I met walter when I was in junior high. I was only with him for a minute or so and I couldn't look at the camera when trying to get a picture with him because he was too busy tickling me and I was cracking up. He made me feel like a friend in less than 60 seconds. This was a special dude and I will always remember him.
I really didn't meet him, but I took a picture with him while he was racing cars. It was kinda like a autograph line. I just wanted a picture, which he obliged ... as he put the devil's horn behind me.
Med Scratch That is a great story! I can relate. I actually met him in Jr high as well! At a private b day party for his back up running back Willie McClendon. He was our neighbor and we dog sat for him! I was in complete shock when Walter walked in!! He was an absolute class act! He had a way with making you feel like you were family the instant you meet him! He was an absolute gem. I really can’t remember what he said but I remember him being a total comedian. Will never be another Walter. One of a kind!
Payton did not score a touchdown in that Superbowl but he sure as hell won that game for them. The Patriots keyed so much on Payton they forgot about the rest of the team. Payton carried that team on his shoulders, and people who know football know this.
I’m a 60 yr old woman who is still the biggest Walter Payton fan ever! I’ve seen every game he played, I have his rookie card, I gave birth while watching the Bears game ( I refuse to let the nurses shut the TV off). I’ve been a Bear fan for more then 35 years now & still think of Walter every game I watch. This video was so inspiring, love you still Walter!
Walter Payton would belong in the HOF on his blocking alone. He was the greatest blocking halfback of all. He could take down the biggest man on the field.
I can somewhat see the Emmit being in the conversation but folks who put Barry into it are nuts. It's Jim and Walter with Walter getting the nod from this fan( Who is a die-hard Cleveland fan btw😘)
@@NobodyUR I don’t know. Jim Brown was way, way ahead of his time. It was like watching a grown man beat the crap out of a peewee team singlehandedly day in day out. Had his career gone past 9 years (many of which were 12 game seasons), he would have set unreachable records in a era were 8 men in the box was a constant.
I donated my liver cause of this man I still remember the day he died Chicago truly stood still. The Sears tower could have come down that day and Walter Payton dying would have still been the biggest headline.
He died 74 days after I was born. I never watched him play live and I never will. Every time I watch his highlights I sit there and I try my absolute hardest to critique him. anything he did. a cut or a move or anything. and I just can't because even if he made one mistake, he'd make the same move later and it would end up with him steamrolling defenders or just pirouetting by them. I'm sad the era of the running back is gone but I'm so grateful he even existed. what an inspiration
I can still hear it on Chicago radio back in the day: Quick pitch to Walter, wants to try the right side... Cuts it back at the 50......45-40.......35-30..... Studder steps and stiff arms Ronnie Lott at the 20.....breaks free at the 10....5.. Highsteps it in. ...Touchdown Walter Payton! YEAP, LIKE THAT EVERY SUNDAY!!! RIP GOAT!!
"Walter had tremendous heart. I was not only a huge fan, but I was lucky to have a friendship with him"- Jim Brown. He was more about the city of Chicago than Jordan. Real Chicagoans know what I'm talking about.
As much as I love my Raiders and the tradition of never retiring jersey numbers, there's a very strong argument for the NFL to retire 34 as a tribute similar to that made by MLB for the great Jackie Robinson.
I'm a Steelers fan and I also approve this message. Having the Man of the Year Award named after him is one of the few things that the NFL has done right.
Tyler Covelli Bo will always be dragged down by his short career. It will always be a sad story of what could have been had injuries not robbed him (or the spectators) of his gifts.
I always knew how great Walter Payton was. As this documentary ends, I learned how great Connie Payton was. Ill leave any negative thoughts out of this comment, but for her to be there at the end, caring for Walter in his final days, says something about how special of a woman she is. God bless you Connie. Youre amazing.
I know what you mean, during that first COVID year during the lockdowns when NBC decided to replay their best Super bowl broadcasts. It was the first time I watched super bowl XX in its entirety but for my dad it was the first time since that day. Obviously we knew the outcome but it’s like we couldn’t help it every time seeing Walter getting the ball wanting him to get a TD 😢
Because the other team feared him so much they forgot about the other players. He was a threat at running, catching, throwing, blocking, tackling, punting, kicking basically he could do all the ings in the game of football.
That's a sad reflection on any sports person...One person not above a Team....That is Selfish.....Tom Brady will never want such a selfish Running Back..no matter how gifted.....
Greatest RB of all time, a true complete back. If you can't do it all, or you just have great runs/highlight reels, you are not the best...running, catching, blocking, passing...Walter was the best!
@Zack Pierce Jim Brown is probably the greatest. Barry is the only other RB in the greatest RB conversation with Brown and Payton. Payton may not have been the best runner of the three, but he was, without question, the most complete back. Payton was an effective receiver and could pass the ball as well. Further Payton was an excellent blocker. His game was not limited to highlight reel runs.
Jim Brown respected Walter Payton because on how he played the game. Walter reminded Jim Brown of himself and he liked that in him. He despised runners like Franco Harris who would run out of bounds instead of taking a hit. I think even Jim Brown believes Walter Payton was the greatest of all time.
77 year old Canadian granny being blown away by all these NFL greats, their life stories, their perseverance under such harsh circumstances. Look to these Hall of Fame Greats kids and get your inspiration in life from them. RIP dear Walter.
I only watched Walter Payton play a few games on TV, but he was clearly something special. On one play, I saw him break through the line of of the other team's defense, and accelerate quickly for a good gain. However, a defensive player had an angle on Payton from Payton's left side. Payton, unlike most runners, did not try to avoid the defensive player, who was definitely getting ready to level him. Just before the two made contact, Payton lowered his left left shoulder and his head. When the contact came, Payton hit the defensive player first. The defensive player hung on and swung Payton around until he finally bought Payton down. Payton hopped up and waited for his teammates to get to the new line of scrimmage. The defensive player was still on the ground when the cameras cut away. I still remember the distinctive Whunk! sound made when the two players made contact, even after all this time. Walter Payton was indeed a special man and a great player.
Love you Walter Payton! You ARE Chicago! I was 10 and you were the most exciting ever! PS I still remember when I wrote you in junior high and you wrote me back and sent me your autograph and all. LOVE YOU, see you in heaven.
Jim Brown was near the threat of Walter Payton on the football field running, catching, throwing, blocking, tackling, punting, kicking that every thing Sweetness could do so the entire complete game of football.
Walter Payday. I'll never forget meeting him at an IMSA race, he was a racer, he treated me like I was his friend, I revered him as an athlete, I love him for the time he treated me like I was somebody, God speed Walter!
What can you say about Sweetness, God bless his soul. A player who could run, take the hits and never lost his attitude of winning. I don't ever remember me seeing him lose his cool and he did take some huge hits, some wrong. I wish, the Bears could find this formula again.
The greatest RB to ever play the game and no one has come close. The 275 yard game is still the record to me as he played that game with the flu and 102 degree fever and when Chris Johnson broke it, he was fine. No knock on him, but to me, Walter Payton is and the standard
I've been watching football since the 60s. Late 60s, so I never saw Jim Brown except highlights. Walter Payton is without a doubt the best football player I've ever seen. Such a rare combo of speed, power and moves. And ran hard every yard of every play. And I'm a Vikings fan, so I really wish he hadn't been so good.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> What he accomplished with the Bears. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> What he might've accomplished with a good team.
To me he was simply the GOAT of RB'S. WP, had the power to run inside, the speed to go outside, catch like a WR, block like a T, pass when required and was always available to play. Now because the RB position has been devalued younger fans realise just how great a player WP was. RIP " Sweetness" we will never see your like again. Go Hawks
Being a Broncos fan Terrel Davis is one of my favorite backs. But my true favorite is and always will be sweetness! He ran like a god. He was a great man off the field. I love him and I've never met him. I cry everytime I watch this. He was a role model. We are sorley lacking in those now in this ME ME ME era of sports. He was class..he was toughness...he was humble...he was SWEETNESS! I LOVE YOU WALTER! R.I.P. GOAT!
@Zack Pierce most humble football player ever is N'Golo Kante from FC Chelsea London though. Dude is so humble he'd pay to donate you his stronger kidney
Respect Connie, they don't make them like you anymore. God bless you and your family, Rest In Peace Mr. Payton you motivated me from a child to a young man. I stepped out on faith and did something with myself.
Walter Payton was one of those guys who played the game of football for the love of it! He gave his all and NEVER behaved like a diva! That's why he's a legend and dearly beloved!!! RIP🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
I always admired Payton and Marcus Allen for how they never showboated. It was great watching Walter and the '85 Bears as an 8-year old and Marcus during the 90's when he came to KC.
I had the good fortune of living a hundred miles south of Chicago and getting all of their broadcasts. I watched Walter Peyton for most of his career and also had the good fortune to realize that I was watching a legend and that I'd never see another player like him again in my lifetime. I was right. I've seen a lot of good players but never another Walter Peyton. Maybe he wasn't (or isn't) the best "runner" in NFL's history, but he was the best all around player that ever played RB.
It's so classic I am from Dallas we hated the bears but we loved Walter Payton. Was so Blessed to be that kid to watch such Greatness and was so sad when he passed. Will never forget how we used to argue about who wld be Walter Payton playing sandlot. Classic times given to us by a True Legend
I'm a Vikings fan and I believe I enjoyed every run that Payton made as much as any Bears fan. He's the kind of player who is so rare that every fan of a sport is a fan of his.
Greatest running back of all time, but even a better man. I am an Eagles fan, but I will always love Walter Payton and what he stood for. There is a reason why the NFL named their man of the year award in his honor.
Better man, did you not watch the full video? I won’t deny that Walter Payton was the greatest running back to ever play but I think it’s kind of contradictory that there’s an award named after him despite the fact he wasn’t a very good human being. Was he a good husband? By conventional standards certainly not he provided for his family but he wasn’t very faithful
I'm A Patriots Fan & I consider Walter the Greatest Running Back Ever as great as Barry & Emmitt were - Sweetness could do it all Run, Pass, Catch, Block, etc - His Kids Jarrett & Brittney are class acts like their father was carrying on his legacy
Ditka was the biggest jackass on the planet. Say you're B. Ryan and invent a defense that optimizes their strengths. Then with nothing but a rookie qb and a running back I come along and use a 1st round draft pick on a out of shape fullback. Damn Ditka was dumb
I don't buy Ditka's excuses. And he didn't need to focus on the game. The Bears would have rolled the Patriots in that game without any coaches. Ditka was overrated.
Walter Payton will always be my sporting hero!! Got to give it up to Connie though. What an amazingly strong woman! This was a great video. Still miss Walter.
You know... I was 25 when he passed away. Now I'm 46. What I saw when he was playing was Amazing unbelievable football player. So thanks for the video and to the people on here that commented... God has blessed us to see and witness him on the field and off. What a blessing it was to be in the present at that time!! Blessing to the family!!!
Grew up with him. First memories of him being the best Chicago had. Got older and was shocked that he got ill. One thing I liked about him is that he never got into trouble and seemed like a good team mate. I think he had CTE because he kept his head down constantly and got clanged pretty good play after play. His kids seem really good too. A shame he died so young.
Every time I watch this on ESPN ,tears would flow, how I loved the way he played the game with humility, and a lot of athletes can learn how to be a man from him.
My grandfather once heard me saying "the clubhouse built in this yard is MINE! It was built for ME!" to the other neighborhood kids. He put me in my place, right in front of those kids. I felt about 2 inches tall that day. Taught me a valuable life lesson. Be humble. Much like Walter taught his son. Don't gloat. Don't make others feel bad, without a reason or purpose.
It's been 20 years and I still tear up when I think of a man that did soo much for football. To die not only such a young age... but in the agony of which he passed away. Tears me up still..............
I was lucky enough to see both Gale Sayers and Walter play, they were special one of a kind athletes that brought so much joy to my life. I still have the Tribune front page from when Walter passed, I like many Chicagoans and fans, cried that day.... I will always remember Sweetness.
God Bless #34, Walter Payton. I watched him from the beginning of his career to the end. Super Bowl XX. I was a paramedic student in Gary, Indiana and our midterm exam was to be given to us on the morning after Super Bowl XX. We (us students) begged, pleaded, cried, offered bribes to the course instructor (Lol) to please, PLEASE, let us take that test on Tuesday so we could watch the game at all the Super Bowl parties that would be in progress that day. The instructor was firm and adamant. The exam would be held on Monday morning as scheduled and it was. A great game but it was marred by Walter Payron not scoring a touchdown. I was, nevertheless, happy that he got to play on a Chicago Bears team that had finally won a Super Bowl. I was afraid that he was going to wind up, like so many other great professional Chicago sports players in the past, to end his career and never to have played on a victorious Chicago sports team. His premature passing truly saddened me. God Bless Walter Payton. You will never be forgotten.
Thank you Walter. I lived in Chicago most of my life and got to watch some of your greatest plays. In my mind, you will always be the greatest ever. Rest in peace.
I watched sweetness play at Soldiers Field during the 80's where the weather was 10 degrees and wind chill -20. His breath in the cold weather would huff n puff through his helmet just like a raging bull. R.I.P. Sweetness! You're the Greatest of All Time! Had to come here and check out sweetness after finding his jersey I wore which is more than 40 years old! Thanks for posting his football life much appreciated. Watching sweetness still gives me chills. Nothing like the 85 Bears!
I have a nephew who was born in 2013 and his father my brother is a die-hard Bears fan his oldest son is named Walter I'll never forget watching my brother cry when he saw Walter Payton sitting on that bench and his final game
I was fortunate to grow up in Chicago during the Walter Payton and Michael Jordan years. I wish I realized how extraordinary these two athletes were ......I mean, we all loved Walter Payton and MJ, but truly we took their talents for granted all those years Thank you Walter Payton for all the joy and excitement you brought to Chicago. My father didn’t like anyone .... but he loved Walter Payton.
The most powerful all- around football player of all time ! Met the man after practice one day , the sweetest person you can ever meet , and I'll never meet a greater man !!
Walter Payton is the most amazing man I've ever "known"i since I fell in love with him at 13 watching him show and share his talent on Monday night football. 1984. He was bigger than life and more charming than most. Sweetness was no accident for a nickname, he was a kind and generous real man. No record on the field will ever change the fact he won our hearts in life.
@Sideshow Bob I made it up for emphasis, moron. My vocabulary ABD the ability to express it, far exceeds yours, my friend, so don't pat yourself on the back. Again, Taylor & Payton were GOODER than any other NFL players 😎
In the old days it wasn't hard to get near the tunnel at Soldier Field when they come out. At one point Walter was standing right next to me. I'm 6'2" and he seemed a little shorter than me but built like a rock. I got to hit him on the shoulder pad as he started to run out. One of the biggest thrills in my life..never forget it.
The 2 most electrifying and exciting runners in my lifetime were Bo Jackson and Barry Sanders (I wasn't old enough to see Gale Sayers play) but Walter Payton is the greatest ALL-ROUND running back that ever lived.
walter payton was an incredible human being on and off the field....this man left his mark in so many ways.I remember watching his last game and as a bears fan thinking that the world was coming to an end.Heavan drafted my hero..walter "sweetness" payton rest in peace
