Walter Payton Died 20 Years Ago Here's A Look Back At The Life Of 'Sweetness'

(Chicago Tribune)

Bears great Walter Payton died on Nov. 1, 1999, at age 45 of bile duct cancer and liver failure.

Payton worked his way from Columbia, Miss., and Jackson State College (known today as Jackson State University) to become one of the greatest players in NFL history, playing 13 seasons, all with the Bears.

Let's look back at a remarkable life.

July 25, 1954

Walter Jerry Payton is born in Columbia, Miss.

1968

While a student at the all-black John J. Jefferson School, which he attended since first grade, Payton becomes a star for the Green Wave football team. Read more