[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 164 (Thursday, November 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING AND HONORING WALTER PAYTON AND EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES OF 
                  THE HOUSE TO HIS FAMILY ON HIS DEATH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 1999

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to strongly support 
this measure that recognizes a true sports hero and legend, Walter 
Payton.
  Payton died of bile duct cancer at age 45. He is survived by his 
wife, Connie; his daughter, Brittney; and his son, Jarrett.
  But it is not his death that lingers in our minds. It is his way of 
life that fills our memories and our hearts.
  As a member of the Chicago Bears, Walter Payton stretched athleticism 
past the bounds of our imaginations. He bulled and wove throughout the 
football field with a creativity that allowed brute force and artistic 
expression to merge into one perfect moment.
  Payton, the National Football League's leader in yards rushing 
(16,726) and carries (3,838), was known for his durability. He missed 
just one game in his 13-year career with the Bears. And during that 
time, he earned a Super Bowl ring. Payton retired after the 1987 
season, and the Bears retired his No. 34. In the first year he was 
eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he was a unanimous 
selection.
  But we cannot limit his worth to mere statistics and on-the-field 
achievement. Walter Payton represented sheer perseverance. Some would 
call Walter Payton the Cal Ripken of football. I would suggest that Cal 
Ripken is the Walter Payton of baseball. Indeed, Payton is the very 
embodiment of the term, ``iron will.''
  His commitment to excellence and immense endurance makes his death 
seem all the more unbelievable. But Walter Payton did not lose his 
battle with liver disease. He simply ran out of time.
  During an emotional, invitation-only memorial service that drew about 
1,200 people, friends and family remembered Payton's practical jokes, 
his passion for those around him, his determination to be the best at 
what he did, and his generosity.
  The public also had its chance to say goodbye during a ceremony at 
Soldier Field. Thousands of Bears fans filed into the stadium, many 
carrying signs in tribute and others dressed in Payton's familiar No. 
34 jersey.
  Yet, sports aficionados are not the only members of society who claim 
Payton as their hero. Any American, regardless of race or gender, can 
identify with Walter Payton. The consummate statesman, Payton carried 
himself on and off the field with dignity and class. He achieved, yet, 
he always remained committed to his team--individuality was not his 
style. It is because of his gentle and caring demeanor that he truly 
earned his nickname, ``Sweetness.'' He was as sweet a person in real 
life as he was to watch on the football field.
  And as an African-American, I am proud that an African-American holds 
such an imposing NFL record. His rushing record shows that anyone can 
achieve lofty goals, regardless of race. It is a record that will stand 
for many years and will remain a testament to Payton's excellence.
  Teammate Mike Singletary, one of five who offered a tribute at 
Payton's service, said if Payton saw people crying he would say: ``Hold 
everything--I'm on hallowed ground. I'm running hills, I'm running on 
clouds. I'm running on stars. I'm on the moon.''
  ``He affected so many people in a positive way, not only through 
athletic prowess, but through his generosity and for the way he lived 
his life,'' said Ditka, the coach of that Bears team that went 18-1. 
``Yeah, it isn't fair. Forty-five years on this Earth, you should be in 
the prime of your life. But I think it warns us that tomorrow is not 
promised.''
  We will remember Walter Payton and his famous jersey number ``34'' 
that he wore first at Jackson State and then with the Bears. We also 
will remember Payton in his Chicago uniform with his trademark white 
headband.
  But most of all, we will remember Walter Payton for his pleasant 
smile, his warmth of character, and his will to achieve.

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