[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 370 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                     November 16, 1999.
Whereas Walter Payton was born in Columbia, Mississippi, on July 25, 1954;
Whereas Walter Payton was a distinguished alumnus of Jackson State University, 
        home of the Jackson State Tigers and the nationally renowned Sonic Boom 
        of the South;
Whereas Walter Payton was known by all as ``Sweetness'';
Whereas Walter Payton serves as the highest example of his Christian faith and 
        his sport in countless public and private ways;
Whereas Walter Payton was truly a hero and role model for all Mississippians who 
        had the privilege of watching him play the game he loved so much;
Whereas Walter Payton was viewed by his friends and former classmates as a fun-
        loving, warm, and smiling man with a joy for life, his family, and his 
        sport;
Whereas Walter Payton played the game of football with unparalleled 
        determination, passion, and desire;
Whereas Walter Payton, an extraordinary Mississippian and the National Football 
        League's greatest running back of all time, died leaving us great 
        memories of personal and athletic achievements;
Whereas Walter Payton received national acclaim as a running back and was the 
        Chicago Bears' first pick, and was chosen fourth overall, in the 1975 
        draft;
Whereas Walter Payton played 13 seasons in the National Football League;
Whereas Walter Payton played a critical role in helping the Chicago Bears win 
        Super Bowl XX in 1986;
Whereas Walter Payton was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 
        1996;
Whereas Walter Payton was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame 
        in 1993;
Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League record for career 
        yards--16,726 yards;
Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League record for career 
        rushing attempts--3,838 attempts;
Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League record for yards gained 
        in a single game--275 yards in a game against the Minnesota Vikings on 
        November 20, 1977;
Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League record for seasons with 
        1,000 or more yards--10 seasons, 1976 to 1981 and 1983 to 1986;
Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League record for consecutive 
        seasons leading the league in rushing attempts--4 seasons, from 1976 to 
        1979;
Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League record for most career 
        games with 100 or more yards--77 games;
Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League record for combined net 
        yards in a career--21,803 yards;
Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League record for combined 
        attempts in a career--4,368 attempts;
Whereas one of Walter Payton's greatest achievements was the founding of the 
        Walter Payton Foundation, which provides financial and motivational 
        support to youth and helps children realize that they can raise the 
        quality of their lives and the lives of those around them;
Whereas the Walter Payton Foundation's greatest legacy has been the funding and 
        support of children's educational programs, as well as programs 
        assisting abused or neglected children; and
Whereas Walter Payton died on November 1, 1999, of liver disease: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes and honors Walter Payton--
                    (A) as one of the greatest professional football players;
                    (B) for his many contributions to Mississippi and the Nation 
                throughout his lifetime; and
                    (C) for transcending the game of football and becoming a 
                timeless symbol of athletic talent, spirited competition, and a 
                role model as a Christian gentleman and a loving father and 
                husband; and
            (2) extends its deepest condolences to Walter Payton's wife Connie, 
        his children Brittany and Jarrett, his mother Alyne, his brother Eddie 
        and sister Pam, and the other members of his family on their tragic 
        loss.
    Sec. 2. The Clerk of the House of Representatives shall transmit an enrolled 
copy of this resolution to the family of Walter Payton.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.