“The great running back held a slew of NFL records upon his retirement in 1987, including the career rushing record of 16,726 yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.” (Walter Payton Biography) After retiring, Payton decided to give back to the community by starting the Walter Payton Foundation. In 1999, Walter found out that he had a life-threatening disease. “Payton revealed he had primary sclerosing cholangitis, a condition in which the bile ducts are blocked.” (Walter Payton Biography) He raised money for his rare disease. Unfortunately, Walter Payton died on November 1, 1999, of cholangiocarcinoma. Payton’s wife Connie and two children, Jarrett and Brittney, carried on Walter’s legacy. “His charitable organization became the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, with his wife taking over the foundation's mission of helping children.” (Walter Payton Biography) In 1999, the NFL renamed the Man of the Year Award to the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The award goes to the player who displays excellence on and off the
“The great running back held a slew of NFL records upon his retirement in 1987, including the career rushing record of 16,726 yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.” (Walter Payton Biography) After retiring, Payton decided to give back to the community by starting the Walter Payton Foundation. In 1999, Walter found out that he had a life-threatening disease. “Payton revealed he had primary sclerosing cholangitis, a condition in which the bile ducts are blocked.” (Walter Payton Biography) He raised money for his rare disease. Unfortunately, Walter Payton died on November 1, 1999, of cholangiocarcinoma. Payton’s wife Connie and two children, Jarrett and Brittney, carried on Walter’s legacy. “His charitable organization became the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, with his wife taking over the foundation's mission of helping children.” (Walter Payton Biography) In 1999, the NFL renamed the Man of the Year Award to the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The award goes to the player who displays excellence on and off the