Walter Jerry Payton

Walter Jerry Payton second year in the pros (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Walter-payton-1-sized.jpg)

Walter Jerry Payton was not like many super heroes you think of like Spiderman or Batman. Walter had many qualities such as hardworking, ethical, and determined. He adapted to anything on the playing field and anything in his life. Walter Payton once said, “I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field.” In my opinion, and the opinion of many others, he was that person.

Walter Jerry Payton was born July 25, 1954 in Columbia, Mississippi. When he was in high school, he was in the marching band as a drummer, and the school choir. He didn’t play football at first because he didn’t want to interfere with his older brother. But when his brother graduated he joined on the condition he could continue to be part of the marching band. He became a featured player starring as his school's running back. Even after the local school integration he stayed first string. It's a good thing he did because that year he led his school to an amazing eight and two season. Although he was only 5ft 10in, his speed and strength made up for it. Unfortunately, during the school integration, his former head coach was demoted to assistant so he couldn't share in the accomplishment the same way. Walter boycotted this by not attending a single spring practice and only attending fall ones. But this season led to relieving the tension of desegregation.

Walter Payton performing his signature move (http://www.walterpayton.info/)

After high school, he didn't receive any scholarship offers so he followed in his brothers footsteps and became a Jackson State Tiger. Throughout his college career he got over 3,500 rushing yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. He also beat the NCAA record for touchdowns. He made 65 touchdowns adding up to over 400 points. This is where he developed the nickname "sweetness" for his aggressive yet graceful way of playing. In the 1975 NFL draft he was first round fourth pick to the Chicago Bears. In 1977 he was elected to play in the pro bowl after an incredible season and was later declared pro bowl MVP. With a 101 degree fever and the flu, Payton broke O.J. Simpson’s record of 273 rushing yards in a single game. Former Chicago Bear tight end Mike Ditka took over management as head coach and helped the Bears to their first super bowl victory, of course, led by Walter Payton. By the end of his career, in 1987, he had 16,726 rushing yards, 110 touchdowns, and caught 492 passes. His jersey number was retired by the Chicago Bears. Miraculously, the only game he missed in his entire career was his rookie season when his coach benched him because his ankle was injured.

With all of the records he broke and set, he was elected into the NFL Hall of Fame and the Black Football Hall of Fame. This is one of the things I respect most about him because only so many football players actually get to be elected into the Hall of Fame. He also set up one foundation called the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation. Underprivileged kids all over the Chicago area are given toys during the holiday season. This organization still operates today. He is a hero not just because he started this charity or because he set all of the records, but because he had the will and the drive to do it. This inspires me and comes back to me every time I watch a Bears game.

Walter Payton Forever (http://aliveonceagain.wordpress.com/tag/walter-payton/)

After seeing that Walter Payton had all of these amazing characteristics, accomplishments, and the will to do what is right, I see that being the best you can be can not only effect your life but others everywhere. Now that he has shown me all of these things, I want to act more like him and give life my all. Walter Payton is an example of what a TRUE hero should be.