[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 153 (Wednesday, November 3, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S13805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


SENATE RESOLUTION 219--RECOGNIZING AND HONORING WALTER JERRY PAYTON AND 
  EXPRESSING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE SENATE TO HIS FAMILY ON HIS DEATH

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

                              S. Res. 219

       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 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 Brown 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.

                          ____________________