On November 1, 1999, Walter Payton died. The following tributes were made by members of Cyberzahm: ------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Sweetness Date: Mon, 01 Nov 1999 20:54:32 -0600 From: Hans For the second Monday in a row, the sportsworld mourns the loss of a champion. This time, Walter "Sweetness" Payton leaves us with great memories. All football fans know that Walter is the all-time leading rusher in the NFL. Many fans, though, may not know what kind of a practical joker, kind hearted, and decent human being he also was. Driving home from work this afternoon, every radio station in Chicago carried the press conference with Mike Singletary answering the majority of the questions, highlighting Payton's greatest moments. If you havent seen the highlights of Paytons' legendary hill climbing workouts, you havent seen the kind of work ethic that made Payton the champion that he became. When he joined the Bears in the late 70's, they stunk. He never complained. Busted his butt all the time, and tried to make the game fun for himself and his teammates. That may have meant setting off a cherry bomb outside the coaches doors at Halas Hall before practice, or some other practical joke against a teammate in the lockerroom. After football, Payton the businessman owned a number of restaurants in the Chicagoland area. Employees of one of these commented tonight that Walter would ask about each person's family - getting to know names and ages of kids - like a decent boss should, and not the protype of the egotisical pro football player who didnt have time for others. Sweetness truly earned his nickname. He was the cornerstone of the Bears lone SuperBowl season in 1985, and shortly after setting the rushing record, made sure that the credit was given to his teammates and coaches. There has never been a football player, or athelete of any sport who competed with the heart and attitude of Payton, every game, every practice, every day. Walter never got the liver transplant that may have saved his life. In the end it was cancer that took him. He never complained, and never asked to move up in the list for an organ. The sports world lost a great one today.It was fun and inspiring to watch him go about his work. I'm glad I can say I was here to watch him in person, and to follow his success and leadership over the years. Walter, thanks for the memories. Hans ------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: RE: Sweetness Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1999 19:14:34 -0800 From: "Sobo" Hans- Along with sharing your thoughts, I also think the greatest respect one can have if that from his peers. ESPN interviewed, amongst many, Eric Dickerson. Dickerson relayed the a story as follows: that amongst RBs, especially the elite, they never bothered to show any interest in the others' play, kind of a macho "I'm the best" thing. However, in his second year with the Rams, da Bears and Walter came to LA. He recounted how he stood on the sidelines, watching Walter on every play, because 'he was what I wanted to be'. Dickerson ended up #3 on the all-time list. Close, but not Walter. Here's hoping his 16,700+ yards stand forever. Sobo -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Re: Sweetness Date: Tue, 02 Nov 1999 09:24:03 -0600 From: Prep Over the years, as a staunch Vikings fan, I loathed Da Bears, cheering their every failure and bemoaning their every success - with one exception. Walter Payton was more than a great football player. There was an aura about him, generated by his class and professionalism, that made it almost sacrilegious to treat him as the foe. Twelve years ago, my wife and I stopped in the city of York, en route from London to St. Andrews. We had dinner at the Churchill Hotel, a fine establishment outside the city's ancient barbican. As is the custom in many British establishments, the proprietor and his wife invited us into the parlor for after dinner drinks. On into the night we talked and laughed, until in the wee hours of the next morning the subject turned to football. Our host was an avid fan of the NFL and, like many Britons, would tune in late at night to watch the Sunday games in progress. With unbridled enthusiasm and an earnestness bordering on reverence, he proclaimed that his favorite player, bar none, was - Sweetness. Walter Payton will be sorely missed. Prep ------------------------------------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Sweetness Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1999 11:07:35 -0500 From: "Andy" All, Let me reflect on one moment in time that I can still clearly visualize when talk turns to Walter Payton: I was in to gambling on football games with the local bookies at the time so I would watch Sunday afternoon games with diligent care, even after the outcome of some games had been well established to the non-gambling crowd. Such was one game I remember that was Bears-Vikings. The Bears had the game well in hand late into the fourth quarter when a second and five situation called for a pitch to Payton sweeping around the right side and down that in-bounds line. He easily had the necessary five as the defense was pinching him out and relaxed at the last instant preparing to step out easily as the game situation dictated as opposed to his usual style of turning shoulders and boring into that on-coming defense. It was one of the acts that defined his class style. He didn't need to hit anybody in this instance, so he wasn't going to do it. Then some rookie Viking corner decided that a relaxed Walter Payton on the edge of the sideline made an inviting target for a good shot. What a mistake. As this silly young puppy left his feet and came hurling in at Payton, Sweetness stiffened, shot out his left arm and gave this poor kid a shot to the head that nearly de-capitated him. Payton slid out of bounds, picked himself up and trotted back to the huddle leaving the fallen Viking dazed and confused as the game was stopped as trainers ran from the opposite side of the field to help him to his wobbly feet. Sweet. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Re: Sweetness Date: Tue, 02 Nov 1999 14:07:51 -0600 From: Gabes Hans, Great comments! Walter Payton's accomplishments will be chronicled in the NFL history books for the ages and his bust will forever honor him in Canton, Ohio. More than the records, though, I will always remember and admire him for his toughness, durability, class and the way he related to the common man. The out-pouring of love and affection for him today in Chicago is something the likes of which I can never remember. Chicago hasn't had many championship teams in this century but we've been blessed with some great champions. If MJ is the heart of this city, Walter Payton was its soul. Webster's Dictionary gives the following definition for the word sweetness: marked by gentle good humor or kindliness; fine; great; pleasing to the mind or feelings; much loved. Webster's could save some space if they condensed the description to just two words, Walter Payton. Gabes