Walter Payton

The Amazing Walter Payton (Wikipedia)

Walter Payton wrote the book, and Michael Jordan read it. Most people think that Michael Jordan was the only athletic icon from Chicago, but there was someone else who did so much more. "Walter was a Chicago icon long before I arrived there. He was a great man off the field, and his on the field accomplishments speak for themselves"(Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan).

Walter Payton was not your typical hero. He was born in 1954 in the small town of Columbia, Mississippi. He attended college at Jackson State where he excelled in football which led him to be drafted into the NFL in 1975. In 1996 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He was the NFL all time rusher and was admired for his speed and power during his 13 seasons on the professional field. He earned the desirable NFL most valuable player award two times and was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times. After his football career he had success as a businessman, but his true love and calling was helping others, especially children in the local community of Chicago. His life ended way too soon, when he became ill with a rare liver disease, and died a year later in November, 1999. He was an outstanding athlete, a wonderful brother, a devoted husband, a generous community leader and a courageous man. He may be gone, but his name will live on forever.

Greater than Jordan (sportsfixchicago.com)

“Not only is my dad an exceptional athlete, he’s my biggest role model and best friend.” Those were the words of Jarret Payton, Walter Payton’s twelve year old son, when he presented the NFL Hall of Fame induction award to his father in 1993.

Walter Payton was an outstanding hero who played his entire 13 year NFL career for the Chicago Bears. Throughout his lifetime he touched the lives of many people, both on and off the field. In everything he did, Walter was extremely humble and had a pleasant disposition. He wanted his life to have meaning and purpose, and used this willpower in an effort to be successful, do the right thing, and give joy to others.

Sweetness (sports illustrated)

Mike Ditka, his NFL coach loved him dearly. He expressed his admiration for Payton by stating, “He was the best football player I’ve ever seen, and probably one of the best people I’ve ever met” (Ditka). Payton always did the right thing which is what earned him the respect from others. He showed that by hard work and dedication anything is possible. Walter Payton was the sweetest guy a person could meet. In fact, his nickname was “Sweetness”, given to him by his fellow NFL players. “Walter exemplified class, and all of us in sports should honor him by striving to perpetuate his standard of excellence. The tremendous grace and dignity he displayed in his final months reminded us again why ‘sweetness’ was the perfect nickname for Walter Payton” (NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue).

Walter was an all around great guy who gave people joy by watching him on the field. But to Walter, he was just an ordinary person who was thankful for the talents he was born with. Adults and children looked up to him as a role model. After all, he was bigger than life in their eyes. Payton always tried to do the right thing and always gave people a smile whether he was on the football field or in the community.

Last Game - Tough Decision (piratescovecollectibles.net)

Walter Payton’s inspirational success showed how an average man wanting nothing more than a steady job as a teacher found his true calling in life by giving other people joy every day through his amazing heart and deep love for others. “I think Walter’s legacy will be that of a man with a God-given ability that got the most out of it at every possible chance. He did it with pride, he did it with dignity, he did it with respect for the game” (brother, Eddie Payton). Even when he was younger, he cared more about others than himself. In high school, he was probably better than his brother in football, but he sat out his freshman year, participating in track and field instead, so that Eddie could have all the glory. Walter left a mark on everything he touched, from the time he was in high school, throughout college, in the NFL, and after he retired.

He meant so much to the city of Chicago and will continue to be remembered for years to come. “Walter was a great man. He was heavily involved in charitable activities, came into Chicago from a small town, small school, not as well known and really always made a great contribution to the community” (Minnesota Vikings coach Dennis Green). Payton was devoted to children's programs and, in 1988, founded the Walter Payton Foundation for needy children. He also co-founded and staffed the Wood and Strings Puppet Theater at Skyway Elementary School. Payton could have easily lived the high life after his NFL career, but he chose to give back to kids and the community. He truly wanted to make a difference in the lives of many people.

One Foot in Front of the Other (chibarproject.com)

In October, 1998, at the age of forty-four, Walter Payton became ill with a rare liver disease. His fans were crushed. They always thought of Payton as invincible and someone who could never be defeated. Walter wouldn’t let anything stand in his way. He lived his life to the fullest and kept an upbeat attitude the entire time. “Remember, tomorrow is promised to no one“ (Walter Payton). Although his body was weak, his mind and spirit were strong. After all, he was a tough competitor who refused to go down easily.

Even in the hospital he invited fans to come and see him. He would tell jokes to make them laugh. Walter Payton was anything but a downer. He always looked at the glass as half full, never, ever empty. “No matter what he kept his feet moving, he never stopped, he was an over achiever” (Ricky Williams – NFL Running Back). His feet were always moving, whether it was the first play of the game when the score was 0-0, or the last play when his team was ahead 35-0. Lying sick in a hospital bed, those feet never stopped pressing forward and he kept on fighting for the biggest game of all, his life. He never gave up on making a difference.

Payton’s most famous quote summed up his entire life. “Never die easy” (Walter Payton). Keep fighting till your last breath. Keep fighting until you can’t do it anymore. I will remember Walter Payton for his determination, honor, integrity, modesty, and love for all people. His accomplishments were countless and very impressive. Not many people can realize what Walter Payton achieved. He only lived to be 45 years old, but what he accomplished in forty-five years was amazing. Payton was an extraordinary man of character. There is no one else like Walter Payton. He was a truly unique individual and his legacy will live on through the charities he founded.

Works Consulted "Walter Payton." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Vol. 20. Detroit: Gale, 2000. Gale Student Resources In Context. Web. 6 May. 2011. "Walter Payton." Newsmakers. Detroit: Gale, 2000. Gale Student Resources In Context. Web. 6 May. 2011. "Walter Jerry Payton." DISCovering Biography. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Gale Student Resources In Context. Web. 6 May. 2011. "Walter Payton Biography." Chicago Bears History. Web. 11 May 2011. "Walter Payton Quotes." Find the Famous Quotes You Need, ThinkExist.com Quotations. Web. 11 May 2011. "Walter & Connie Payton Foundation (WCPF) : Walter & Connie Payton Foundation." The Walter and Connie Payton Foundation. Web. 19 May 2011. "Walter Payton with Don Yaeger | Never Die Easy." Random House - Bringing You the Best in Fiction, Nonfiction, and Children's Books. Web. 19 May 2011.