Sweetness defined: Share your memories of Walter Payton

I lived in chicago for all of walters years.I was at the game he broke jim browns record against the saints what a rush.Later on I moved to portland oregon and did a radio show just about dabears and walter was always willing to come on the show.2 things I remember about walter were 1 when I was a kid we would go out to barrington when he would run his hills he would sign every autograph for every kid that was there and 2 when I was part of the media even in portland oregon he was willing to talk about the bears.10 yrs later I still miss him and I say 10 yrs ago we lost not only a great football player but a great man,family man and a great human.

I will always remember this game. Not because the Bears won, they did not.
The Bears were playing the Broncos in Denver. It was snowing. And the Bears were losing badly. It was near the end of the game. And it was time for the Bears to receive a punt in this losing pointless game in another losing season.
And for whatever reason, the Bears were short one player on the field to receive the punt in that hopeless game. It seemed no Bears player wanted to join those on the field.
But then it was Walter Payton who ran out on the field for the Bears. He was the featured starting Running Back at this time. He didn't play special teams then. Still, Walter saw the need and he went.
Because Walter Payton played football for the Bears. Win or Lose. I can still all these years later see him run out on that field for the Bears. There was no "I" in team for Walter Payton. I miss his pride and honor. I miss him.

I lived in Chicago for the Walter years. He was awesome. That said I could give a flip about honoring the 10th year of his passing and will be in line at the Men's room when this ceremony takes place. Yoko Ono made a living off dead Beatles and we in turn need to stop living off past Bears. Carpe Diem, boys -- lets make some history now.

Walter Payton was the greatest football player I have ever seen, period. Sweetness could run, block, pass, catch, tackle, punt, kick, whatever...inspirational leader, mentor, icon, role model, and more. Watching Matt Forte trying to hurdle over the goal line (and unfortunately fumbling) brought back memories of #34 doing it time and again. There will never be another one like him.

I saw the Bears play at Seattle when Walter was in his prime. The Bears were losing at halftime. Second half started and the Seattle crowd was going nuts after an announcement that Walter was still in the locker room receiving oxygen. The place continued its thundering cheers against the Bears up until Walter ran out of the tunnel a few minutes into the third quarter. His presence was enough to quiet the usually loud Seattle fans just by showing up. What Walter did in the remainder of the third quarter was help the Bears put up something like 21 unanswered points on Seattle and never look back. I'll never forget how he just showed up and dominated the entire stadium from the field up to the rafters.

I was born and raised on the South side of Chicago. I've been a Bears fan since I was seven. My hero was Gale Sayers. After the end of his career I thought the Bears would never find another great running back like him then Walter came along. By then I had graduated high school and moved to Los Angeles to get into the music business. The Bears were still my team I just had other things going on. Then one Sunday I was setting up a rehearsal in Hollywood when the TV I brought to keep me company came alive with the sites and sounds of the Bears vs. Giants game for the right to go to the playoffs. I discovered Walter Payton that day and rediscovered my Chicago Bears! When the Bears came to the west coast I was there. I saw Walter rush against the Rams, the Raiders, the Chargers and the Forty Niners. When the Bears would come to Los Angeles I would see them at their hotel and talk to the coaches and players. In 1987 the NFL gurus scheduled the Bears to play the Raiders for their last preseason and last road game in LA. I knew it would be Walter's last game at the Coliseum so I went to the hotel to talk to him. In the hotel elevator with just he and I. I got to tell him how much I appreciated him as a Chicago Bear and a man. When he became ill I prayed for him and Connie and the kids like a lot of others. I'm glad I was able to tell him how much he meant to me. I miss him. This Sunday in Burbank I'll be wearing my #34 jersey along with 70 to 80 other Bears fans cheering for the Bears at Tin Horn Flats in Burbank. And thinking of Walter Payton. GO BEARS!!!

I had the pleasure of riding a plane from New York to Chicago with Walter Payton and he was so nice to walk back from first class to the last row in coach to give me an autograph and talking with him was a pleasure because he was so nice. I wore his number 34 playing at Mendel Catholic as a honor to him. God Bless "Sweetness" and his family.

We named our son after him!! Our son doesn't have to play football, or any sport for that matter, just live his life the way Walter Payton did!! Give 100% in everything he does, never take a day off, and be humble..etc., etc.!!! The current Bears should have to watch tape of Sweetness before every game.....they might learn something!!

I truly miss Walter Payton so much I can barely stand to watch any football, college or pro, anymore!! Us long time Bear fans were spoiled!! Now you see players running out of bounds or falling down after a catch to avoid contact. Skipping training camp and practices, missing games for soreness, going half speed then crying because they don't get paid enough. Playing somewhat hard until they get paid then coasting.......you get my point! It's impossible to find a player these days that even comes close to Sweetness in anyway. Nobody plays for the love of the game anymore. Todays players are a sad bunch. Walter Payton was truly one of a kind! The greatest top to bottom in any sport!!

I didn't grow up in a family that loved football much, but being a kid in Chicagoland during Payton's career I couldn't help but become a diehard Bears fan. A few years ago I found an old notebook I had when I was in elementary school. It was filled with drawings of Payton, his stats, reasons why he was the greatest football player ever. I guess to me Payton is the reason I became a Bears fan, but he is also an example of why I watch sports at all - to be awed and inspired while watching great stories and performances unfold. I can't think of an athlete more awesome or more inspirational than Payton. As Ditka said, "The best football player ever. Period."

I was just leaving the Pro Bowl practice at U.H. with my family when this girl drives up on her Moped with some guy in a pink shirt on the back. Hey, it's Walter and we have him all to ourselves. I ask him if we could get a picture with him and my two-year-old son. He says "Sure" and proceeds to not only hug us both but to tickle me while doing it. What a joker. That picture hangs proudly in my man-cave.

Growing up I have many memories of Walter Payton and his amazing feats. I think what I will remember is my brother crying the day Payton passed away. My brother is 6 years older than me and was 30 at the time. He idolized Payton, had met him on several occassions and was devastated by the loss.

I too miss the man. The talent, the drive, the inspiration and the man. I think when you refer to a sports player as a hero it diminishes the word but I think in Payton's case the word is truly appropriate.

Having grown up and lived most of my life in the Chicago area my greatest sports memories were watching Walter play, win or lose. The man gave 1000% effort every time he stepped on the field. It did not matter if he was getting the ball or not. Only giving partial effort was not in his vocabulary or mindset. But when he did have the ball he was the greatest ever, no question. When you see all these whiny jerks now, the Cedric Bensons, etc it makes you appreciate all the more the total package that Walter was. Most of the players today should be made to watch his film and study the him, not just to see what made him a great football player but also a great man period. I lived in the NW burbs not that far from him. He was a pillar and example in our community and he still lives on there today in the Walter Payton foundation. While he is certainly missed for his football, he is missed just a much as the great human being he was.

I was 13 when my dad took me to see my favorite player, Walter Payton. I brought my book "Sweetness" in hopes of a signature.
Since the game was at Candlestick, I was one of a few that rooted for my beloved Bears. The Bears won that day, and Walter, well, was Walter. He ran over and through the 49rs. After the game I spotted Revie Sorey walking towards the tunnel and yelled out. Mr. Sorey came over and shock my hand, while I asked if he would be kind enough to see if Mr. Payton would sign my book. About twenty minutes later he returned with my book, and Walter Payton's signature. That was some 30 years ago. I still have my book and Walter's signature. After a game where Walter poured every ounce of energy he could, he still had a little extra to give that 13 year old kid the thrill of a lifetime.

Thank You Walter Payton, the Greatest Man ever to play Football!!!

Heart and Soul. The Heart of a champion, the work ethic of a champion, the soul of a champion. Walter Payton's desire and drive on every play were 100%, he did not take plays off (unlike some of the Bears players of today). The 275 rushing day, the highlight film could run for hours and hours of his great effort, I love the highlight of him bouncing off of about 6-7 players, that highlight they always show. Walter Payton was the best running back of all time.

Walter played behind some pretty poor offensive lines and teams that did not throw the ball to well, so every game the opponents knew it was Walter Payton left and Walter Payton right. If Walter Payton played on teams like the Cowboys of the 90's (like Emmitt Thomas), then Walter would be #1 in just about every rushing category known to man.

Walter Payton was the best running back ever, plain and simple, end of sentence.

In one way Walter Payton reminds me of Brett Favre, because Walter Payton had that boy like love and joy for the game and for his teammates in many ways like Favre does today. Trust me, I can't stand the Packers but I do respect a player like Favre because his style of play comes the closest to Walter Payton's style of play more than any player I can think of in the game today.

Walter was true passion, heart and soul of a winner in life and football.

As a Bears fan since 1963, I feel lucky to have watched a great one, Walter Payton . I do not believe in my lifetime another Bear player will ever be a great as Walter Payton #34.

And in today's world, the great ones like Walter seldom start and retire with the same team, I could never imagine Walter on any other team but the Chicago Bears.

Forte get 300 for Walter tomorrow, the single game rushing record needs to return to the Bears!!

He was a throwback, the man who defined class and effort on the field. I never met him but he is the reason I watch and played football. No player has ever defined a team or a sport better.
For Walter.

By Anonymous on October 30, 2009 10:06 PM
"I lived in Chicago for the Walter years. He was awesome. That said I could give a flip about honoring the 10th year of his passing and will be in line at the Men's room when this ceremony takes place. Yoko Ono made a living off dead Beatles and we in turn need to stop living off past Bears. Carpe Diem, boys -- lets make some history now.'

So instead of of paying tribute at a one time ceremony honoring the greatest Bear to ever step on the field, you will be taking a pi$$? I hate to break this to you, but "Carpe Diem" means "to sieze the day" not sieze your ####. Your idea of siezing the day seems to be a little out of wack. You talk about not living in the past and then speak of making history? Walter made history, he is not being honored because he is the past, he is being honored because he was great. You should learn from the past, then next time you post you won't make such a$$ of yourself. What else are you going to do to sieze the day? Have a beer? What does Yoko Ono have to do with Walter, or the Bears? The comparison makes no sense and you are an idiot.

Ditto Creiton:

Anoymous does not know what his own name is let alone one if not the best running backs in NFL history Walter Payton.

Anoymous, pull your head out of your ARS and the Bears don't need fans like you. Stay home.

Don't disgrace Walter Payton.

Sweetness

the Hill

Had to read each of these comments twice, the best

During the 1986 Auto Show at McCormick place I was 3 years old, I managed to get lost from my dad, older brother and uncle. Lost in the giant building I ran into a office and bumped into someone. That someone was Walter Payton. A security guard came in and offered to remove me from the office. Walter declined the security guard's request and let the security guard know that he'd help me find my family. So there we are Walter and I walking through McCormick place. Years later my brother and I played High School football with Walter's son. One day my brother introduced himself to Walter. Upon hearing our last name Walter asked my brother "How is your brother Eric doing?" 10 years after helping me find my family Walter still remembered me. My brother got me Walter's book, "Never Die Easy" read pages 248-249, I think everyone should.

Matt Suhey was great too. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a Matt Suhey jersey too, if I can find one.

By the time I started watching the Bears, Walter Payton was already recognized as one of the best RBs to ever play in the NFL, and it was almost a given that he would eventually break Jim Brown's record.

Basically, I was spoiled, and it took me years to fully understand how special he was; very few if any have been able to match Sweetness' consistant production on the field, even after some of his explosiveness wore off in his later years, and his integrity off the field. For all the attributes that have already been mentioned above, he was a special player, and a special individual.

The game I remember, oddly, is the Super Bowl. I think a lot of us felt that this was finally going to be the moment where Sweetness was going to have his day in the sun, and bask in the glory he had deserved for so long carrying the team through some very lean years, with the fans and team-mates congratulating him after inevitably scoring a rushing TD with a signature over-the-top dive in the biggest game of his career. He had a quiet day of I think 65 yards or so, and the TD moment that should've been his was given to the Fridge on a goal line situation, a decision by the coaches I won't soon get over. In fact that was the only controversy marring the otherwise clear-cut blowout.

Perhaps befitting for Payton, who never craved the spotlight, but that game was really bitter sweet, at least for me.

I grew up watching the best football that ever played the game. That is my friends, Walter Payton. I can't pick the memories of them because there were lot's of them. If I had to my favorite game would have been the game against the Vikings. It was their Super Bowl year. It was when Sweetness made a key block that lead to yet another TD pass from McMahon. Payton personifies the meaning of a team player. He would return kicks, play QB, and you name it, he did it. But what I remember most was when I met him at Blackhawk Raceway during one of his races. I was in the pits during the race and he even let me help with the car. and to a 15 year kid at the time, that was amazing. WE MISS YOU SWEETNESS! And may #34 be number one in our hearts.

I did not notice that my name was ommited, I did read them all twice, and broke up each time, so many thanks to all of the people that shared. So many awsome memories of the reason for Sweetness being OUR BEAR.
Thanks MoMo for saying it, I was hesitant but you put it perfect. It was a bitter `sweet' SB memory.
Maybe there is a reason the Bears havent won a SB since then, we do not deserve it for that.
Wow Eric, that is incredible.
I was eight and my hero was Sayers as well, and then Sweetness made all the losing go away, win? lose? Sweetness was playing, that was all that mattered.
Does that answer your ill timed comment annonymous?

The Seattle crowd shut up! nice.

Growing up in Chicago was a unique expirence. I remember RUNNING home from grade school to watch Ernie Banks, rolling my fingers on the end of the bat to emulate him. I was able to see Michael Jordan dazzle everyone at the old "barn" on Madison st. But most of all, I was able to see the GREATEST RB of all times,#34. I remember freezing my butt off at Solider Field, Walter running out on the grass and jumping up and down ,waving his arms to get the crowd pumped up! He represented the team, the city and the fans with his larger than life persona.I will wear my #34 jersey today proudly. Although I never had the privilage of meeting him, he touched my life,as he did so many others,warmed our Chicago winters and made us all feel connected as we mourned his passing. He will forever be the face of the Chicago Bears.

As a True Bears fan from New Jersey, people often ask me why I'm a Bears Fan--I have a simple answer--"Ever hear of a guy named Walter Payton?" Like his Mother said in the AP story, the person you saw was who he really was--to the core--the Tenacity, the Joy of Competition, the Joy of Life, Family, and Charity....I'll NEVER Forget Walter's Last Game: as he sat on the bench that Final game, leaving it All on the field one Last time. I also Remember the Packer game the weekend after Walter's Death. I went to the local sportsbar to watch it, and after Brian Robinson Blocked the kick, all of the fans of the other NFL teams lined up to pay their respects to me as the only Bear fan present--plus I had my Payton #34 on. We should not forget his sense of Humor or his belief that Tommorow is Promised to noone. This time of year is also the time to Give to those who are in Need--Walter's Lesson to Us All. God Bless Walter Payton and His Family....11-1-09' Give To The Payton Foundation at Payton34.com and next week's game

I had the honor of meeting my hero, Walter Payton in 1998 in Panama City, Panama about a year before he passed away. To my surprise he was a very down to earth and humble person considering he was a walking NFL legend. We took a picture together and Walter tickle me to make me laugh for the picture. I must say that picture is my most prized possession in my game room. He was one of the true greats both as a player and as a person and a example to follow for all of us. And to that imbecile who said he rather go to the bathroom than watch Walter’s tribute, you should just keep your mouth shut and refrain from speaking anymore of your verbal diarrhea.

I can't pick the memories of them because there were lot's of them. If I had to my favorite game would have been the game against the Vikings. It was their Super Bowl year. It was when Sweetness made a key block that lead to yet another TD pass from McMahon. Payton personifies the meaning of a team player. He would return kicks, play QB, and you name it, he did it. But what I remember most was when I met him at Blackhawk Raceway during one of his races. I was in the pits during the race and he even let me help with the car. and to a 15 year kid at the time, that was amazing. WE MISS YOU SWEETNESS! And may #34 be number one in our hearts.

What's disturbing is that a professional writer from the Sun Times would actually write "a myriad of" instead of "a myriad". Bradley, you should know better.