[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 153 (Wednesday, November 3, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H11449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO WALTER PAYTON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, although it saddens my 
heart to stand here before Congress today, it is an honor to pay 
tribute to one of the greatest football players in the history of the 
National Football League. Walter Payton, a giant of a man, died 
November 1, 1999, at the young age of 45. He is survived by his wife, 
Connie; two children, Jarrett and Brittney; and by his mother, Alyne; a 
brother, Eddie; and a sister, Pam.
  There is a saying that big things come in small packages. This holds 
true for Walter. Hailing from Columbia, Mississippi, Walter did not 
play organized football until the 10th grade. It was in Columbia where 
he began to amaze all who saw him play. In 1970, Walter attended 
Jackson State University where he began his assault on the NCAA 
history, becoming the all-time leading scorer, earning a fourth place 
finish in the Heisman Trophy race in 1974.
  I might add that I had the opportunity to see Walter in his many 
games at Jackson State University. He was, indeed, a breath of fresh 
air for black college football.
  In 1975, Payton was selected by the Chicago Bears as the fourth 
selection overall. From that point on, Payton began a career that would 
include many accolades, including his place of honor in Canton, Ohio, 
at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
  For those who saw him play, you were entertained at every level. 
Whether it was a run, block, kick, pass or reception, Walter gave you 
everything at 100 percent. His running style deemed him the nickname 
``Sweetness,'' because to see him punish would-be tacklers was 
definitely a delight. He was a total player, involving himself in every 
aspect of the game. He was unselfish in his play and always put the 
team first. It was this unselfish attitude that fueled the Chicago 
Bears to a Super Bowl Championship in 1985, a fitting award for a well-
deserving athlete. In 1987, Payton left the game to pursue other goals. 
He left the game, but not until setting many records, including the 
all-time leading rushing record of 16,276 yards, a record that still 
stands strong to this day.
  After his final game, Payton was quoted as saying he played because 
it was fun, and that he loved to play. Mr. Speaker, the next time we 
see a football game where a player dives over the pile for the extra 
yard or a goal line, or when a player breaks free from the pack and 
high-steps into the end zone, let us take a moment and remember who 
introduced it to us. Let us take a moment and remember Walter Payton.

                          ____________________