Walter Payton

Sweetnessphotofile.com

Walter J. Paytonpintrest.comThe cadence of the quarterback echos in the silent stadium as millions of fans hold their breath, on the edge of their seat waiting for history to be made. Viewers from all over the country, follow #34 as he races down the sideline and into the record books. Walter Payton, a soft-spoken man, was a Hall of Fame running back for the Chicago Bears from 1975-1987. He was most known for his elegant but violent moves on the football field and his cheerfulness off the field. Born in modest beginnings in Columbia, Mississippi; he developed a zealous passion for football. This passion would get him a scholarship to Jackson State University where he would receive the nickname “Sweetness”, for his sweet moves and courteous nature. When he came into the NFL he had lots to prove and of course he went above expectations. He played 13 years in pro football while only missing one game, breaking many records, taking his team to win a Superbowl, and holding a place in the football Hall of Fame. After his career in football, Payton wanted to be known for more than just a player and focused on giving back to the world. As a philanthropist, he founded many charities and reached out to troubled kids living in Chicago. After a great 45 years of life, he died from cancer that had formed in his liver. Even though his life was short, he lived it to the fullest. Walter Payton, the greatest man to ever play football, used his humble demeanor to inspire millions go above the standard and to never give up.

He was loved by allpintrest.comA great football player and a great man, Walter Payton was one of the most influential players of his time. People will remember the super star as a quiet and humble man, who never let fame or wealth change him. Trying to make a name for himself in college, Payton was given a suitable nickname from a teammate after a game,“..."Sweetness," not only described his ability as an athlete but was also an accurate comment on his personality. His charm and understated demeanor made him one of the most endearing of sports personalities, and he quickly became a favorite among the fans. He never had a negative word to say about his opponents or his city, and his overwhelming love for the game of football was obvious to everybody” (Walter Payton St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture). Payton never truly wanted the attention, his passion always came before the fame. “Known as a selfless team leader, Payton would hand the ball to an offensive lineman after scoring a touchdown because, he said, ''They're the ones who do all the work''(Litsky). Payton was loved by all who watched him, there was nothing about him to hate. By always never having anything negative to say about someone and giving recognition to people who would normally never get it showed his humbleness as a player. This trait was never seen from a person so influential in football, he was a true role model for everybody. Walter’s message of humbleness can be translated into all areas of life. Even on his deathbed in 1999, dying from cancer, Payton always carried on his selfless attitude. “ By early 1999 he had been diagnosed with the rare liver disease primary sclerosing cholangitis, which is fatal without a liver transplant. Payton refused to use his celebrity to move himself up on the transplant waiting list of more than 12,000 people”(Beetzm).  People saw Payton as this legendary man but he only saw himself as just a normal guy. Payton using his fame would’ve immediately gotten him the liver but instead he sacrificed his life for the sake of others. His care for others was far more important than the potential life and future of his own. He wanted to be known for more than his flashy moves and touchdowns, inspiring people to be selfless by showing it on and off the field makes him more than just a great football player and a great man.

The "Walter Payton Hill"rosstraining.com Walter Payton always gave his best in everything he did on and off the field, inspiring people to work hard for their dreams. Walter, on his path to greatness, would go through rigorous training in preparation for the upcoming season: “For several months before the start of each NFL season, he would run up a steep hill near his Illinois home about 20 times a day. Sometimes he would bring along teammates or local college players. ''I enjoy seeing them try it once or twice, and then vomit,'' he said”(Litsky). In college, Payton was considered too small to play professional football but his heart and determination deemed otherwise. He never spoke out against a critic, always keeping his opinions to himself. His hard work got him into the NFL and he silenced his doubters with every touchdown he scored. The saying, “Actions speak louder than words” often comes to mind when thinking of Walter Payton. What made Payton so successful in football was his undying spirit. His high school football coach told him to never let up or go down easy. “Never die easy. Why run out of bounds and die easy? Make that linebacker pay. It carries into all facets of your life. It's okay to lose, to die, but don't die without trying, without giving it your best”(Payton). That never give up mentality separated him from the other running backs, who took the easy route and avoided a tackler. Walter fought for every extra yard he could and it would often pay off and lead to a touchdown. He always went above expectations and his attitude to rise above inspired millions.

Going over the top for a touchdownsi.comA great football player and an even greater person, Walter Payton is an exceptional hero who motivated millions to be humble and determined. Payton gave the world and football a true representation of a great man who came from almost nothing and later was to be considered one of the greatest players of all time.  He showed people that anybody could be like him if they are willing to pursue their dreams. People will always remember Payton’s greatest runs that showed his devotion to hard work and effort.Not only was he devoted to the game, but his devotion to his soft-spoken lifestyle also deems him as a true hero. He once said, “If you forget your roots, you've lost sight of everything” (Walter Payton). Walter Payton inspired many individuals to follow their passions and work hard for it. He loved football and he loved life and by sharing it with everyone he can be remembered as such a great hero.

Beetzm, Kirk H. "Walter Payton." The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives, Thematic Series: Sports Figures, edited by Arnold Markoe and Kenneth T. Jackson, Charles Scribner's Sons, 2002. Biography In Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K3436500456/BIC?u=powa9245&sid=BIC&xid=3f91001e. Accessed 9 May 2018.

Litsky, Frank. “Walter Payton, Extraordinary Running Back for Chicago Bears, Dies at 45.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 2 Nov. 1999, www.nytimes.com/1999/11/02/sports/walter-payton-extraordinary-running-back-for-chicago-bears-dies-at-45.html. Accessed 9 May 2018.

Payton, Walter and Don Yaeger. Never Die Easy: the Autobiography of Walter Payton. Thorndike Press, 2001. Accessed 9 May 2018.

Walter Payton St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture, Gale, 2013. Biography In Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K2419200938/BIC?u=powa9245&sid=BIC&xid=23ff9212. Accessed 14 May 2018.

"Walter Payton." AZQuotes.com. Wind and Fly LTD, 2018. 24 May 2018. https://www.azquotes.com/quote/1206342 Accessed 9 May 2018.