College football: Murray State retires Clayton’s No. 21 jersey

MURRAY, Ky. — Former Malden High School football Don Clayton had already been inducted into the Murray State University Hall of Fame.

Now, the school has decided to retire his number.

Earlier this week, Murray State athletic director Nico Yantko met with Clayton and told him No. 21 will become the third number retired in the football program's 99-year history.

Here's Don Clayton's Hall of Fame plaque at Murray State University in Kentucky. Clayton was enshrined in the school's hall in 1981, and recently his No. 21 would be retired. (Submitted photo by Murray State University)

Clayton joins Larry Tillman and Michael Proctor, who wore Nos. 10 and 11, respectively for the Racers.

As Yantko made the announcement in front of Clayton, Don's hands covered his face, but that couldn't hide the jubilation in his heart.

“I tried not to cry, but the tears were coming,” Clayton said in a telephone interview with the Delta Dunklin Democrat Friday afternoon. “It was overwhelming, and I wasn't ready for it. This meant a whole lot to me.”

Others have chimed in on Clayton's recognition.

“Congratulations, brother,” said Cecil Wolberton on the Murray Racer football alumni Facebook group page. “It's well-deserved.”

Wolberton said Clayton has been “Everybody's All-American” at the university.

The Malden School District retired Clayton's No. 40 jersey many years ago, and a banner hangs in the rafters of the gymnasium as a memento.

Clayton's career at Murray State began inauspiciously, suffering an unspecified injury during the 1970 season. He also redshirted during the 1971 season.

“I remember when I got injured, the operators told me I would never play football again,” Clayton said. “But, I had a lot of good people behind me.”

Still, Clayton soldiered on, worked hard, and returned the roster in 1972.

One year later, everything came together for him, becoming a Kodak College Division I All-American, one of only three juniors selected for that prestigious squad. He was the 14th All-American in school history.

During that junior season in 1973, Clayton rushed for 1,403 yards on 242 carries. He followed that outstanding campaign with the following totals as a senior: 276 carries, 1,257 yards. He was a two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference player.

His single-season rushing record lasted until 1995 when Derrick Cullors broke it.

Clayton remains as the career rushing attempts (557) and yards (2,804) leader in school history.

After Murray State, Clayton was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 15th round, which was the 378th pick overall.

The top-two selections were former Atlanta Falcon quarterback Steve Bartkowski and legendary Dallas Cowboy linebacker Randy White.

Upon getting drafted, then Murray State head football coach Bill Furgerson said the following quote in the Murray Ledger & Times.

“The best thing about Don is his size and speed,” the coach said. “Combine his physical strength and his great attitude on life, and you have the makings of a successful athlete.”

Only a short time after playing for Murray State, in 1981, Clayton was inducted into the school's athletic Hall of Fame.

Graduating from Murray State with a double degree in criminology and physical education, Clayton returned to The Bootheel and served as both a head and assistant football coach at Malden.

He also was an athletic director and assistant principal for a couple of school districts in South Carolina.

Clayton retired a handful of years ago, and he currently lives in Cadiz, which is roughly 40 miles from Murray.