III

106TH CONGRESS

1ST SESSION S. RES. 219

Recognizing and honoring Walter Jerry Payton and expressing the

condolences of the Senate to his family on his death.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

NOVEMBER 2, 1999

Mr. FITZGERALD (for himself, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. LOTT, Mr. COCHRAN, and

Mr. HELMS) submitted the following resolution; which was considered

and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Recognizing and honoring Walter Jerry Payton and expressing the condolences of the Senate to his family on his

death.

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;
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SRES 219 ATS

Whereas Walter Payton was born in 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 Bowl 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;
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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

1 Resolved, That the Senate—

2 (1) hereby recognizes and honors Walter Jerry

3 Payton—
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1 (A) as one of the greatest football players

2 of all time; and

3 (B) for his many contributions to the Na4 tion, especially to children, throughout his life5 time; and

6 (2) extends its deepest condolences to Walter

7 Payton’s wife, Connie; his two children, Jarrett and

8 Brittney; his mother, Alyne; his brother, Eddie; his

9 sister, Pam; and other members of his family.

Æ