|
In thirteen years as a running back for the NFL Chicago Bears, Walter Payton (1954-1999) established himself as possibly the greatest football player ever. Even though he was a small man as pro football players go, he made himself into a dazzling and ferocious runner that no defender wanted to tackle. In the course of his career, Walter not only broke almost every record for a football running back, he also became one of the most loved and admired players in the game.
Off the field, Walter was known for endless pranks, a great love of people, and a great personal generosity toward people in need, especially abused and neglected children.
Based on his own autobiographies and numerous recollections from teammates and friends, this book follows Walter’s life, from a happy, constantly active childhood in Mississippi in the 1950s and 1960s, through high school, college, and professional stardom, to his untimely death in 1999 at the age of 45. It explains Walter’s motivation in terms of a supportive family and rivalry with a much admired older brother.
Guided Reading Level: R
|
