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Originally Posted by dareutwo
Anyone remember Walter Payton??
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How well do I remember?
Walter Payton was born in 1954 in Columbia, Mississippi. Walter and his older brother, Eddie, got involved in every sport they could. In the summers, their mother would have a load of topsoil delivered to their home as a project to keep the boys off the street and out of trouble. The brothers would work all summer long to move the pile of dirt throughout their yard. The lessons of life instilled in their boys by Edward and Alyne Payton worked and both grew to be truly great human beings.
Walter played three years of his high school career at the all black John Jefferson High. At the beginning of his senior year Columbia High was integrated with John Jefferson High. Walter made the transition seamless. Like most young Mississippians, Walter did not let the integration bother him. With the youth of Mississippi, being racist was an adult thing.
After high school, Walter chose to follow Eddie to Jackson State University, a traditional black school. At Jackson State, Payton excelled and finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting. His fellow Mississippians believe he would have won, had he played at a school with any amount of notoriety.
When drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1975, Walter stated "When I get through with Chicago, they'll be loving me". Chicago grew to love the "Sweetness" as did the people of his home state.
"Sweetness" records speak for themselves. One could argue that Walter Payton was the greatest player to play the game of football. All that knew him acknowleges him to be a great person. Walter Payton never forgot his roots. A humble person, Watler Payton acknowledged and understood the problems and adversities of others and caringly attempted to resolve their needs.
"Sweetness" smile on us. Your fellow Mississippian will never forget your famous dance move that became known as "Sweetness' Cock Walk"