Walter Payton Quotes

22 quotes from 19 authors

When you scroll through these 22 snippets, you’ll feel Walter Payton’s impact on the field and in the community. Teammates, coaches and fans recall the humility that earned him the Man of the Year honor, while others praise his work ethic. For stories of generous spirit, see the NFL Legends and Sportsmanship pages.

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My football idol growing up, I was named after Walter Payton, but my idols at RB were Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith.

Peyton Hillis

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I grew up loving Walter Payton. My dad used to always show us film of him.

Shaun Alexander

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It's an honor to be even mentioned in the same breath as Walter Payton.

Kenny Stills

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Being nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year is overwhelming - it's a big deal.

Mike Evans

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Walter Payton is still the best back ever to play the game.

Corey Dillon

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It is an incredible honor to be named the Colts' Walter Payton Man of the Year.

Pat McAfee

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It's an honor to be mentioned with a guy like Walter Payton.

Le'Veon Bell

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My mom tried to get me on ballet. 'Walter Payton did it! Walter Payton did it!' I'm just not messing with ballet.

Le'Veon Bell

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Walter Payton, obviously, was one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, but I think the 'Sweetness' nickname came from who…

Ryan Clark

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To be able to be mentioned with guys like Emmitt, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, Curtis Martin and my man LaDainian Tomlinson, it's…

Frank Gore

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I work hard every day not only to be a success on the football field and a credit to my team -…

Jason Witten

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It's sad that Walter Payton was not known as the greatest running back to play the game until they won the Super…

Donovan McNabb

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I've written enough books with real celebrities, such as Walter Payton and Hank Aaron and Billy Graham, to know that fame looks…

Jerry B. Jenkins

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It's grossly unfair to judge Walter Payton solely on the yards he gains. He is a complete football player, better than Jim…

Jim Finks

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I never would've thought that I'd be a candidate or a nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year, but it's…

Mike Evans

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I am extremely flattered to be chosen the 2012 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year from such an esteemed group of nominees.

Jason Witten

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I used to imagine what it would be like to do what Jim Brown was doing. I used to imagine what it…

Emmitt Smith

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I'm very happyWhen you start a career you never think about the Hall of Fame ... watching a guy like Walter Payton,…

Richard Dent

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I am honored to be named the 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and to join the long line of…

Chris Long

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Of all the awards given to NFL athletes, the Walter Payton Man of the Year is the one that stands out above…

Kurt Warner

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My favorite team was always the Chicago Bears and my favorite NFL player was, without question, Walter Payton. His competitiveness and desire…

Jesse Palmer

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When I think of greatness, I think of guys like Earl Campbell and Gale Sayers and Walter Payton, and these individuals who,…

Jim Brown

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