Walter Payton, the greatest player in Chicago Bears history, would’ve turned 70 today. Thinking about that really puts some things in perspective. The biggest is that we should show love for the ones we love while we still have them because you never know when someone will be gone too soon.
And, after that, my mind immediately goes to a place where I only want to share clips, highlights, and sizzle reels. Because legends can never die if we continue passing along their legacies.
We’ll start with highlights via his son Jarrett Payton:
For me, Payton’s greatness isn’t just about the dazzling runs, ankle-breaking jukes, or even the occasional touchdown pass. It is also about what he did against his stiffest competition. Beating the Green Bay Packers is on the wishlist of every Bears fan I know. And Payton did his best against Chicago’s arch nemesis from up north:
Walter Payton career vs. the Packers:
🐻⬇️ – 2,484 rushing yards 🐻⬇️ – 19 touchdowns 🐻⬇️ – 1 touchdown pass 🐻⬇️ – Countless memories for so many fans pic.twitter.com/2KqM9EQWXh
His running style was unique, skillset was unrivaled, and his drive was unmatched. Payton’s numbers (16,726 rushing yards, 21,264 scrimmage yards, 125 rushing + receiving touchdowns, and 8 passing touchdowns) speak for themselves. But it’s the highlights that will leave you breathless.
This is where I might say that they just don’t make ’em the way they used to in the olden days. But let’s face it, they never made ’em like Sweetness in the first place. That guy was 1 of 1. A true generational, once-in-a-lifetime talent.
Drafting Walter Payton changed the Chicago Bears franchise trajectory:
— Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) May 25, 2023
This quote best describes how much of a game-changer Sweetness was upon arrival:
“The Chicago Bears were a team that played notably off-key for many seasons until the dazzle of Walter Payton almost single-handedly carried them to the playoffs.”
Fans of a certain age might remember Walter Payton as the author of the original “Flu Game” (sorry, MJ):
NFL history has been littered with great players. And there will be more awesome ones who are coming down the pipeline in years to come. But there will never, e-e-e-ever be someone like Walter Payton. The best there is, the best there was, and quite possibly the best there ever will be among those to suit up for the Chicago Bears.
Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.
In watching the other 31 NFL teams, one things that consistently pops up is how the best squads constantly do whatever it takes to get the ball into the hands of the playmakers. Sometimes, it takes involving a player on...
Day 1 of the weekend group chat trip was a great success. I'm looking forward to seeing what shenanigans today will bring us. Sheesh! I thought Bears GM Ryan Poles had a heckuva draft day. In case you missed it,...
I did *NOT* expect to see a graphic where Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift shares space with Austin Ekeler, Alvin Kamara, and Christian McCaffrey. And neither did you. But don't feel bad. It's OK. This is a safe space...
No one loves an underdog story more than I do. And I don't think there is a bigger underdog in Bears camp than Velus Jones Jr., who has quite the opportunity ahead of him when training camp opens next month....
Last year, we watched Cole Kmet elevate his game to another level. In doing so, Kmet helped Justin Fields make some strides as a passer. Not enough to keep Fields around for another season in Chicago, mind you. But enough...
I baked cookies and popped home-made popcorn for the annual group chat trip that is happening this weekend. What a wonderful journey this will be. But first ... a Friday set of Bears Bullets. The only debate I want to...
The verdict is IN class-action lawsuit from NFL Sunday Ticket subscribers, with the jury throwing down a substantial punishment at the feet of the league. Mike Florio — who is well-versed in the NFL (as Pro Football Talk's lead voice) and...
You won't believe where ESPN ranks the Chicago Bears roster ahead of the 2024 NFL season. And, yes, the forecast is a positive one. ESPN's team of analysts including Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz, and Seth Walder have the Bears roster...
Back in April, the Chicago Bears used their third-round pick on Hinsdale product Kiran Amegadjie. Last night, the Chicago Bulls used their first-round pick on HInsdale product Matas Buzelis — whose highlights you can watch here. We have 73 days until...
We are 74 days from Week 1 kicking off and the trash talk between the Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears is underway. Jeffery Simmons, the ultra-talented Titans defensive tackle, delivers the first salvo: https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1805997115425858042 Ooh! A painted nails quip. I'm...
Looking to watch the 2024 Copa America matches on Sunday? You're in the luck. Below, we've listed the start times and TV channels for every match.Info on live coverage of today's Copa America play is available for you.Head to Fubo...
On Sunday, the Baltimore Orioles (53-30) are hosting the Texas Rangers (37-46), at 7:10 PM ET. The Orioles have won four in a row.Curious about who's available to play for the Orioles and the Rangers? Continue scrolling to see complete...
On Sunday, the San Francisco Giants (40-44) are hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers (52-32), at 4:05 PM ET, in the final game of a three-game set.Hoping to find out who's playing for the Dodgers and the Giants? Keep reading to...
The Arizona Diamondbacks (40-43) and Oakland Athletics (30-55) will clash on Sunday at Chase Field, with first pitch at 4:10 PM ET.Curious about who's playing for the Diamondbacks and the Athletics? Continue reading for complete injury reports for both teams.Watch...
Venezuela (6 points) and Jamaica (0 points) square off on Sunday, June 30 at 8:00 PM ET in the third game of Group B action at the 2024 Copa America.This game will be airing on Fox Sports 1.Watch the entire...
Ecuador, sitting on three points, and Mexico, with three, meet on Sunday, June 30 at 8:00 PM ET, to wrap up Group B play at the 2024 Copa America.The match between Ecuador and Mexico will be available on FOX.Watch the...
The Atlanta Braves (46-35) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (39-43) square off in Atlanta on Sunday. First pitch is at 11:35 AM ET at Truist Park.The Braves will call on Spencer Schwellenbach (1-3) versus the Pirates and Bailey Falter (3-6).Braves vs....
The Chicago Bulls locked up one of their highest-upside young talents late Saturday night. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Chicago Bulls have signed Patrick Williams to a five-year $90 million deal. The fourth-year forward was headed toward restricted...
The Detroit Tigers (37-45), with Casey Mize on the mound, visit the Los Angeles Angels (35-46) who will counter with Tyler Anderson, at 4:07 PM ET on Sunday.See how to watch the Detroit-Los Angeles matchup below.When is Tigers vs. Angels...
The Minnesota Twins (45-37), with Joe Ryan on the hill, visit the Seattle Mariners (47-37) who will hand the ball to Luis Castillo, at 4:10 PM ET on Sunday.See how to watch the Minnesota-Seattle matchup below.When is Twins vs. Mariners...
NEWSLETTER
