H. Res. 370

In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

November 16, 1999.

Whereas Walter Payton was born in Columbia, Mississippi,

on July 25, 1954;

Whereas Walter Payton was a distinguished alumnus of

Jackson State University, home of the Jackson State Tigers and the nationally renowned Sonic Boom of the

South;

Whereas Walter Payton was known by all as ‘‘Sweetness’’;

Whereas Walter Payton serves as the highest example of his

Christian faith and his sport in countless public and private ways;

Whereas Walter Payton was truly a hero and role model for

all Mississippians who had the privilege of watching him

play the game he loved so much;

Whereas Walter Payton was viewed by his friends and former

classmates as a fun-loving, warm, and smiling man with

a joy for life, his family, and his sport;

Whereas Walter Payton played the game of football with unparalleled determination, passion, and desire;

Whereas Walter Payton, an extraordinary Mississippian and

the National Football League’s greatest running back of
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all time, died leaving us great memories of personal and

athletic achievements;

Whereas Walter Payton received national acclaim as a running back and was the Chicago Bears’ first pick, and was

chosen fourth overall, in the 1975 draft;

Whereas Walter Payton played 13 seasons in the National

Football League;

Whereas Walter Payton played a critical role in helping the

Chicago Bears win Super Bowl XX in 1986;

Whereas Walter Payton was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996;

Whereas Walter Payton was inducted into the Professional

Football Hall of Fame in 1993;

Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League

record for career yards—16,726 yards;

Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League

record for career rushing attempts—3,838 attempts;

Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League

record for yards gained in a single game—275 yards in

a game against the Minnesota Vikings on November 20,

1977;

Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League

record for seasons with 1,000 or more yards—10 seasons, 1976 to 1981 and 1983 to 1986;

Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League

record for consecutive seasons leading the league in rushing attempts—4 seasons, from 1976 to 1979;

Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League

record for most career games with 100 or more yards—

77 games;
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Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League

record for combined net yards in a career—21,803 yards;

Whereas Walter Payton holds the National Football League

record for combined attempts in a career—4,368 attempts;

Whereas one of Walter Payton’s greatest achievements was

the founding of the Walter Payton Foundation, which

provides financial and motivational support to youth and

helps children realize that they can raise the quality of

their lives and the lives of those around them;

Whereas the Walter Payton Foundation’s greatest legacy has

been the funding and support of children’s educational

programs, as well as programs assisting abused or neglected children; and

Whereas Walter Payton died on November 1, 1999, of liver

disease: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) recognizes and honors Walter Payton—

(A) as one of the greatest professional football

players;

(B) for his many contributions to Mississippi

and the Nation throughout his lifetime; and

(C) for transcending the game of football and

becoming a timeless symbol of athletic talent, spirited competition, and a role model as a Christian

gentleman and a loving father and husband; and

(2) extends its deepest condolences to Walter

Payton’s wife Connie, his children Brittany and Jarrett,
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his mother Alyne, his brother Eddie and sister Pam, and

the other members of his family on their tragic loss.

SEC. 2. The Clerk of the House of Representatives shall

transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the family of

Walter Payton.

Attest:

Clerk.