Walter “Sweetness” Payton died Nov 1st 1999

I know he wasn’t a Packer, but he was special to watch.  If he were the young version of himself and playing today, he’d dominate every bit as much as he did in the 70s and 80s.  

He’d probably catch more passes and have fewer carries, but he’d still be incredible vs. these defenses more oriented towards stopping the pass.

Wow long time ago already.   Some friends and I were just talking about him last weekend.   I attended a game in Chicago where they put him in as QB late in game out of desperation.  1983?

Great player!

Holy shit,   22 years ago.  He was one of those players you respected in the division like Sanders.  

Payton missed one game during his rookie year, and then didn't miss a game for the next 11 years. In those 11 years, he was over 1200 yards rushing 10 times (the only year he wasn't was the strike year when teams played only 9 games). He averaged at least 100 yards from scrimmage per game every one of those 11 years.

11 years and about 4,000 touches without missing a single game while playing at one of the highest levels ever seen.

@Packy posted:

Holy shit,   22 years ago.  He was one of those players you respected in the division like Sanders.  

The fact that Sanders hasn't played in 23 years makes me feel really old.

Shame he never got a TD in the Super Bowl and Perry did.

And he was pisssssssssed after the game. Recent documentary on 30 for 30 showed extent.

I remember Chicago had a salute to Walter at their stadium after he had passed, and I saw a lone cheesehead wearer walking toward the stadium.  Brought tears to my eyes…..everyone really respected and loved him, even an arch enemy.     

@Tavis Smiley posted:

Shame he never got a TD in the Super Bowl and Perry did.

That was typical Ditka giving the Fridge a TD instead of Payton.  He always seemed to look for ways to rub it in the opponents nose instead of being classiy and give Walter the ball after all those years he waited to get that far.

I am on the outside on this one.  Yes Walter was a class act and always played the game right.  BUT, he was a Chicago Bear and that right there is automatic dislike on my part.

@The Heckler posted:

I am on the outside on this one.  Yes Walter was a class act and always played the game right.  BUT, he was a Chicago Bear and that right there is automatic dislike on my part.

Yep!