"Sweetness" - Walter Payton |
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Walter Payton is regarded as one of the best players in NFL history. He played for the Chicago Bears for 13 years and earned nine Pro Bowl selections. Payton was nicknamed “Sweetness” for his kind, compassionate demeanor both on and off the field. Early YearsPayton was born on July 25, 1954, in Columbia, Mississippi. He attended Jackson State University and played as a halfback. Payton made the starting lineup during his freshman year in 1971, and was named Black College Player of the Year in 1973 and 1974. During that time, Payton also studied education at Jackson State with an emphasis on working with the deaf. NFL CareerIn 1975, Payton joined the National Football League playing for the Chicago Bears. In 1977, he won the League’s Most Valuable Player Award, and achieved a single-game rushing record of 275 yards against the Minnesota Vikings – a game in which he suffered from the flu. Payton delighted fans with his elusive, yet powerful running style and was soon considered the league’s best running back. He was a pioneer of the “stutter-step,” spin move, and stiff arm, and was known to leap over would-be tacklers. In 1986, Payton led the Bears to a 46-10 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots. It was the team’s first super bowl victory. Life after FootballWhen Payton retired from the NFL in 1987, he had accrued a career rushing record of 16,726 yards and set the record for receiving yards by a running back. During his career, he also threw for eight touchdowns. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996. After his exit, Payton explored various business ventures ranging from real estate to race cars, and never stopped trying to improve quality of life for others. He established the Walter Payton Foundation to do just that. In 1999, Payton died of bile duct cancer. He raised awareness for the rare disease leading up to his death. Today, Payton’s organization is called the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, and his wife leads the effort to help children and veterans in his honor. Discussion Questions
Debate TopicShould professional athletes be remembered more for their sports achievements or for their contributions off the field? Walter Payton: NFL LegendWalter Payton is considered one of the greatest football players in NFL history. He played 13 seasons for the Chicago Bears and made nine Pro Bowl appearances. His nickname was “Sweetness” because of his kind and generous personality on and off the field. Early YearsPayton was born on July 25, 1954, in Columbia, Mississippi. He attended Jackson State University, where he played as a halfback and started as a freshman. He was named Black College Player of the Year in both 1973 and 1974. Payton also studied education and focused on helping people who are deaf. NFL CareerIn 1975, Payton joined the NFL as a Chicago Bear. In 1977, he won the MVP award and set a single-game rushing record of 275 yards while sick with the flu. Fans loved his powerful, yet tricky running style. He invented moves like the stutter-step, spin move, and stiff arm, and often jumped over defenders. In 1986, he helped lead the Bears to their first Super Bowl win. Life After FootballPayton retired in 1987 with a record 16,726 rushing yards and eight career touchdown passes. He was inducted into both the Pro Football and College Football Halls of Fame. He went on to run several businesses and start the Walter Payton Foundation. In 1999, he died from bile duct cancer and helped raise awareness of the disease. His foundation continues today as the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, helping kids and veterans. |
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