Christian Living

---

One Yard At A Time
by Dan Blankenship


On November 1, 1999, one of the greatest football players of all time passed from this world to the next. They called this man “Sweetness” because there was no better way to describe his personality, both on and off the field. Walter Payton performed his duties as running back for the Chicago Bears for thirteen years, missing only one game during his rookie season.

I was nine years old when I first watched #34 weave his way through defenders determined to stop his forward motion. Year after year, Payton frustrated NFL defenses with his talent and fortitude. He could run around, through, or over just about any defender seeking to make a tackle, managing to accumulate 16,726 yard rushed during his amazing career. At 5’10” and 202lbs., Payton did not look as menacing on the street as he did stiff-arming opponents to the ground on game day.

But there was something more to this man than just his ability to frustrate defenders. When this man was off the field, he was never boastful, arrogant, or callous in his comments to the press. He had a quiet voice, and he seemed to always look for the positive side of any issue. While so many professional athletes during the seventies and eighties let the fame and fortune inflate their egos, Walter Payton seemed to realize that his gifts were just that, gifts. He never claimed to be a self-made man. He never claimed to be the best at what he did. He seemed perfectly content to play the game he loved so much and that had been so good to him.

I believe one of the reasons Walter Payton stood out from among the crowd is because he kept such good company. A firm believer in the Word, he understood that, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19 NIV)

Payton was not shy about his faith. He often carried his Bible with him, and I remember seeing a few news reports that captured the Good Book in his hand as he walked into different hotels while on the road.

I remember, as a child, wondering if that was why he seemed so different from most of the other football players. I remember asking myself how the book in his hands was making him different from others.

It was around that time in my life when a man in a suit showed up on my doorstep, carrying the same black book that I had seen Payton carrying by his side. And as the soul-seeker told me about the road to salvation, I wondered if I would be different, different like #34.

Yes, it is a shame that such a great man had to leave this world at such a young age. But I find it quite possible that our Creator called Him home a bit earlier than we would have wanted. Probably to tell him, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23 NIV)

Walter Payton may not still be with us physically, but his character, his contagious love of life, and his commitment to a higher calling have not left us. Those attributes and understandings are forever a part of those who watched Walter Payton live his life.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE