Bill Text: MS SC527 | 2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Remember JSU Legend Walter Payton on the occasion of being named as No. 16 in ESPN's College Football's 150 Greatest Players.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 12-4)
Status: (Passed) 2020-02-21 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC527 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2020-SC527-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Norwood, Simmons (12th), Blackmon, Blackwell, Blount, Caughman, Frazier, Hopson, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Sojourner, Thomas, Turner-Ford, Witherspoon, Simmons (13th)
Senate Concurrent Resolution 527
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE LEGACY OF JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY LEGEND WALTER PAYTON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS DESIGNATION AS NO. 16 IN ESPN'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL'S 150 GREATEST PLAYERS.
WHEREAS, we join the students, alumni, coaches and faculty of Jackson State University in celebrating the legacy of JSU Legend Walter Payton on the occasion of being named No. 16 in ESPN's College Football 150: College Football's 150 Greatest Players; and
WHEREAS, one of the greatest players in NFL history, Walter Payton earned nine Pro Bowl selections and set several rushing records during his 13 years with the Chicago Bears; and
WHEREAS, Payton was a star running back for the Chicago Bears, establishing multiple records and earning nine Pro Bowl selections during his Hall of Fame career. Also known for his charitable work, Payton passed away on November 1, 1999; and
WHEREAS, Walter Jerry Payton was born on July 25, 1954, in Columbia, Mississippi. Known by the nickname "Sweetness," Payton was admired both for his astonishing football skills and his generous off-the-field personality. Payton first began to attract national attention as a halfback at Jackson State University, making the starting lineup his freshman year in 1971. He was selected for the All-American team and was named the Black College Player of the Year in 1973 and 1974. In his four years at Jackson State, Payton rushed for more than 3,500 yards and scored more than 450 points, showing fans and opponents alike just what a versatile and talented player he was. Off the field, he showed his interest in helping others, studying education with an emphasis on working with the deaf; and
WHEREAS, Payton continued to excel after joining the NFL's Chicago Bears in 1975. Known for both his speed and power, he rushed for a single game-record 275 yards in 1977, finishing the year as the league MVP. Payton went on to earn nine Pro Bowl selections, his efforts annually propelling the Bears into playoff contention. Nearing the end of his career, he finally earned a Super Bowl ring when Chicago defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX in January 1986, with the team widely believed to be one of the greatest professional football teams ever; and
WHEREAS, the great running back held many 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; and
WHEREAS, after retiring, Payton explored business opportunities in several fields, including real estate, restaurants and race cars. Living up to his nickname, he spent much of his time working to make life better for other people, primarily through the efforts of the Walter Payton Foundation. The football great was survived by his wife, Connie, and two children, Jarrett and Brittney. His charitable organization became the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, with his wife taking over the foundation's mission of helping children and veterans; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we acknowledge the legacy of a Mississippi sports legend who has brought great honor to his university, his community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby remember the legacy of Jackson State University Legend Walter Payton on the occasion of his designation as No. 16 in ESPN's College Football 150: College Football's 150 Greatest Players, and extend to Walter's family our best wishes on this high honor.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, forwarded to the President of Jackson State University, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
