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Walter Payton, 1954-1999
Walter Payton, nicknamed "Sweetness," was the Chicago Bears' star running back from 1975 to 1987. By the end of his career, he held several records, including ten seasons with 1,000 or more yards rushing and 110 rushing touchdowns. On finishing with a career total of 16,726 yards, Payton said, "I want to set the record so high that the next person who tries for it, it's going to burst his heart." He was selected the NFL's most valuable player in 1977 and 1985. His last coach, Mike Ditka, said Payton was "the best football player I've ever seen." Payton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993
In this watercolor by Merv Corning, Payton sits intensely focusing on the game. The perspective and blue brushstrokes of the jacket emphasize the incredible strength of this football legend.
Merv Corning, 1981 |