Photo: James Goss Jr. wins 2026 Walter Payton Award

James Goss Jr., a 14-year-old 8th grader at Bouchet Elementary Math and Science Academy in South Shore, wins the Chicago Park District's 2026 Walter Payton Award.Here he is introduced by the Jackson Park Advisory Committee during its monthly meeting at the park's fieldhouse, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave., Nov. 5, 2026.The award is given by the Chicago Park District each year to a player in the district's Junior Bear Football league for "exemplary leadership, integrity, and academic achievement."James was chosen from a slate of 12 players from 12 different parks nominated by their coaches. The award was presented October 31 at Soldier Field during the Mum Bowl - the final Junior Bear league game of the year between the top two teams. This year the Ogden Park Vikings defeated the LaFollette Park Wildcats 28-0.James was nominated by his coaches, Pierre Nealon and Jamal Lancaster. He has played for four years with Jackson Park's Junior Bear Program, this past year as a lineman.

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