Only one man can earn the name Sweetness...Walter Payton. Born
on July 25th, 1954 in Columbia, Mississippi, in the heart of the racially
charged South. Walter had a Sister (Pam, and a brother (Eddie), Walter
and Eddie became involved in every sport they could. Walter played
football his first 3 years at John Jefferson High, HIs senior year,
Columbia high decided to intergrate so he made the transition.
He had several opportunities to go to Big Ten school, but he chose
to be close to home. He went to Jackson State University in Jackson,
Mississippi. Walter excelled in athletics and acedemics, and finished
4th in the Hiesman Trophy voting. In 1975 Payton was selected 4th
in the NFL draft. He was selected to be the running back for the Chicago Bears.
His rookie season he ran for 679 yards and 7 touch downs, the lowest total of
his career. Number 34 topped 1000 yards and 13 TD's in 1976, and voted MVP in
1977 and also set a record for 275 yards in a single game. Through 1976
and 1981 every season was over 1,000 yards. In 1979 he earned the rushing crown,
and made the Pro Bowl after each season. Payton continued to carry his sweetness
Through 1986 which brought a Super Bowl victory. He announced that the 1987 season
Walter Payton's Roundhouse a restaurant and brewpub featuring the Payton Hall
of Fame, was opened in 1996 in Aurora, IL. His son Jarret started high school
in 1995 Jarret originally wanted to play soccer at St. Viator High School, Payton
supported his decision, but his junior year he switched to football and
went on to college. Payton was later diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholargitis,
which makes the bile ducts in your liver become narrowed due to inflamation
and scarring. On November 1, 1999 he passed away,but will always be known as a
man of honor, courage, and heart...never to be forgotten, Sweetness.
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"Sports Fan Outlet" 