This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
When Walter Payton passed away on November 1, 1999 from bile duct cancer at age 45, the football world lost much more than its all-time leading rusher and overall yardage gainer. It lost the finest gentleman and greatest goodwill amabassador perhaps the entire sports world has ever seen. On that sad day, in Chicago's Soldier Field, where the man known as "Sweetness" chalked up most of his 16,726 yards, his record 10 seasons with 1,000 or more yards and 77 games of 100 yards or more, each 30-yard-line was painted "34" in honor of Payton and the time clock was frozen on "34." On the field that Payton had dominated, Rev. Jesse Jackson eulogized him with these words, "Walter flew like an eagle, he flew high. We have lost 'Sweetness' but the light did not go out. The light belongs to the ages." Added John Madden simply, "Walter Payton was the greatest football player who ever lived." Even now, Payton's achievements, his generosity and selfless contributions to charities, and his sportsmanship and grace, only get stronger with time. His presence made the game better, and us better for having watched him. The white mesh jersey has on the left front tail the "Wilson" label and size "44." On the back is a white mesh nameplate with "Payton." The player number "34" is on the front, back and on each sleeve. On the left sleeve are the initials "GSH" in honor of late Bears owner George S. Halas. All the letters and numbers are blue on orange and have been ironed-on. Payton signed the back "4" in silver marker with his name and "34." The signature rates a solid 9. There are a few repair marks on the front of the shirt. This wonderful jersey worn by a wonderful man shows game-use and except for the repair marks appears to have no other alterations of any kind.