This post was originally published on 14 November 1999 while I wrote for WISN (Worldwide Internet Sports Network). It was my fifth article for them.
I was sitting watching the Bears – Packers game last Sunday and began to think about Walter Payton. Being a Packer fan, he caused me many years of anguish, but at the same time I was always able to admire his ability and class.
Football doesn’t hold the same place in my heart as baseball, but my thoughts didn’t center on the game, nor did they really center on Walter Payton the running back. I began to think of heroes. The heroes in my life have been athletes, probably pretty much like any boy growing up. But they have also been everyday people.
I guess reflecting on Walter’s life or at least the parts I knew of and his unfortunate, early death at age 45 made me realize he effected so many people. He was larger than life in many ways. Walter missed only one game in his 13-year career. He carried himself with dignity and class. He ran as few before him, not the fastest, not the most powerful, not the most elusive; he ran and made the most of his talent and heart. He also blocked, passed and caught passes. He played from his heart and he experienced joy. He never blamed another for failure and supported his teammates. He also was a family man with love in his heart for his fellow man, had a marvelous sense of humor and a burning desire to succeed in all aspects of life.
To a generation of youngsters growing up and football fans everywhere he was THE running back. When his liver condition was discovered and announced he made people aware of the need for organ donors. His death brought sorrow, but also awareness that he didn’t waste his time. Walter the man and Walter the football player / hero will be missed.
I think too that we must recognize his attributes and qualities in the everyday people of each of our lives. The ones who don’t gain 100 yards every game, nor get their name and picture in papers or on cereal boxes.
We must recognize the father who works long hours for his family. We must recognize the women who gives up her dreams and puts her feelings, desires and wants aside so her kids can have a happy childhood. We must recognize the dignity, pride and love of those around us who touch our lives daily. These are the heroes that shape our lives just as much, if not more, than the athletes. We need the athletes to make our past times more interesting, but we need each other to experience life and love.
Walter Payton was a good man, a family man, and a man who believed in God and in doing the right thing. I hope that he is in a better place and that God has indeed blessed him. I offer my sincere condolences to his friends and family. I also ask each of you to remember him, but in this remembering try to recognize what we love in our athletes and see it in those around us.
Thanks for the memories Walter!
~ Coach Mike
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Coach Mike coming from a Packer fan Thank you for a great article on sweetness 34.
What a beautiful tribute 🤩. He was an amazing man‼️ Thanks for reminding your readers of the awesome everyday people/heroes in all our lives🤗. We are blessed 🙏