(LOT 1810)
1999 Walter Payton Memorial "Sweetness/Greatness" - City of Chicago Light Pole Banner
Much like the 1984 NBA Draft when the Chicago Bulls chose point guard Michael Jordan out of the University of North Carolina with the third overall pick, the Chicago Bears landed running back Walter Payton out of Jackson State as the fourth overall pick. FOURTH! As a sophomore, Payton set a SWAC Conference rushing record scoring seven touchdowns and added two 2-point conversions for 46 points again Lane College. Atlanta, Dallas and Baltimore, who drafted ahead of Chicago, must have kicked themselves for years to come as Payton set record after record in the NFL as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. With a similar style to his predecessor, Payton wowed Bears fans as seemingly the second coming of Gale Sayers, one of the most elusive and athletic running backs the team had ever employed. Walter Payton went on to lead the NFL in rushing yards for four straight seasons (1976-79) and twice in yards from scrimmage twice during that span.

In 1977, Payton led the NFL in rushing attempts (339), yards (1,852) and touchdowns (14) and yards from scrimmage (2,121) and rushing & receiving TDs (16) to win the NFL MVP award in only his third season. Nine Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl XX championship would punctuate his Hall of Fame career as one of the best ever. Sweetness, as dubbed in college in reference to his personality, grace and playing style, was an icon in the Windy City until his untimely passing in 1999 due to cancer at only 46 years old. The offered 97" x 30" canvas banner hung from a light pole in the Chicago streets following the passing of Payton, one of the greatest athletes and men for which Chicago fans had ever had the privilege to cheer on. This beautiful royal blue banner shows a classic image of Payton in black-and-white at center with "CHICAGO SALUTES - WALTER PAYTON – 1954-1999" at the top in red and white. Printed below his image, "Sweetness – Greatness" is scripted in bold red color with "CITY OF CHICAGO – RICHARD M. DALEY MAYOR at the bottom in white. Both sides are identical images and wind slits are present and pole pockets are sewn at top and bottom. This is a touching tribute from Payton's adopted city mourning his passing.

MIN BID $250
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