THE WALTER and CONNIE PAYTON FOUNDATION
ABOUT THE PAYTONS
Walter J. Payton
"Sweetness"
July 25, 1954 - November 1, 1999
Bears RB 1975-1987
"When I get through with Chicago, they'll be loving me."
-Walter Payton
after being drafted by the Bears, January 1975
The name Walter Payton is one that needs no introduction. Walter's Chicago Bear records from 1975 through 1987 are long and impressive. While primarily a running back, Walter could also surprise defenses by throwing the ball as well.
He was the NFL Player of the year and Most Valuable Player in both 1977 and 1985.His list of accomplishments includes catching 492 pass receptions for 4,538 yards and 15 touch-downs, and passing 34 times for 331 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Walter's historical career as a running back helped to establish him
as the All-Time leader in running and combined net yards. Walter contributed 16,726 rushing yards with 100 touchdowns during his tenure with the bears. He was a first-round draft choice from Jackson State, played in nine Pro Bowls, held the single game rushing record of 275 yards against central division rival -- the Minnesota Vikings, and ran for over 100 yards in 77 games.
While always being the number one target of defensive opponents, Walter missed only one game in his career -- a game in his rookie season due to a bruised thigh, and he went on to play 186 consecutive games.
Born July 25, 1954 in Columbia, Mississippi, Walter continued to play on new fields after football. In 1998, Walter continued his many philanthropic works through his Walter Payton Foundation. Through his personal involvement and devotion to Childrens causes he eased the suffering of many of our nation's neediest children. The drive and determination Walter exhibited in his on-field performances with the Chicago Bears continued to serve him well in his business career, including his Payton Power Equipment Company, the premier provider of heavy equipment to industrial and construction businesses in the Chicagoland area and nationally.
BRITTNEY PAYTON-BENSON
Brittney Payton - television host, sports enthusiast and fashion fanatic.
Brittney appeared on a local weekly food show, Chicago's Best, on WGN-TV and in 2013 received a Chicago Emmy Award as host of the program. Prior to joining Chicago's Best in the Spring of 2010, Brittney worked for the Big 10 Network as a reporter and host from 2009 to 2011.
She also contributed to NFL AM on the NFL Network and can be seen presenting the 'Walter Payton Man of the Year Award' each year at the Super Bowl.
Aside from her on-air activities, Brittney also enjoys being a brand ambassador and/or emcee for large corporations. In the past she has worked with companies such as Nike, Burberry, Top Shop and McDonald's.
Brittney received a bachelors degree in communications from DePaul University in 2008. While in attendance, Brittney interned at the local ABC and Fox affiliates in Chicago.
Brittney is also very involved with her family's foundation, The Walter and Connie Payton Foundation. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband Jordan, and two daughters.
Contact Brittney's assistant:
Kelly Woods
630.699.2202
CONNIE PAYTON
A Quiet History of Giving
Through the loving efforts and guidance of her parents, Connie acquired a genuine sense of family values and the importance of a good education. This provided her the strong foundation that she ultimately instilled in her own family and continues to share with others.
The wife of the late Walter Payton, a football legend who was stricken with cancer and succumbed to this heart wrenching disease in 1999, Connie Payton has borne the challenges presented her with quiet grace and determination that has emerged as her trademark. These qualities have served her well throughout a lifetime spent in positions of community service and in promoting family issues and family awareness.
Achievement:
During Walter Payton’s life, he became a silent entrepreneur of giving, and Connie Payton shared in this commitment to make a difference in people’s lives, especially the innocent lives of neglected and abused children.
Today, through the conception of the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, Connie continues on with the integrity and dignity of the Payton name in assisting to provide for Veterans and children in need.
Connie also takes every opportunity to speak out on the importance of being an organ donor. Connie believes that if we were all registered donors, the program would offer everyone the opportunity of the continuation of life. Connie is proud to have established the Walter Payton Liver Center at UIC in Chicago.
To those who know her personally, Connie is a woman who acknowledges and understands the problems and adversities of others, and caringly attempts to resolve those needs.
As Connie says......"We are all blessed to be a blessing."
Contact Connie's assistant:
Kelly Woods
630.699.2202
JARRETT PAYTON
JARRETT PAYTON, son of the late Walter Payton. Jarrett was born
on December 26, 1980, and grew up in Barrington, Illinois and graduated
from St. Viator High School.
Along with honoring his father’s legacy of making a difference in the community, Jarrett enjoys connecting with children, serving as a role model by incorporating an anti-bullying program through his foundation.