Walter Payton was arguably the greatest running back in the history of
professional football. A star for the Chicago Bears from 1974 to 1987,
Payton rushed for a National Football League career record of 16,726
yards. Known to football fans everywhere as Sweetness, he helped lead
the Bears to a Super Bowl victory following the 1985 season and over the
years established himself as one of the sports world's most popular and
personable role models. Payton was beloved by his teammates, idolized by
his fans, and embraced by business partners. He captured the heart of
the Windy City with a graciousness complimented by a spirit of humility
and a wonderful sense of humor. Millions mourned in early November 1999
when Payton, a youthful 45, succumbed to cancer after a nearly year-long
battle with various health problems. Even in his dying days, however,
Payton maintained his dignity, a spirit of community charity, and a
legendary ability to pull off practical jokes that would send friends
and family reeling with laughter. Before he passed away, he reportedly
also renewed his commitment to his Christian faith. His death on
November 1 coincided with the day known as All Saints Day in many
Christian quarters. In Walter Payton, dozens of his contemporaries,
former teammates, coaches, childhood and college chums, business
partners, fans, and friends offer in their own words their favorite
memories and anecdotes of this man they loved so much. Walter Payton is
a warm, entertaining, and inspiring book about a man whose fame
transcended the sport in which he competed into the widest realms of
life itself.
