to his senior season. Students, fans and supporter started the Phil Payne fund, which raised over $25,000 in just three months to help pay for his medical expenses.
Payne was featured on the cover of the 1970 Media Guide, with the following cutline:
“Pictured on the cover is Phil Payne of Tucker, Ga., an outstanding young man who would have been a senior defensive end for the Moccasins this season. Tragically, his career was ended when a summertime diving accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. Almost immediately a drive was begun to alleviate the huge medical costs incurred. Within three months, the Phil Payne Fund approached the $25,000 level. This magnificent response is a tribute not only to the character of Phil himself, but to the people of Chattanooga as well.”
