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Walls played high school football in
Pontotoc,
Mississippi. He spent his first
three years as a quarterback at South Pontotoc High School. Before his
senior year, he transferred to Pontotoc High, the rival high school.
Walls' transfer caused such an uproar in the area, the case went to
court, and Walls' eligibility for baseball and basketball was denied. He
switched to fullback his senior year, and made the all-state team.
College career
Walls' ability at Pontotoc High earned him a scholarship to the
University of Mississippi. He actually played defensive end for three
years, but became a linebacker in his senior year. In addition, he
played tight end. In a rare move under today's football system, Walls
actually started both positions in a game against Memphis State
University. After realizing that playing both offense and defense would
be too much, he became the team's permanent tight end. He was still
utilized on third-down situations as a pass rusher, however. He earned
All-America honors as a senior.
Pro career
Walls was drafted in the 2nd round
(56th overall) by the San Francisco
49ers in the 1989 NFL Draft. Despite early success in his career,
including catching a nine-yard pass in the 49ers 55-10 slaughter of the
Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV, he was second on the depth chart
behind All-Pro Brent Jones. He spent the entire 1992 NFL season and 1993
NFL season on injured reserve because of nagging shoulder injuries. In
1994, he signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints. Walls spent
two seasons with the Saints, setting the team record for tight end
receptions in 1995 with 57. He then signed a deal with the Carolina
Panthers to become their starting tight end. It was in Carolina that
Walls finally broke out as a player. He made the Pro Bowl five times:
1996-1999, and 2001 (he was injured during most of the 2000 NFL season,
presumably the reason he didn't make the team that year). He signed with
the Green Bay Packers for the 2003 NFL season, mostly backing up Bubba
Franks, and retired the following year. Walls finished his career with
450 catches for 5,291 yards and 54 touchdowns. Upon his retirement, he
was considered one of the premier tight ends in the game.
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