As a senior at Howard Payne in 1973, L.J. Clayton was First Team All-Lone Star Conference and All-American as wide receiver. He led the Yellow Jackets in pass receptions, touchdown passes and punt return yards. The wide receiver from Fort Worth Trimble Tech entered Howard Payne in 1969, playing football and running track. In 1974, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Clayton as a free agent. He was released in pre-season but was soon signed by the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts. In his CFL rookie season, he was runner-up for Rookie of the Year, playing wide receiver and cornerback. During his time in the CFL, he became known as “Lime Juice” or “Lemon Juice” Clayton. He played three seasons with the Argonauts and then one season with the Ottawa Roughriders. He returned to HPU, graduating in 1978. He later earned his master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University and a Bible certification from South Texas School of Christian Studies. He spent over 30 years in education, teaching physical education and English. Since 2010, Clayton has served as pastor at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in San Antonio. Clayton is a member of HPU’s Board of Trustees and the African American Alumni Chapter of the HPU Alumni Association. In 2023, he and his wife, Lori (Hassel) Clayton were honored with HPU’s Medal of Service alumni award.