[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 219 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]







106th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 219

    Recognizing and honoring Walter Jerry Payton and expressing the 
         condolences of the Senate to his family on his death.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            November 2, 1999

Mr. Fitzgerald (for himself, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Lott, Mr. Cochran, and Mr. 
  Helms) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 
                               agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    Recognizing and honoring Walter Jerry Payton and expressing the 
         condolences of the Senate to his family on his death.

Whereas Walter Payton was a hero, a leader, and a role model both on and off the 
        field;
Whereas for 13 years, Walter Payton thrilled Chicago Bears' fans as the National 
        Football League's (NFL's) all-time leading rusher--and as one of the 
        greatest running backs ever to play the game--culminating with his 
        induction into the Professional Football Hall of Fame;
Whereas after retiring from professional football in 1987, Payton continued to 
        touch the lives of both his fellow Chicagoans and citizens of his native 
        state of Mississippi, as a businessman and a community leader;
Whereas Walter Payton was born in 1954 to Mrs. Alyne Payton and the late Mr. 
        Edward Payton, and his historic career began as a star running back at 
        Columbia High School in his native hometown of Columbia, Mississippi, 
        which he called ``a child's paradise.'' He went on to choose Jackson 
        State University over 100 college offers, and to set nine university 
        football records, eventually scoring more points than any other football 
        player in the history of the National Collegiate Athletic Association;
Whereas the first choice in the 1975 NFL draft, Payton--or ``Sweetness'' as he 
        was known to his fans--became the NFL's all-time leader in running and 
        combined net yards and scored 110 touchdowns during his career with the 
        Bears;
Whereas Walter Payton made the Pro Bowl nine times and was named the league's 
        Most Valuable Player twice, in 1977 and 1985;
Whereas in 1977, Payton rushed for a career-high 1,852 yards and carried the 
        Bears to the playoffs for the first time since 1963;
Whereas Payton broke Jim Brown's long-standing record in 1984 to become the 
        league's all-time leading rusher, and finished his career with a record 
        16,726 total rushing yards;
Whereas in 1985-86, Walter Payton led the Bears to an unforgettable 15-1 season 
        and Super Bowl victory--the first and only Super Bowl win in Bears' 
        history;
Whereas Payton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, and was 
        selected this year as the Greatest All-Time NFL Player by more than 200 
        players from the NFL Draft Class of 1999;
Whereas Walter Payton matched his accomplishments on the football field with his 
        selfless actions off the field on behalf of those in need. He excelled 
        academically as well as athletically, earning a degree in special 
        education from Jackson State University in just three and one half 
        years, and going on to undertake additional graduate study. Payton 
        worked throughout his adult life to improve the lives of others through 
        personal involvement with many charitable organizations. He was 
        particularly active in working with children facing physical, mental, or 
        economic challenges. In 1988, he established the Halas/Payton 
        Foundation, which continues his legacy of community involvement to help 
        educate Chicago's youth;
Whereas Walter Payton was a dedicated man of faith and principle, who, as a 
        life-long Baptist, was known for his deep reverence for God; and, as a 
        gracious and selfless citizen, was a devoted father with sterling 
        personal integrity and a warm sense of humor. Walter Payton will always 
        be remembered as a true gentleman with a heart full of genuine and 
        active concern for others;
Whereas Walter Payton was truly an American hero in every sense of the term;
Whereas the members of the Senate extend our deepest sympathies to Walter 
        Payton's family and the host of friends that he had across the country; 
        and
Whereas Walter Payton died tragically on November 1, 1999, at age 45, but his 
        legacy will live in our hearts and minds forever: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) hereby recognizes and honors Walter Jerry Payton--
                    (A) as one of the greatest football players of all 
                time; and
                    (B) for his many contributions to the Nation, 
                especially to children, throughout his lifetime; and
            (2) extends its deepest condolences to Walter Payton's 
        wife, Connie; his two children, Jarrett and Brittney; his 
        mother, Alyne; his brother, Eddie; his sister, Pam; and other 
        members of his family.
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