The Way of Walter
There have been many great running backs to play in the National Football League. When the subject of the greatest back of all time is brought up, names like Jim Brown, Eric Dickerson, Barry Sanders, Bo Jackson, O.J. Simpson, and Emmit Smith inevitably pop up. It is an argument that seems to never end, just like who the greatest baseball player ever was, or whether Michael Jordan was better than Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell. Since there is no definite and tangible way to decide who the greatest was, we can only state our case.
Walter Payton was not a large intimidating presence like Jim Brown. Walter was quick, but he did not have the blazing break away speed of Eric Dickerson or Bo Jackson. Though he was agile, he did not have the ability to stop on a dime and start again like Barry Sanders. Payton also did not win as many Super Bowls as Emmitt Smith. Though these inferiorities to other great running backs may exist, two things are for certain. There has never been a more complete back than Walter Payton, and no one ran with more fury and punished more defenses than did number 34. Oh yes, and one more thing, there has never been a greater running back to ever play the game; and there probably never will be.
Walter Payton started playing organized football in his junior year of high school. After starring on his team for two years, he impressed thousands of spectators and many college scouts. Though he was offered to play for some division I-A programs, he chose to play for Jackson State University in division I-AA instead. This was because he sought the comfort of going to an all African-American school and he was promised a starting role as a freshman. It was at Jackson State where he made a name for himself as an all-around football player. He ran, he returned kicks, he threw, and he even kicked.
It was also at Jackson State where he began running up enormous dirt hills over and over until his muscles failed. He brought track athletes to the hills to work out with him, and he would eventually burn them all out. The strength this would develop in his legs would help him run for over 3,500 yards and average over 6 yards per carry during his four year stint as a starter. Although it is rare for a division I-AA player to be a high first round draft pick, Walter amazed the professional scouts with his abilities.
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