[1] Walton played college football at Elizabeth City State University in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) for four seasons (1965–1968).

Walton was not drafted coming out of college but was signed as a free agent by the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League in March 1969.

He participated in several preseason games with the Rams in 1969–1972 but was never able to make the active roster during the season and spent most of his time on the taxi squad (practice team).

In 1969, after not making the Los Angeles Rams team, Walton played for the Indianapolis Capitols of the Continental Football League.

In 1983, Walton was convinced by Dick Coury, the head coach of the Boston Breakers of the newly formed United States Football League (USFL), to give quarterbacking one more chance.

After leaving the NFL, Walton become head football coach at his alma mater, Elizabeth City State University, on January 15, 1980.

He was the head coach from 1980 to 1982 compiling a 20–10–1 overall record (14–7 in the CIAA) He left Elizabeth City State in 1983 to return to pro football as the quarterback of the Boston Breakers.