A graduate of Mississippi State University, Champion spent two seasons as a linebacker and offensive and defensive tackle for the New York Yanks of the National Football League (NFL).
After three seasons in Greenwood, he returned to Mississippi State as line coach.
After spending one season as an assistant with the St. Louis Cardinals, he returned to the Lions, this time as head coach.
[3] Following his dismissal, Champion served as an assistant with the New Orleans Saints, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Jets, and Atlanta Falcons before his retirement after the 1979 season.
[4] He returned to coaching on an interim basis in 1980 after the resignation of Green Bay Packers defensive line coach Fred von Appen.