Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 1, 2019
Remembering Walter Payton, the greatest Bear — who set a good pick, too
AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast The statue of Chicago Bears and Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton outside Soldier Field.Twenty years ago, the world lost a legend: Chicago Bear’s Number One player of all time, Walter Payton. Who knew that “Sweetness” would leave such a lasting mark?
We marveled at his electric talent, and his character both on and off the field. In the early 80s, as a young teacher/basketball coach, I had the chance to compete with Walter and his Bear buddies in off-season pick-up basketball at Buffalo Grove High School. Walter loved to tease everyone and always had fun. He called me “Spider,” an apt nickname for my 6-foot, 150-pound frame.
