[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 156 (Monday, November 8, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2295-E2296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO WALTER PAYTON

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ROGER F. WICKER

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 3, 1999

  Mr. WICKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of fellow 
Mississippian Walter Payton who died earlier this week at the age of 
45. Walter Payton was born in Columbia, Mississippi, on July 25, 1954. 
Following his outstanding career at Jackson State University, he was 
drafted by the Chicago Bears where he would spend the next 13 years re-
writing the NFL record books.
  Walter Payton's on-field accomplishments, his engaging personality 
and his off-the-field contributions to community and civic affairs have 
earned him a lasting place in the hearts of millions of Americans.
  He proved that a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence 
could propel an undersized athlete from a small college in Mississippi 
to the top of the professional football world. He was praised for 
bringing positive attention to the abilities of players who come from 
small colleges. Among his admirers is Jerry Rice, another Mississippian 
from a small school who became an NFL superstar. ``He paved the way for 
so many small schools and players, including myself, because he opened 
a lot of eyes,'' Rice said.
  Mississippians are proud of this Hall of Fame running back for his 
success in running over, around and through opposing defenses. We are 
equally proud of his commitment to family, church, and community.
  Many people will recall his work to ensure that thousands of children 
received toys and clothing for Christmas. Among his activities were 
efforts to help over 9000 churches, schools, and social service 
agencies raise money to support their missions, and establishing 
scholarships so that children, who had

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been wards of the state, might see their dreams of college become a 
reality. He also created job training and placement programs for the 
unemployed and worked with the Illinois Department of Children and 
Family Services to find families for orphaned children. And while 
Walter is no longer with us, the Walter Payton Foundation will continue 
his great humanitarian legacy for years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, Walter Payton was a role model in his public life as a 
professional athlete in his private life as husband, father, and 
community leader. We will miss him.

                          ____________________