MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2022 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Hill, Branning, Caughman, DeBar, Frazier, Horhn, McDaniel, Norwood, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th), Sparks, Thomas
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY OF NFL HALL OF FAME RUNNING BACK WALTER PAYTON ON THE OCCASION OF THE DEDICATION OF "WALTER PAYTON FIELD" IN COLUMBIA, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, we join the citizens of Columbia, Mississippi, in recognizing the legacy of Walter Payton; and
WHEREAS, the field that bears the name of arguably the most famous Chicago Bear, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back, Walter Payton, will forever be enshrined at Gardner Stadium. Walter and his brother, Eddie, played the sport they loved for the "Wildcats" of Columbia High School in Columbia, Mississippi. A statue of the man simply known as "Sweetness" now greets visitors in the home plaza welcoming them to Walter Payton Field; and
WHEREAS, history was made when the newly built Walter Payton Field at Gardner Stadium opened on September 23, 2021. The Columbia School District honored the legacy of NFL Hall of Famer and Columbia High School Running Back, Walter Payton, with the Payton family and former teammates in attendance. Teammates from Columbia High School, Jackson State University and the NFL came to pay tribute to the outstanding person that Walter Payton was both on and off the field; and
WHEREAS, Walter Payton's legacy includes having record-breaking careers at Jackson State University and the Chicago Bears. He broke the NFL record for most rushing yards and played in the 1986 Super Bowl, won by the Chicago Bears. For his humanitarian efforts, the NFL named its "Man of the Year" after him; and
WHEREAS, Walter's brother, Eddie Payton, also a high school football standout from Columbia and JSU, believes that his brother is the best person for whom the new state-of-the-art field at Gardner Stadium should be named. He was a featured speaker at the ceremony. When Walter and Eddie played football at Columbia High School, they both wore number 22 and both later played football at Jackson State University, where Walter changed his jersey to number 34; and
WHEREAS, Walter's brother, Eddie, and his sister, Pam Curry, were also on hand in cutting the ribbon for the opening ceremony. Bud Holmes, the longtime agent of both Payton brothers, attended along with many of their teammates he represented during their time in professional football. Robert Brazile, a fellow NFL Hall of Fame inductee who played with the Houston Oilers, shared how much this group of teammates and friends enjoy getting together, especially having an opportunity to honor their peer and friend. Other speakers for the opening ceremony were: Architect Jamie Wier, Coach Chip Bilderback, Coach Charles Boston, Matt Pace of Codaray Construction, Mitchell Williams with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Representative Ken Morgan, Senator Angela Hill, and Mayor Justin McKenzie. A short documentary made by the Columbia High School Broadcast Journalism Class, featuring clips of Walter Payton and interviews with Eddie Payton and Coach Boston, was played on the stadium's new jumbotron; and
WHEREAS, the bronze sculpture of Walter Payton, created by nationally recognized Artist and Columbia resident, Ben Watts, is now featured prominently at the main entrance of the new stadium; and
WHEREAS, Walter Jerry Payton was born on July 25, 1954, in Columbia, Mississippi. Walter was one of three children born to Edward and Alyne Payton. Young Payton played a number of sports with his brother, Eddie. Payton attended John Jefferson High School (now Jefferson Middle School), an all-black school for his first three years of high school. Then in his senior year, he was one of the African-American students who integrated formerly all-white Columbia High School. Payton played football all four years of his high school career. He then followed his brother, Eddie, to play college football at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Payton excelled at Jackson State, rushing for more than 3,500 yards and breaking into the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) record books by scoring 65 rushing touchdowns. Payton entered the 1975 NFL draft and was the 4th overall pick by the Chicago Bears. Payton's greatest year was in 1985, where he gained more than 1,500 rushing yards and led the Chicago Bears to a 15-1 regular season record. Payton then led the Chicago Bears in becoming Super Bowl XX Champions. Payton continued having successful seasons with the Chicago Bears throughout the rest of his career. He played 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears, finishing his career with 16,726 rushing yards and scoring 110 touchdowns. Throughout his career, he amassed numerous honors, including nine-time Pro Bowl Selection (1976-1980, 1983-1986), nine-time All-Pro Selection (1976-1980, 1983-1986), NFL MVP (1977), two-time NFC Player of the Year (1977, 1985), Bert Bell Award (1977), Pro Bowl MVP (1978), and Super Bowl XX Champion (1985). Walter Payton retired in 1988 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame five years later in 1993. The Chicago Bears also retired his number 34 jersey indicating he will always be known as one of the greatest running backs in football history; and
WHEREAS, the opening of the new Walter Payton Field was certainly a remarkable event. Columbia schools were able to witness a momentous occasion that will not be forgotten. The excitement, the atmosphere, the energy and the sense of unity were historic; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we commend the legacy of a great Mississippi athlete who stated, "We are stronger together than we are alone":
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the legacy of NFL Hall of Fame Running Back Walter Payton on the occasion of the dedication of "Walter Payton Field" in Columbia, Mississippi, and extend to the athletes, alumni, leaders and educators of Columbia High School our best wishes for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the family of Walter Payton, his former Coach Charles Boston, Columbia School Superintendent Jason Harris, forwarded to the Columbia School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.