[1] Garrison accepted a football scholarship from Oklahoma State University, with the intention of playing defense as a linebacker.
[2] In the spring of 1963, Phil Cutchin became the new head coach and moved Garrison to running back, even though he hadn't played the position in high school.
[4] As a junior in 1964, he led the Big Eight Conference in rushing with 730 yards, ahead of Jim Grisham and Gale Sayers.
In 1969, he took over at fullback after the retirement of Don Perkins, posting a career-high 818 rushing yards, while scoring 2 touchdowns and forming one of the league's best running back duos with Calvin Hill.
[12] It was reported in the media, that the trainers needed 36 yards of tape to get him ready to play in Super Bowl V. During Dallas' championship season of 1971, he showed his pass-catching skills, leading the team with 40 receptions.
[13] In 1972, Garrison was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated for its pro football preview issue; the photo was from Super Bowl VI in January.
He was named to the Pro Bowl, after registering 784 yards and 7 touchdowns, even though he was a part of a three-headed rushing attack.
In 1973, he suffered pinched nerves in his neck during training camp and had headaches so severe that he couldn't sleep.
In June 1975, Garrison made an appearance at the College National Rodeo Finals in Bozeman, Montana; a knee injury he sustained in an exhibition steer wrestling accident ended his pro football career.
He established the Walt Garrison Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and later resided in Argyle, Texas.