[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28300]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       ON WALTER PAYTON'S PASSING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 2, 1999

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in remembering an 
extraordinary athlete and person, Mr. Walter Payton.
  Walter Payton was a hero on and off the football field. Throughout 
his life, he epitomized courage, determination and dignity. Self-
motivated by a standard of excellence, he used his intelligence and 
God-given ability to excel in his professional and personal life. As 
you know, this standard of excellence is detailed in the numerous 
stats, and records he accumulated throughout his football career.
  In thirteen years of playing professional football, Walter set 28 
Bears records and 7 NFL records. The All time NFL leader in total 
rushing yards (16,726) and combined net yardage (21,803), Payton was 
truly one of the greatest running backs who ever played the game. He 
rushed for 1,000 yards in 10 of his seasons, and set the longstanding 
record for most rushing yards gained in a single game. I still recall 
Walter's historic performance against the Minnesota Vikings, where he 
rushed for 275 yards, and carried the ball 40 times. Furthermore, I am 
sure that if a record existed for endurance, Walter would have set that 
as well. Payton only missed one game in his entire career, which 
spanned 13 seasons and 190 games.
  I recall many moments watching Walter and being in awe of his 
numerous athletic feats. His sheer will, determination and courage will 
forever be a measure for athletic and personal excellence. Throughout 
his thirteen stellar years with the Chicago Bears, I cannot recall a 
single time when Walter chose to run the ball into the sidelines, 
rather than run straight into an opposing defender or group of 
defenders. He displayed courage when confronted with any obstacle. Even 
while facing the toughest obstacle in his life, Walter bravely 
announced to the world his battle with the liver disorder and cancer, 
that would claim his life.
  On occasions that Walter visited me in my office, his humility and 
down to earth approach always impressed me. It was refreshing. It was 
those qualities that became even more evident during these last few 
months.
  ``Sweetness,'' graceful, courageous, electrifying and charming are 
just a few of the characteristics that Walter embodied throughout his 
life. I am deeply saddened by Walter Payton's passing. My prayers are 
with his loving wife and children. In closing, I will forever treasure 
the many memories Walter Payton has left behind, and I hope his family 
and his many friends rest assured knowing that he has found comfort in 
God's hands.

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