November 3, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 28259 fan and a devoted and lifelong Chicago He had an infectious smile and I felt like I somehow knew him, that he was Bears fan, I rise today to pay tribute to warmth that reached out through the one of us. And we were all better off for that. Walter Payton, who died Monday at television sets. As a fan, one just knew Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- the age of 45. that here was a guy who was as likable er, although it saddens my heart to stand here Different sports heroes define dif- a person as he was a player. That is before Congress today, it is an honor to pay ferent generations. For my generation, why, I believe, the people of Chicago tribute to one of the greatest football players Walter Payton was the Chicago Bears. were so touched, first by his illness and in the history of the National Football League. Walter Payton will long be remem- then by his passing. Walter Payton, a giant of a man, died Novem- bered, Mr. Speaker, as a player who re- When Walter announced his illness, ber 1, 1999 at the young age of 45. He is sur- wrote football’s record books. He is the when Chicago saw a man who was so vived by his wife Connie, two children Jarrett National Football League’s all-time much a part of the life of the city con- and Brittney, his mother Alyne, brother Eddie, leading rusher. He ran the ball more fronting the reality of his condition, and a sister Pam. times than anybody else in history. On we all felt his sorrow. I, like I suspect There is a saying that states, ‘‘Big things a day in November, in 1977, against the most Bears’ fans, never knew Walter come in small packages.’’ This holds true for Minnesota Vikings, he set the record Payton. But his passing has left us, his Walter. Hailing from Columbia, MS, Walter did for the most yards in a single game, fans, with a profound sense of loss. not play organized football until the tenth rushing for an amazing 275 yards. For those of us who are Walter grade. It was in Columbia, where he began to But though these records of achieve- Payton fans, we have to remind our- amaze everyone who saw him play. In 1970, ment on the football field endure, the selves that life is filled with the bitter Walter attended Jackson State University history of Walter Payton that will be and the sweet. For me, I find peace in where he began his assault on NCAA history written in books will never compete the belief that good people go to heav- by becoming the all time leading scorer, a dis- with the history written deep in the en. It is nice knowing that today heav- tinction which earned him a fourth place finish hearts of his fans, for Walter Payton’s en is where sweetness is. in the Heisman Trophy race in 1974. In 1975, records are merely the product of his Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Payton was selected by the Chicago Bears as remarkable character and drive. honor the life of Walter Payton, number 34 for the fourth selection overall. From that point, Walter Payton made football history the Chicago Bears. The tragic, and all too Payton began a career that would include because of his will and his legendary early, end to his life on Monday cannot ob- many awards, including his externalized place determination. During his 13 seasons scure his greatness, not only as a football of honor at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in for the Chicago Bears, he missed only player, but as a person. He holds eight NFL Canon, OH. one football game, in his rookie year, records, from career rushing yards to number The people who were fortunate enough to because of a twisted ankle. In that of 1,000 yard rushing seasons to yards gained see him play were entertained at every level. game, he said he could have played, but in a game. He holds 28 Bears records. But the Whether it was a run, block, kick, pass, or a his coaches kept him on the sidelines. Bears often had great individuals. Walter reception, Walter gave the crowd everything at This is remarkable considering the po- Payton meant so much more to the team than 100 percent. His running style earned him the sition he played and the punishment just individual statistics. nickname ‘‘Sweetness.’’ To see him punish running backs in the NFL must with- I had the privilege of going to the 1963 NFL would-be tacklers was definitely a delight. He stand. Championship game in Chicago where the was a total player, involving himself in every Mike Ditka, his former coach with Bears beat the New York Giants 14–10. Un- aspect of the game. He was unselfish in his the Chicago Bears, was fond of talking fortunately, that would be the last time any of play and always put the team first. It was this about Payton’s unique style of run- us would see the Bears in the playoffs until unselfish attitude that fueled the Chicago ning. There were bigger, faster, and Walter Payton arrived. And he carried the Bears to a Super Bowl Championship in 1985. more elusive runners, but Payton was Bears with his work ethic, determination, and A fitting award for a well deserving athlete. In the best running back he ever saw. relentless pursuit of excellence. Sometimes it 1987, Payton left the game to pursue other Payton attacked would-be tacklers, he seemed that he was the only weapon the goals. He left the game, but not after setting never ran out of bounds, and was al- Bears had. But, finally, he led the Bears back many records including the all time leading ways reaching for the extra yard. to the top in Super Bowl XX. Over the time rushing record of 16,276 yards. A record that This way of running the ball made that Walter Payton played, Chicago saw a ren- still stands strong to this day. him a natural for fans in a city like aissance in its sports teams—the White Sox After football, Payton became as dedicated Chicago that prides itself on its work and the Cubs were in the playoffs and Michael to being an effective businessman as he was ethic. As Don Pierson wrote in yester- Jordan was on his way to taking the Bulls to to being an effective football player. He be- day’s Chicago Tribune, ‘‘He captured the top. But Walter Payton was the first and came heavily involved in auto racing, both as the soul of a city with work habits and the brightest and the Bears owned Chicago a driver and owner. This led him to many busi- results that made steelworkers and because of him. ness interests and holdings including an at- ditchdiggers proud.’’ More importantly, Walter Payton made his tempt to become the first African-American But the special thing about Walter mark off the football field in a way that few owner of a NFL franchise. In a world where di- Payton was not the 16,726 rushing athletes do. In truth, he gave back to Chicago versity is expanding and new arenas are being yards he accumulated in his career. It more than Chicago could ever have given him. opened for people of color, it is refreshing to is the way he lived his life and the kind He coached high school basketball, read to know that Walter attempted every day to ven- of person he was. Several of Walter’s children in a literacy program, and made sig- ture into different markets that were not so ac- teammates have, since his passing, nificant charitable contributions during and cessible before. I had the pleasure of meeting talked about Walter Payton’s favorite after his NFL career, including through the Walter in my office here in Washington. Walter saying, ‘‘tomorrow is promised to no Walter Payton Foundation, which funds edu- exemplified the same passion and fire for his one’’. He played football that way. The cational programs and helps abused and ne- business as he did for the game of football. way he played was a metaphor for the glected children. He was a successful busi- After his final game, Payton was quoted as way he lived, with energy and with en- nessman, always into new ventures, from his saying he played because it was fun and that thusiasm. Payton’s style of running restaurants to an Indy car racing team. he loved to play. Mr. Speaker, the next time was aggressive and punishing. He And clearly, he was a successful father and we see a football game where a player dives blended a no-holds-barred style with husband. When his daughter Brittney and wife over the heap for the extra yard or goal line the agility of a ballet dancer. Connie accepted the Life Award for him at the or when a player breaks free from the pack One Chicago sportswriter said his Arete Courage in Sports awards less than 2 and high steps into an end zone, let’s take a style was a ‘‘combination soul train weeks ago and when his son Jarrett ad- moment and remember who introduced these and freight train.’’ But the name dressed the media yesterday, you could see moves to us, let’s take a moment and remem- sweetness was not based solely on his the same poise in them as we saw in Walter. ber Walter Payton. style of play. It was based on his per- I never had the opportunity to meet Walter Mr. LARGENT. Mr. Speaker, Walter Payton sonality. Payton personally. But like most Chicagoans, was my hero and my friend. I never met a

VerDate jul 14 2003 09:07 Jun 24, 2004 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR99\H03NO9.002 H03NO9 28260 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE November 3, 1999 man with more heart for the game of football I recall that courage was defined by a World he had a lot greater impact on me than I had or for people. He wore a perpetual smile. War II bomber-pilot as, ‘‘The guy who was on him. He was the best player I’ve ever seen. That’s what I’ll never forget about Walter. He afraid . . . but went in anyway.’’ Whether a And probably one of the best people I’ve ever touched my life. I pointed to him when ascrib- defensive lineman twice his size or the debili- met’’. ing role models for my boys. And if my three tating disease which finally tackled him the Having lost a daughter to cancer 2 years sons have the same zest for life, love for peo- other afternoon, Walter Payton never failed to ago myself, I understand the pain the Payton ple, and positive outlook on the future, I will be drop his head, lower his shoulder, and drive family is feeling in their loss. I can only assure one proud father. through for a few more yards. We will truly them that in time, the family will be reunited I will greatly miss Walter but I will never for- miss him. and what a joyous occasion it will be for the get him. He changed football; he changed the Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, Payton family. record books; he changed the Bears; he we lost one of football’s all-time greatest play- Walter never gave up hope in his fight. It is changed Chicago; he changed me. I’m a bet- ers and a great American—Walter Payton, for that spirit that people everywhere will re- ter man and the world is a better place be- who lived in my district and touched the lives member him forever. cause of him. I hope the same will be said of of so many on and off the field. After announc- f me. ing earlier this year, he was battling a liver dis- Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, above all else, the ease, which later turned into cancer, Walter WOMEN BORN INTO A WORLD OF death of Walter Payton yesterday calls to mind fought the good fight and kept the faith until VIOLENCE a simple word: Courage. the end. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Nothing I can say could do justice to the Between 1975 and 1987 there were three previous order of the House, the gentle- man who brought so much joy and class to givens in Chicago: The wind was blowing off woman from New York (Mrs. KELLY) is the City of Chicago for over a decade. On the the Lake, the Cubs were not in the World Se- recognized for 5 minutes. field, though he often said he ‘‘was not the ries, and Walter Payton No. 34, also known as Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, during fastest, not the strongest, not the biggest,’’ ‘‘Sweetness’’ for his silky smooth moves, was the 5 minutes that I deliver this Walter Payton was truly a giant. For 13 years in the backfield for the Bears. speech, 33 new lives will begin, 17 males he ran roughshod over the NFL, shattering Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993, Wal- and 16 females. They enter a world on records and defenses along the way. A quick ter Payton carried the ball more often (3,838 the brink of the 21st century and where perusal of his statistics reveal a career nothing attempts), for more yards (16,726), than any- possibilities are limitless. short of legendary. one who has ever played the game. There is Of the 16 females born during this For the first several years of his career, he no question, Walter Payton was the best at speech, at least two will be the victim was the lone high-point of many woeful sea- taking the ball and running with it. Against of rape or attempted rape, one of whom sons at Soldier Field. Week after week, he Minnesota in 1977, he carried 40 times for will be violated before she reaches the racked up the yards . . . while the Bears 275 yards, a National Football League (NFL) age of 18, five will be the victim of racked up the losses. That never seemed to single game record. abuse by an intimate partner, and one effect him on the field. His hard running, his It’s not that Walter Payton is the all-time ferocious blocking, and his indomitable spirit will be stalked. She will join the ranks leading rusher and holds 28 NFL and Bears never waned during the lean years of the Chi- of the 1 million women who have been records and could throw the most punishing cago Bears. Those years solidified his place in stalked this year. This is the world block on the biggest defensive linebackers football history as the class act who left it all that these new lives are being brought that made him a great person. Walter Payton on the field, even in a hopeless game playing into. was a great man because of his commitment for a mediocre team during a disappointing As a former rape crisis counselor, I to his family and faith. Being a family man and season. know firsthand the devastation caused But it was Walter Payton the man—more active in his community, he was regularly seen by this type of violence. I have been in than the football player—who truly touched the at St. Viator High School sporting events sup- the emergency room when a raped lives of the American people, and especially porting his son. In addition, Payton volun- woman has come in to be treated. I those of us lucky enough to have lived in and teered to help coach the boys’ basketball have seen the fear, the shock in these around Chicago, IL, during his career. His old teams at Hoffman Estates High School in victims who have been so horribly vio- coach, Mike Ditka, said yesterday that ‘‘Sweet- 1993–1994. lated. In 1998, forcible rape ranked ness’’ was not a nickname describing Payton’s Walter Payton’s quiet attitude of giving third for violent crimes reported to law playing, but the way he treated other people. earned him a spot in the Arlington Heights enforcement officials, but that number His commitment to his family and friends, to Hall of Fame in 1988 and 4 years earlier a may be grossly underestimated be- children in the Chicago area, and his deep one-block stretch of downtown Arlington cause, according to the Justice Depart- faith were all evident in his day-to-day life. Heights was named Payton Run. Walter ment, only one-third of all rapes are re- Earlier this year, Payton learned of the liver Payton owned businesses in my district, two ported to the authorities. disease which would eventually take his life. nightclubs in Schaumburg—Studebaker’s and Over the last 2 years, as I worked to Even as it became clear his health was slip- Thirty Four’s—ran Walter Payton Power develop stronger antistalking legisla- ping from him, Sweetness again rose to the Equipment in Streamwood and headquartered tion, I have met with the victims of occasion, never losing hope, and in fact, by all his corporate offices in Hoffman Estates. He stalking and heard of the damage accounts, growing in his religious faith, dis- was also active in several charities and helped brought on their lives because of the playing all the courage and class we had whenever and wherever he could in the com- constant threat from a stalker. grown to expect from him. Just as he did dur- munity. Even though he denied it, he was an My legislation, which was marked up ing those losing seasons early in his career, all around role model to which every pro-ath- earlier this week in the Committee on his courage reaffirmed Lawrence of Arabia’s lete or average ‘‘Joe’’ should aspire. the Judiciary, expands and broadens great lesson, that ‘‘There could be no honor in Quite simply, Walter Payton was a great cit- the definition of stalking to include a sure success, but much might be wrested izen, on and off the field, who will be forever interstate commerce. from a sure defeat.’’ Facing the most tragic remembered as a champion. His former coach b 1915 defeat of his life against the most daunting op- Mike Ditka once remarked to his players in ponent, Walter Payton was the personification training camp, ‘‘If everyone came to camp in This would include e-mail, telephone, of courage, and that is why we honor him as good of shape as Walter we’d have a good and other forms of interstate commu- here. team’’. He had a superior training ritual. In his nications as a means of stalking. In ad- Payton once wrote, in a ‘‘practice’’ retire- 13-year career, he played in pain and missed dition, it also expands the definition of ment speech to the City of Chicago and his only one game. Ditka when he came to coach immediate family to include persons fans, ‘‘If I’ve done anything that has helped the Bears said ‘‘Walter Payton is my idol.’’ who regularly reside with the victim. your lives, please use it.’’ It is his courage— Have you ever heard a coach say that about During the hearing on this bill, one even in the face of sure defeat—that I hope a player? I think a quote that sums up Walter stalking victim testified about her ex- will be Walter Payton’s legacy to the world, Payton’s life was from Coach Ditka when he periences with cyberstalking. This and we certainly should use it. said, ‘‘It’s sad to me (Walter’s death) because woman was stalked by three people she

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