Walter Payton
Walter Payton
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Walter Payton, also known as "Sweetness," was a renowned American football player.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 25, 1954, in Columbia, Mississippi; passed away on November 1, 1999, at the age of 45 due to complications from a rare liver disease called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC).
Nationality and Profession(s)
American football player, coach.
Early Life and Background
Walter Payton was born in Columbia, Mississippi, to Dawnyell and Edward Payton. He grew up with two siblings in the small town of Jefferson, where his father worked as a carpenter. Payton's early life was marked by athletic talent, particularly in football and track, which earned him an athletic scholarship to Jackson State University.
Major Accomplishments
During his illustrious career in the National Football League (NFL), Walter Payton achieved numerous records and accolades:
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, a testament to his exceptional skills on the field.
Set an NFL record for most rushing yards with over 16,000 in his career, which stood for nearly two decades.
Named the NFL's Most Valuable Player (MVP) twice and was selected as one of the greatest football players of all time by various publications.Notable Works or Actions
Payton's impact extended far beyond his on-field achievements:
He was a devoted philanthropist, particularly in his hometown of Jefferson, where he established the Walter Payton Foundation to support local youth programs.
Payton was known for his charitable work with the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and other organizations, often visiting patients and donating to their causes.Impact and Legacy
Walter Payton's influence on American football is still felt today:
His record-breaking rushing yards served as a benchmark for future generations of running backs.
Payton's dedication to community service inspired countless others to get involved in philanthropy, particularly among athletes.
The "Sweetness" moniker, which was originally meant as an insult by opposing players, became a badge of honor that reflected his kind and generous spirit.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Walter Payton's quotes and stories continue to inspire fans and athletes alike:
His commitment to hard work and perseverance is a timeless message that transcends sports.
Payton's generosity, kindness, and humility set an example for how individuals can use their platform for good.
His legacy serves as a reminder of the impact one person can have on countless lives.
Quotes by Walter Payton
I always thought, 'That's just the way you do it.' You work as hard as you can for as long as you can, and the small gains you make will eventually pay off.
No matter what the game was or how much older and stronger the other kids were, we were taught to give it everything we had until it was over. Never give less than one hundred percent.
What is poor? We had food. We dressed well. We didn't have a lot, but what we had fit, and it was always neat.
Growing up, we played sports nonstop. I mean every single day. As soon I got done with breakfast, I was ready to go.
I want to be remembered like Pete Rose. 'Charlie Hustle.' I want people to say, 'Wherever he was, he was always giving it his all.'
If you start something, you shouldn't quit; that is what we were taught. If you're going to play, you might as well play to be your best.
I try to run on the hottest days, at the hottest time, because that’s the most difficult time. And sometimes I worry about drying out, and dying.
If I’m going to get hit, why let the guy who’s going to hit me get the easiest and best shot? I explode into the guy who’s trying to tackle me.