It’s November 1, 2024 and 25 years ago on this very day the world sadly learned that one of the greatest running backs in the history of pro football has lost his life to illness.
That player was “Sir” Walter Payton, also known as “Sweetness” a Hall of Fame player who made his mark in the NFL with the Chicago Bears. Payton was a part of the 1986 world champion Bears that is one of the greatest teams ever.
Tragically, Walter Payton was just 46 years old when he passed away and had he survived he would be 71 today. While Payton is not the National Football League’s all-time rusher he remains one of the best all-around players in history.
Walter Payton could do it all. He would run around defenders avoiding tackles but if need be would also run over an opponent. He was very strong but he could also block and catch the ball.
When Chicago won the Super Bowl in 1986 losing just one game along the way a handful of team members recorded the now infamous “Super Bowl Shuffle.” If you’ve never seen it use the link below to get a good laugh.
https://youtu.be/ooT_uz–O2A?si=n_mcXxrHE_xL-UDQ
Walter Payton left behind an amazing legacy and his style of play and his inviting personality and demeanor are aspects of the man still missed today as he was a credit not just to football but society as well.
R.I.P. Sir Walter
