Walter's family feels the love
PAYTON TRIBUTE | Bears legend's wife, children moved by crowd's ovation
Walter Payton was honored by the Bears in a halftime ceremony Sunday, with his wife Connie joining son Jarrett and daughter Brittney on the field for a tribute to the Hall of Fame running back who died 10 years ago to the day.
The Soldier Field crowd gave a long and loud salute during a video tribute that featured highlights of Payton's career and included comments from former Bears coach Mike Ditka, owner Virginia McCaskey and teammates Otis Wilson and Richard Dent.
(Tom Cruze/Sun-Times)
PHOTO GALLERY
The life of Walter Payton
''Wasn't that awesome?'' Connie Payton asked the crowd that stood and roared. ''Thank you for a special day.''
She ended her brief speech with her two children by saying, ''We love you. And one more thing: Go Bears.''
The emotion of the tribute carried into the Bears locker room. ''It was a special day, a special week because of the tribute to Walter Payton,'' safety Danieal Manning said. ''Even before the game, we all learned a lot about his history with the Bears.''
After the ceremony, Payton's widow and children spoke about what the day meant to them.
''A lot has happened in 10 years and I was worried about how emotional this day would be,'' Connie Payton said. ''This is a special day with all of his fans.''
As for the Payton statue that originally was to be erected at Soldier Field, she said the family never would disrespect the servicemen, police and firemen that the stadium honors and was confident that officials would find the proper place for it.
''I try to model myself after him every single day,'' Jarrett Payton said. ''I was lucky enough to have the greatest football player ever and the greatest man on the face of the Earth for a dad. My dad was a true renaissance man. He was everything.''
Payton's daughter Brittany said she was too young at the time to appreciate seeing her father play.
''Looking at the Jumbotron, I truly realize what his legend meant,'' she said. ''It's a sad day, but an awesome day because I see everyone loved him.''