Walter Payton
"Greatest Football Player Ever" - Mike Ditka
"Greatest Person To Ever Play Football" - BearFanatic34
Walter Payton, 1954-1999
NFL running back, Hall of Famer, and philanthropist Walter Payton, known to fans and football teammates as "Sweetness" for his good nature, died November 1st 1999 after a brief but intense struggle with cancer. Payton, holder of many NFL and NCAA records, was 45 years old.
Born July 25th 1954 in the town of Columbia, Mississippi, Walter Payton was known for defying the usual rules of his game. Smaller than most running backs at 5'10" and an average weight around 200 lbs., Payton's speed, determination, and tenacity made him a standout in college football as well as his later career in the NFL. Payton set an NCAA record of 464 career points during his years playing college football for Jackson State, with 46 points scored in one game. Payton brought attention to the previously overlooked school, and the 2-time Little All-American and Heisman Trophy contender led pro-ball scouts to revise their recruiting practices to include smaller colleges. In 1975, Payton emerged a first round NFL draft choice, and was signed to the Chicago Bears.
Payton spent 13 seasons with Chicago, including 6 under Coach Mike Ditka. Of those 13 seasons, Payton missed only 1 pro-ball game, in his freshman year with the team, due to injury. Payton set an unchallenged NFL record of 16,726 rushing yards during his career, and a record 275 yards in a single game (Chicago vs. Minnesota in 1977). Payton was a 7-time All Pro, was voted to 9 Pro Bowls, and was recognized as a key element in the Bears' first (and to date only) Super Bowl win in 1985, rushing for 1,551 yards and 9 TDs. When Payton retired from professional football in 1987, Chicago simultaneously retired his number, 34. Payton later joined the Bears Board of Directors, and was a member of the NFL 75th Anniversary Team. When Payton was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, he requested that his son, Jarrett, then 12 years old, be his presenter for his induction.
Those who did not necessarily follow football still recognized Walter Payton, the man the NFL knew as "Sweetness" and a notorious practical joker. Payton graced General Mills' "Wheaties" cereal boxes 9 times, and was an active and avid public speaker. In 1989 Payton had founded the George Halas/Walter Payton Foundation (renamed The Walter Payton Foundation in 1998 after Halas death) to provide financial and motivational assistance for children. Payton devoted much of his time and energy to the charity, which, among other activities, provides Christmas gifts to children who are Wards of the State in Illinois. The Foundation established scholarships for social work, and joined with Illinois efforts to create The Alliance for the Children.
Payton additionally headed Payton Enterprises, which operates a chain of Chicago area restaurants, and was an avid fan of his son Jarrett's football career with the University of Miami. The NFL record holder had been active as a motivational speaker. In February, 1999 Payton shocked the American public with the announcement that he was suffering from a rare liver disease, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (or PSC) and was in need of a liver transplant. Payton and his family had deliberated over making the announcement, and agreed that his personal crisis might help raise awareness of the desperate need for organ donors. While on the Mayo Clinic transplant waiting list, Payton's condition deteriorated rapidly, developing into a cancerous condition, which spread to his bile ducts and made surgery or transplant impossible. Nine months after the announcement of his illness, Walter Payton died.
Walter Payton is survived by his wife, Connie, his son, Jarrett, and daughter Brittney. Memorial donations maybe directed to The Walter Payton Foundation for Children. Payton, anticipating the terminal aspect of his illness, completed the inspirational autobiography, "Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton".
If you are not yet an Organ Donor, please become one. It won't hurt, I promise.
American Legends issued the white Sweetness bear in a limited quantity of 2,000. Here are a few other of my collectibles of Walter Payton. I am sure I will add more to this section later, for I have numerous things. As far as I know, there aren't too many Payton Bobblehead Dolls but the 2 that I have are still readily available in the market "for sale"...reasonable pricing, as well. I'm showing the 5" 1992 Sports Impressions figure made of porcelain and the resin Danbury Mint figurine. The SI is hard to come by and there are actually 2 versions with limited production numbers. The Danbury figure, however, is can easily be purchased for around $70. The following information pertains to the bust, quoted from it's recent description on ebay:
This bust is from a limited edition (1,000) series of bronzite statues created by Brad Lorang. The statuette measures approximately 7 1/2" tall including the 3 1/2" square base with a numbered name-plate and a Certificate of Authenticty on the bottom of the base.
This 24kt gold card was made by the Danbury Mint, nicely encapsulated and depicts the career highlites of the greatest back ever...
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Here's a 1980 Topps oversized boxtopper card...oversized cards were inserted when dealers/collectors purchased trading cards by the box, and not the pack...
Below is one of my shelves that I enjoy looking at, even though it's somewhat cluttered...just little trinkets about Walter....there's an Old Style Beer can, a drinking glass showing Payton's NFL record and piece of Soldier Field artificial turf that was given away by Shell in 1988...there are the figyrines and collector plates by Sports Impressions....that circular disk is a 1976 Crane Potato chip card (Payton's Rookie year), the Winning in Life video, matchbook cover from his restaurant...and the letter caches with postmarks - the one visible is a 1987 postmark when Payton broke Jim Brown's rushing record....just a cool little shelf..
Just for kicks, I tried to put all my Walter Payton figures together. They don't call me BearFanatic34 for nothing.
2020 Update The Payton Curio
On this shelf I have the 12 inch white McFarlane, a bust reproduction limited to 1,000 plus a Danbury Mint plate and a hand carved 11"x12" of 5 different Payton poses. There is a Howard Simmons Photo on the right side which I will discuss after I explain the miniature bronze statue. This could very well be THE Gem of my collection to date. It is a miniaturized version of the 7 foot bronze statue that resides in The Chicago Sports Hall of Fame. The sculptor was Paul Tadlockhttp://paultadlockartistandsculptor.com/Home.aspx
. I will explain more after you check out my pictures.
Paul Tadlock
Payton retired at the end of 1987 after setting the all time NFL career rushing record. The Payton monument committee, which included ex- coach Mike Ditka and a number of prominent Chicagoans, marketed 350 bronze replicas for $1,975 to help offset the artist’s costs.
As a model for Payton's pose Tadlock used a photo of the running back leaning forward to his right, with a football in his right hand. "Walter doesn't look very big or powerful," says Tadlock, "but in measuring him, I was surprised at how thick his chest, arms and thighs are. Yet his waist is only 31 inches."
Tadlock uses the lost wax process, employed by sculptors for at least 3,000 years. The technique begins with a clay model of a part of the figure from which a rubber mold is made. The rubber mold is removed from the clay and filled with hot wax; when the wax cools, it is removed from the rubber mold and coated with a ceramic material. The result is then placed into an oven to melt the wax, which drains away—hence "the lost wax process"—and to harden the ceramic material into a strong shell. Molten bronze is then poured into the empty shell. After the bronze solidifies, the shell is cracked, usually with a hammer, and the resulting bronze portion of the statue is welded to the other pieces to form the finished whole.
Mr. Tadlock explains the process in this You Tube Video:
After the Payton model was completed , according to the New Braunfels newspaper, it was sent to the Stevens Foundry near Bjverde , Texas
My point here is that I am not sure all of the 350 miniature statues were created. Possibly, though. My piece seems different. Upon closer examination I noticed that my statue had a marble (or imitation thereof) base. The others I have researched (see Facebook page capture below) had a wood base. Mine is also numbered 27/75. Apparently I have more unique figure than those numbered to 350. HOLY COW! I have emailed Mr. Tadlock via his web site (check it out). However, I received no response. Either way, I had a nice gifted windfall from the estate of my stepmom and was able to purchase mine at majorly reduced cost. I would assume it has a much higher value than those #'d to 350. It’s priceless to me.
Here is the Facebook Page of those figures numbered to 350. Note the "wooden" base.
And, here is an amazing story about his life and a story of how many of his original photos were found hidden in a warehouse, and how they were returned to him. http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/howard-simmons-photographer-dave-mata-found-photos/Content?oid=1770313&showFullText=true
This next one is a Chicago Tribune original photo from a 1977 luncheon where
Walter Payton and Gale Sayers were together.
The next picture is from a Sun Times article on Connie Payton...I like it because the pic is taken in front of Walter's trophies and awards.
I'm sure many football fans will recognize the people in the next picture. It's called a 4 color separation picture used for magazines and color newspapers. It's from the early 80's and it's Walter, Jim Brown and Franco Harris.
The act of decomposing a color graphic or photo into single-color layers. For example, to print full-color photos with an offset printing press, one must first separate the photo into the four basic ink colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK). Each single-color layer is then printed separately, one on top of the other, to give the impression of infinite colors.
This type of color separation, mixing three or four colors to produce an infinite variety of colors, is called process color separation. Another type of color separation, called spot color separation, is used to separate colors that are not to be mixed. In this case, each spot color is represented by its own ink, which is specially mixed. Spot colors are effective for highlighting text but they cannot be used to reproduce full-color images.
Traditionally, process color separation has been performed photographically with different colored filters. However, many modern desktop publishingsystems are now capable of producing color separations for graphics storedelectronically. This capability is essential if you want to create full-colordocuments on your computer and then print them using an offset printer. You don't need to perform color separation if you are printing directly to a color printer because in this case the printer itself performs the color separation internally.
Another player, a safety, had that number in 1974 and was released by the Bears shortly before the season began. Here is his story: http://www.sportsnola.com/sports/sports-blogs/les-east/398788-where-are-they-now-former-lsu-and-rummel-star-norman-hodgins.html To be continued....MANY more Payton items to list.
The following continues with more Payton articles obtained in the last 2-3 years:
Some are self explanatory.
I bought the auto card on Ebay because it looked pretty authentic. I have seen a ton of Payton's signatures. This one just seems a little off, but who knows. The good thing is a got it for FREE. I paid $30.00 for it, but the seller never sent it to me after repeated requests. After more than a month had passed, I filed an Ebay case against him and my $$$ was refunded. A week later, the card arrived in the mail.
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| Life-sized Walter Fathead - only unrolled it to take the picture |
1987 Wheaties Mini Poster - I bought 2
One to display - One stays in the Package
One to display - One stays in the Package
Speaking of Wheaties, I have these boxes (from my old Blog that was hijacked)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2006
Wheaties
I have several Walter Payton Wheaties boxes in my collection...Most are still filled with the original cereal. I don't know if that is a bad idea or not. I guess it is okay if you keep 'em dry and rodent free.
There have only been eight spokespersons that have represented Wheaties, one of which was Walter Payton. There have been numerous individuals who have had their images garnished on the box covers, yet were not official spokespersons. Walter Payton was chosen to represent Wheaties from 1986 thru 1988. He was chosen based on his ideals of giving back to the communities, specifically children. Walter and his wife started The Walter Payton Foundation in 1988 to represent that cause. It is still operating today.
Walter Payton was the FIRST NFL player ever to be on a Wheaties box and was imaged there 9 times. Michael Jordan has the record, something like different 18 boxes....Tiger Woods may take that lead someday.
This is his first box 1n 1986....There were several variations of the banner, like "Free Bread", "Free Photo", "NFL Film Offer", "Instant Winner" ...The one I own says " Ski Vacation"
Also in 1986 there was a Commemorative release with a large up close and personal picture of Walter on the back.
Wheaties boxes come in many different sizes, but mostly 12, 18 and 24 ounces, so Walters pictures were on all of those, as well as a "purple" Crispie Wheaties 'n Raisin box that I own, but do not have a picture of. There is a link to ALL of the box covers and I will try and post that. The Walter Paytons were Series #s 24,25,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,4B, 41A,39C and S94....I am assuming each series represents a "size" or the fact that many boxes are only issued "regionally", as opposed to "nationally".
Here is 1994 cover celebrating 75 years of the NFL....notice Butkus is on there, as well. I also have the 1999 box representing 75 years of Wheaties and Walter Payton is on there.
Famous artist Leroy Neiman did a 1997 cover of Walter
This issue was released in 2000 following Payton's death: "A Tribute to Sweetness"
The flat box at the top is from 1998 and for the 75th anniversary of Wheaties they issued a "top ten" retro type box...I have a minioature version.
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Apparently my favorite things are still those Walter Payton collectibles. My daughter bought me the 2007 12 inch McFarlane figure (white jersey) for Christmas and I always seem to pick up a few other items here and there.
I now have a framed Memorial Program from Walter Payton's service at Soldier Field (WAIT, THIS IS FROM THE PRIVATE SERVICE AT CHURCH, NOT the Public Soldier Field service - it is much more rare!). I'm sure that Walter is up there with the Angels, just wished he could have stayed here on Earth a while longer. I'll bet he would have done some great things. Please check out the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation and see how you can help.
http://www.payton34.com/
I now have a framed Memorial Program from Walter Payton's service at Soldier Field (WAIT, THIS IS FROM THE PRIVATE SERVICE AT CHURCH, NOT the Public Soldier Field service - it is much more rare!). I'm sure that Walter is up there with the Angels, just wished he could have stayed here on Earth a while longer. I'll bet he would have done some great things. Please check out the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation and see how you can help.
http://www.payton34.com/
I bought another 1992 Sport's Impressions figurines, club edition. Some guy was just selling them way too cheap, like under $10. They are worth $100. Now I have a new one still in the box. ETOPPS offered a Super Bowl Series Walter Payton card, so I now have that in my ETOPPS collection.
1978 Book by Jerry B. Jenkins
Issued as a 50 card set in 1980. Marketcom – same company that produced Sports Illustrated posters for many years. These are card stock, 5.5x8.5, blank back except for card number. Marketcoms numbered (x of 50) on back.
They were the posters a generation of sports fans grew up with – the old white-bordered action posters that were sold through those old checklist-style advertisements in Sports Illustrated for the decade 1978-87. The publisher of the posters, Marketcom Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri went out of business in 1993.
This is a very tough issue Walter Payton card. It is the 1982 Sears Roebuck version of the Marketcom card. It is on thinner stock and has the Sears name on back. These were made for a promotion that never happened due to the NFL strike that year , and these cards were ordered destroyed. This card is in excellent shape as you can see.
1982 Topps Stickers
The following is a figure that was supposedly purchased at the Ohare Airport in Chicago in 1983. It looks to be one of a kind to me. It's one of those "bendie" dolls that might have been customized. Either way, it's pretty darn neat.
Here's a 1985 Icee Cup from 7-11. 5 1/2 inches tall, holding 15 oz.
This Payton card comes from a very rare 12 card set that was produced by Rowntree's in the United Kingdom in 1985 and was the first NFL Card set produced outside of North America. Each card is 7" x 7" and the back is blank with the exception of the team name and the copyright info which lists NFLP and Light Impressions Limited Bluecoat Chambers Liverpool England . They are visually stunning with high gloss fronts and great artwork. We believe these may have been inserted in multi packs of Rowntree's Drifter Bars at the bottom of the trays similar to Wagon Wheels. This was from a mail in promotion for NFL Posters. Each of the cards is numbered on the back.
Once again, it is the same picture designed by Chuck Ren, which was made into posters, puzzles, mirrors and games. I have the Waddington game, Rountree card, puzzle, poster and the Stamford Art mirror.
The Waddington game is also from England and was sold to me with this description:
Waddingtons "American Football" card game.Complete set of 40 cards (card size approx 5.75x3.5") plus rules sheet, all in plastic tray. There are 7 Chicago Bears cards, 7 Washington Redskins, 7 Miami Dolphins, 7 Dallas Cowboys, 7 Pittsburg Steelers and 5 Interceptions
The game is for 2 to 4 players, aged 7 and up. The game is based on movements used in the real game and the winner is the first player to play all their cards.
1986 Waddingtons Game cards:
Chicago Bears – Walter Payton Touchdown $25.00
Chicago Bears – Walter Payton 50 $25.00
Chicago Bears – Walter Payton punt $15.00 (slight crease)
Chicago Bears – Walter Payton 40 $15.00 (slight crease)
Chicago Bears – Walter Payton 10 $15.00 (slight crease)
Chicago Bears – Walter Payton 1st Down $15.00 (slight crease)
Chicago Bears – Walter Payton 20 $15.00 (slight crease)
The Payton "40 yard run" card was pictured above.
This brings us up to Super Bowl XX time. I was able to buy a duplicate ring for a reasonable price. I have seen many of these for sale now.
1987 brings us to my wonderful Payton Beach Towel. Don't know what to do with it. No wall space left and I'm not going to destroy it by going swimming.
Quaker Oats offered 11x17 inch posters in there products such as Quaker Oats chewy granola. I have a poster still in the package and one out of package. Note the infamous Marketcom poster again.
I also have a couple of "art cards" created by.Kinney. The DrawingsByKinney Studio is listing a new football art card of Walter "Sweetness" Payton. It comes with an Authenticity Statement and my artist's signature printed on the back. The original portrait, completed in 2000 was done in colored art pencil. Note: the DrawingsByKinney.com watermark does not appear on the actual card.
The card measures 2.5 x 3.5 inches (same as a regular trading card) and was giclee printed on 110# heavyweight, acid-free, bright white, smooth finish, card stock.
A crystal clear fixative has been lightly applied to both sides of the card providing protection from fading, smudging, and moisture. It will be carefully packaged and shipped inside a new acid-free, archival safe, soft card sleeve and semi-rigid card holder.
The 2nd football art card is of Walter Payton's rookie sports card. It comes hand numbered and artist signed on the back. Acrylic paints were used for the original portrait.
The card measures 2.5 x 3.5 inches (same as a regular trading card) and was giclee printed on 110# heavyweight, acid-free, bright white, smooth finish, paper stock.
A crystal clear fixative was lightly applied to both sides of the card which provides protection from fading, smudging, and moisture.
and another card that was a supplement in Football Card News magazine.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008
Sweet Walter
One can NEVER have enough collectibles from the greatest football player ever. I picked up a few rarities as well as a couple of oddities. The Art of Sport figurines, limited to 250, are some of the nicest figures ever made. The one I found was the autographed version without the autograph...If you look at the figure it has a history of breaking high on the ankle that rests on the base. I don't know if I broke it taking it out of the box, or it was already that way. I paid far less that the $300.00 and higher value, so I just glued it carefully and moved on. It displays nicely.
Check it out. The original Walter Payton Roos shoes/cleats....BRAND NEW and in MY size...the Payton facsimilie autograph on the heel, the 34s on the tongues and backs and the velcro/zipper pocket under the Roos logo. I will never wear them (Well, one can NEVER say never - certainly I must try them on - right?)!
There are newer versions, but I believe these shoes were the originals in the late 70s early 80s.
Anybody remember the 1978 RC Cola can with Walter's image. I have the flat aluminum panel before it was
manufactured into the can. Nice.
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And what fan would pay $2.99 for a penny. Well, I did for this one. I carry it around for good luck.
And what fan would pay $2.99 for a penny. Well, I did for this one. I carry it around for good luck.
Here are a couple of things from Danbury Mint again.....a collector's plate and a 22 kt card set.
Wall Hangings...
One of the years in recent memory when the National Sports Collector's convention in Chicago, there was a large ETopps canvas portrait sold of Walter that was the same as his etopps card. This is how they promoted it. CLASSIC
EDITION
Framed Walter Payton Photomint 13 x 16. The 8x10 action image is individually numbered (00122500837) and features team-colored double matting. It is framed with Two 24KT Gold coins, a Chicago Bears franchise coin and a NFL logo coin (both the size of a silver dollar). A numbered certificate of authenticity is mounted on the front between both gold coins.
This is officially licensed by the NFL and is 0069 of 1340 pieces.
At one time or another some kid made a Walter Payton scrapbook and cut out and pasted a gazillion pic of Walter from newspapers and magazines....there are like 20 pages and the images are just fun to look at. I am going to try and put the pages in some sort of album form.
Walter and Connie Payton have always been proponents for a number of great causes. They had many events throughout the years that have raised many dollars and much awareness. There was a run in Chicago for 5-6 years that benefitted Waltyer Payton's Cancer Fund. Here's the scoop on that:
WALTER'S RUN
This individual event covers Walter's longstanding rushing record of 16,726 yards. This is a great half marathon course to train for the Chicago Marathon and is USATF certified.
5K RUN/WALK
For runners and walkers alike, this course offers everyone a chance to honor Walter, a friend or loved one, or just spend time with the family for a good cause. This course is USATF certified.
For runners and walkers alike, this course offers everyone a chance to honor Walter, a friend or loved one, or just spend time with the family for a good cause. This course is USATF certified.
9.5 MILE TEAM RELAY
Three-person teams will run a relay, with each team member running 5K. This course is USATF certified.
Three-person teams will run a relay, with each team member running 5K. This course is USATF certified.
AWARDS
Walter's Run (16,726 Yard Run) - Awards will be given to the top three female and male finishers in each age group as well as top female and male overall. 5K Run/Walk - Awards will be given to the top three female and male finishers in each age group as well as top female and male overall. Relay - Awards will be given to the top team in each category: all-female(FFF), all-male(MMM), coed(MMF) and coed(FFM).
Walter's Run (16,726 Yard Run) - Awards will be given to the top three female and male finishers in each age group as well as top female and male overall. 5K Run/Walk - Awards will be given to the top three female and male finishers in each age group as well as top female and male overall. Relay - Awards will be given to the top team in each category: all-female(FFF), all-male(MMM), coed(MMF) and coed(FFM).
I was able to buy some of the medal awards.
Update to above. I found the silver medal to go along with the bronze and gold above.
Back in 2002 there was another fundraiser in honor of the late Walter Payton:
Spirit of Sweetness fest will benefit Payton fund
Spirit of Sweetness celebration to raise money for a non-profit cancer research fund named in honor of the late Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back.
The Walter Payton Cancer Fund event will include the presentation of the Spirit of Sweetness Award, which will go to Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smit
Also, The Walter Payton Recreation and Wellness Center now has an annual Sweetness "Fight Against Obesity" 5K Run/Walk/Ride and One Mile Fun Run. The purpose of this event is to increase obesity awareness in Mississippi and to promote physical activity in the community with a concentrated effort on the youth. The event is slated to take place on the main campus of Jackson State University where the 5K Run/Walk/Ride and One mile Fun Run will foster increased community morale assembling local residents, businesses, parents and students around a common goal.
One can NEVER have enough Payton stuff. here is a ticket for a complimentary cocktail at Chicagoland area restaurants:
Found another Wilson Walter Payton football, new in a crappy box and won't take air, but it displays quite nicely.
and a Buick promotional flyer. I bought this because my wife's Mo
ther had the exact car and it was really fun to drive.
Some previous stuff I have posted:
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Some great new Walter Payton stuff
Rare Saga Disc Rookie -Mint - Value =$400+
I also have obtained a few more unique cards...a 1979 Sportscaster card (4.3 inch by 6.3 inch), 1979 Stop and Go 3D card a 1981 Bears Police PSA 10 (Population of only 6 in the world of thatgrade) and A highly sought out 1982 Marketcom card #32, Series C made in St. Louis.
Another oddball card is the 1988 Starting Lineup card that was to be included in the first series of the football action figures by Kenner. Kenner forgot that Payton retired in 1987 and his likeness, etc. was no longer property of the NFL or NFL Players Association. A few of these cards have made it to the secondary market and I have one graded PSA 9, Mint.
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| 1986 Musical Pinback Button |
Next I have brand new 1986 musical pinback that I am very curious to rip open and see if it works! You know I won't. I love the 1981 Coke bottle cap of Walter as well as the 1983 NAPPCO pencil of Walter What, you ask? A pencil? Yes, I respond, a TEN DOLLAR pencil!
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| 1981 Bottle Cap |
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| 1983 Nappco Pencil |
I picked up a gem of a collectible in the 1987 Ace Fact Packs made in Great Britain. This 33 card deck was manufactured in many of the NFL teams to promote American Football. I don't think they were big sellers over there. They have become highly collectible here in the U.S. A Superstar's individual card, such as Walter Payton's has a value of $100. Some of the other Bear Players like Hampton, McMahon, Dent and McMichael can command $35-$50 EACH! I have the entire set in original box which is said to value at $300.
This bext item is just plain sweet. It is from 1990 and is a 9x12 framed Stamford Art Mirror. I have not found out too much about it. The picture seems familiar. Regardless, it is a very, very nice addition to my collection.
Just an ash tray with a nicely embossed figure #34 of Walter Payton - hard to see in the picture
Wilson - Payton model football
Genuine autographed ball - I have cleaned it up and it looks MUCH better Association of Hall of Fame Legends cap Payton
Another neat Cap
A little rubber stamp
Vince Costello
| Born: | April 8, 1932 Dellroy, Ohio |
|---|---|
| Died: | June 22, 2019 (aged 87) |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Linebacker |
| College | Ohio |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1957–1966 | Cleveland Browns |
| 1967–1968 | New York Giants |
| Career stats | |
| |
Vincent Costello (April 8, 1932 – June 22, 2019) was an American football linebacker who played twelve seasons in the National Football League for the Cleveland Browns (1956–66) and New York Giants (1967–68). He later coached with Paul Brown as linebackers coach for the Cincinnati Bengals (1969–1973); Miami Dolphins (1974) and the Kansas City Chiefs (until his retirement).
Biography[edit]
Costello graduated from Magnolia High School in 1949.[1]
Costello lived in Kansas City, Missouri, where he owned a company that makes and designs various sports collectibles, including a line exclusively designed for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His store was called Vince Costello's Collectibles.
In 2012, the Plain Dealer named Costello the 56th best player in Browns history.[2]
References[edit]
- ^ "Vince Costello? Go Figurine, That's is what Former Browns Linebacker is Into These Days– Selling Figurines of Hall of Fame Players". Akron Beacon Journal. Black Press Ltd. July 24, 1999. (subscription required)
- ^ Peticca, Mike (2012-11-27). "Cleveland Browns' 100 best all-time players: No. 56, Vince Costello (video)"
From Kentucky Fried Chicken - headband and Wheaties wrist bands "Payton Power"
.jpg)
I bought another 1992 Sport's Impressions figurines, club edition. Some guy was just selling them way too cheap, like under $10. They are worth $100. Now I have a new one still in the box. ETOPPS offered a Super Bowl Series Walter Payton card, so I now have that in my ETOPPS collection.
Walter Payton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. I have some momentosof that event, including a pinback, .999 Silver Round and a very rare Vince Costello figurine.
Just got my 2015 Valentine gift. My sweetie gets a ring and I get this .999 3.5 oz silver card honoring Walter's HOF induction. I have seen this card packaged in a set with the aforementioned coin
Inspected by Gailyn Sanderson, Graduate Gemologist (GIA)
| .999 Silver Hall of Fame Walter Payton Trading Card | |
| Description | Chicago Bears Walter Payton Hall of Fame 3.5 Troy OZ Silver Trading Card |
Metal Type
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.999 Silver
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card: H TIMM 3.5 Troy OZ .999 Fine Silver
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Measurements
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card: 3.5” X 2.5” X 2.65mm
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Total item weight
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card: 116.4 grams
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The following is not really Walter, but it has #34, so it is relative.....cute new acrylic figure about 4 inches tall and 1/4 inch thick
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8.5 x 11 on canvas
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| 1982 Kellogg's Poster |
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| 1979 Topps - autographed |
Waddington Poster
Nesting Dolls
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| Wilson Signature Model |
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| Video Tape |
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| "Nobody is guaranteed tomorrow" |
This model is from the "Great Moments in Sport" series. Produced by Aurora in 1965, this plastic model had to be assembled (11 3/4" 8" X 6"). The parts were flesh toned which was intended to be painted (if you had the talent). The kit comes complete with a scale model of the three players. This model was to represent Jim Brown originally. The person that assembled this model was a professional artist and did masterful job with great detail hand-painting this model. He changed the featured player to Walter Payton while avoiding two New Orleans Saints players trying to tackle him (Winston & Paul). He even enhanced areas like adding fake grass, grid lines, painting the figures and the sign. The sign reads: "Walter Payton breaks Jimmy Browns ground gaining record against the Saints Oct. 7th, 84". Simply gorgeous results that few people could achieve. This model just "pops"! Truly a one-of-a-kind piece!
Life-Sized Roos Standee
1988 Football Heroes Sticker
Single Playing Card
Fabulous single (1 card only) collector playing card issued in the USA. This card is in NM to Mint condition. It measures 2 1/2" x 3 1/2", and is glossy playing card stock. It was originally part of a deck that featured a plethora of pop culture - movie stars, pop music, television stars, sports figures, politicians, etc.
Chicago Buick Land
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| Large 4 inch Pins |
Sports Illustrated Poster
Upper Deck Poster
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| Bleacher Creature |
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| Book |
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| Man Of The Year Vinyl Patch |
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| U.S.P.S. Pin |
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| Legends Bobblehead 2018 |
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| OYO Legend |
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| 12 Inch Plaster Figure |
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| 2018 FOCO |
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| Leather Portfolio |
RARE and extremely limited!
Only 100 of these made. I have the regular base figure 30/100 and the gold base figure 79/100.
Walter Payton NFL ALL TIME 100 TEAM bobblehead made by Forever Collectibles, and just released!
Only 100 of these will ever be made and distributed, which means only 100 people will ever have the chance to own this beautiful limited bobblehead!!! And, I am one!
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| Cool Iron On |
I bought this model from a gentleman on Ebay and asked him if he could tell me any information about it. I see that it was numbered 33/34 cars signed and it comes with a COA sticker. This is what he told me:
"I bought the model many years ago from a company called Schwartz
Sports. If memory serves they were in Buffalo Grove. I don't know any more
about the specifics of the autographed cars. It may have been for a charity;
but I'm not certain."
He also told me that he did not recall who the second signature on the car belonged to. I had to chuckle because the "2nd" signature says "Sweetness" Hahaha
And then he told me that he actually bought a real race car of Walter's and actually raced it himself. I asked him if he had any personal stories about Payton that he would be willing to share. His reply:
"Walter had two of these race cars, I believe. He ran in the Sports
Car Club of America Sports 2000 pro series, and later the Oldmobile Pro Series.
The cars were Lola 89/90s. The car I bought from him had been crashed and
rebuilt.
Walter was fast, but a little wild. He had (probably) more than
his share of incidents. My personal opinion is that he was fearless in the car.
Maybe it was because he felt safer than on the football field since he had a
whole car surrounding and protecting him. I think a potentially fiery crash when
he moved up to the SCCA Trans Am series made him decide to retire from racing.
Walter was a kidder and well-liked by most of the other racers. I
remember once when he bumped me (not in the car) in a kidding way. It felt like
I bumped into a wall!
I'll attach some pictures of Walter in car 34, and myself in the
same car after I started racing it."
Here are the pictures that he sent me:
I recently purchased a 7x10 inch pewter figure that was created by the famous artist Michael Ricker. Only 100 of these figures were made and mine is #'d 80/100. I believe that it is an original autograph from Walter Payton.
Michael Ricker passed away in 2006 and here is an obituary link that details his storied life.
Here is a link to some of his works that have been auctioned off:
His works are "for sale" ranging in prices from $5.00 to $45,000.
I am not sure of the value of these piece and I was able to procure it quite inexpensively. This John Elway figure, which is very similar, is currently for sale for $1,695.00
Although I don't have the actual letter from Michael Ricker Pewter, Inc. verifying Payton's autograph, I assume it would be similar to the Elway letter.
Beautiful rare Limited Edition 1996 Original
Pewter Metal and Marble Sculpture Figure of legendary NFL Hall-of-Famer and
Chicago Bear Walter Payton 'The Legend Lives' by renowned artist Michael Ricker
signed 2x by artist back of sculpture and brass base plate with original Payton
signature on front plaque. This is #325 of only 400 produced and includes
Certificate of Title and Authenticity. Walter is standing with boy
handing ball off both with No. 34 jerseys. Measures approx.
11"H x 8.5" at gray colored marble base with brass plated top.
Weighs hefty 16+ lbs. Condition very good no flaws detected. This
will ship fast and FREE (very important because of weight and size) with TLC
signature may be required. Contact us any questions and please follow our
store as we seek the rare and unique.
More about the artist:
Michael Ricker (1940-2006) was a
celebrated and accomplished artist and sculptor for more than four decades. His
work has been treasured by hundreds of thousands of collectors as well as
dozens of prominent figures and celebrities including former Presidents,
athletes, actors, and entertainers. Born in Fort
Collins, CO, Michael took an immediate attraction to art in his
early years and was constantly drawing in his spare time. He also had an
uncanny entrepreneurial spirit for a young boy and recruited his brother and
sisters to help him create gifts and sell them in the neighborhood for
charity. In the late 1960's, Michael started
Ricker-Bartlett, Inc., producing pewter jewelry and sculpture in a small studio
developing new molding and casting techniques which allowed him to expand into
small pewter animal figurines which were sold to thousands of gift shops across
the country. In 1975, Michael began working on the masterpiece
that will forever leave his mark as one of the most talented and proficient
American artists of all time. Park City, a 30 x 10' miniature town depicting
life at the turn of the 19th century. Completed in 1986 and presented to
former President Gerald Ford at a gala event in Denver that attracted thousands
of collectors from all over the country. Ford graciously accepted the
'key' to Park City and promised a home for the masterpiece in the Smithsonian
Institute. Park City became the foundation for Michael's Museum and Gallery
in Estes Park, which opened to a gala event in 1993. It had always been
Michael's vision to create 'three-dimensional history books' to preserve
history for generations of children to come. Tourists and collectors toured the
facility by the thousands, with each tour culminating in a visit to Park City
with its magical Park Carousel, Circus Parade, Riverboat, and Town Hall.
Perhaps more important than his work as a talented artist.
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| 1989 Landsman Print |
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| 13x8 inch neon light - pretty cool |
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| Youth hat SGA (Stadium Give Away) |
And what would a Chicago Bear Music collection be without "The Ballad of Walter Payton"?
Check out this link detailing this bluegrass group and the song: PAYTON`S HOMETOWN A BITTER PLACE IN THE HEART – Chicago Tribune
Check out this link detailing this bluegrass group and the song: PAYTON`S HOMETOWN A BITTER PLACE IN THE HEART – Chicago Tribune
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| Enviromint 2 different Payton coins .999 with two tone silver with gold overlay accents. Limited edition of 500. |
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| Walter Payton Chicago Bears Retired Pro Gate Series Bobblehead (Retired Limited to 321 figures) |
An enlarged poster based on Payton's 1976 Topps Rookie Card (I bought the poster - female not included)
Size: 11" x 17"
Player: Walter Payton
Team: Chicago Bears
League: NFL
Sport: Football
Card Attributes: Rookie Poster
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Handmade
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Read the full list of materials
Materials: copper, wood, wire, copper wire, copperwire, plastic
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Height: 5 inches
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Width: 3 inches
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Depth: 3 inches
Description
This is a wire sculpture of Walter Payton from
the Chicago Bears. The Super bowl winning Chicago Bears have so many great
offensive players this is just one of the greats who helped them win. Walter
Payton is one of the NFL's greatest Players. His intensity and hard runs helped
Chicago win over the course of his career. This wire sculpture is made from
coated 22 gauge copper wire. It can be posed in any position. This figure is
one of a kind since each creation is made by me and I can make them the same. Walter
stands at aprox 5 inches. This creation will come stapled on a wooden base .
This is perfect for the football fan in your life.
Got an update email from the artist: "Thank you for your purchase. I made a new Walter Payton sculpture just for you. It should look a lot better than the picture on ETSY. " AND, here it is! It IS much better. (6 1/2 inches tall) It spins around on the axis, also.
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| 2022 NFL TeenyMates LEGENDS RARE Chicago Bears Walter Payton BRONZE 1out of 64 packs |
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| Big Shot Ballers |
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| Walter Payton (Chicago Bears) Funko Vinyl GOLD NFL Legends 12inch |
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| Walter Payton (Chicago Bears) Funko Vinyl GOLD NFL Legends 12inch CHASE |
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| 4 inch WeebleWobbleBell |
Below is a recent addition to my collection. It is a custom figure representing Walter Payton's last game.
Sports
of The Times; Walter Payton's Last Time
- Jan. 11, 1988
Credit...The New York Times Archives
See the article in its original context from
January 11, 1988, Section C, Page 6
WHEN
the game ended and the Bears had lost, when he knew he would never play football
again, Walter Payton sat on the Bears bench with his head in his hands for
perhaps five minutes. In the chill - it felt as if it was 23 degrees below zero
- his teammates had hurried off Soldier Field to the warmth of their locker
room. But in his ''34'' jersey, the best running back in National Football
League history was out there all by himself on the Bears' bench, his face
smeared with tears.
''One
more year,'' a voice in the stands yelled. ''One more year, Walter, you can do
it.''
At age
33, Walter Payton had planned on two more games and another Super Bowl ring.
But with the Bears trailing, 21-17, with 41 seconds remaining, he had lined up
in a fourth-and-8 at the Bears' 36-yard line. At the snap, Jim McMahon drifted
back and tossed a short pass to Payton, who was driven out of bounds along the
right sideline by several Redskin tacklers at the 43-yard line, a yard short of
a first down.
After
all the years and all the yards, on his last play, Walter Payton had been
stopped a yard short of a first down.
''You got to try to get out of bounds,'' he would say later.
''And you got to try to get as much as you possibly can.''
But
when Walter Payton was a yard short, the Bears were out of the Super Bowl XXII
playoffs. And now, after walking to the Bears' locker room, he was still
wearing his helmet and his uniform and even his gray thermal gloves as he moved
through the notebooks waiting at his corner locker. Without a word, he sat on
the wooden bench of the adjacent locker and put his right leg up on the bench
near his locker.
With
his eyes closed behind the face mask of his helmet, he sat there in silence as
if posing for an oil painting.
After
perhaps five minutes of watching Payton's meditation, another running back,
Calvin Thomas, who dressed at the next locker, leaned over his 5-foot-11-inch,
202-pound teammate. ''You all right?'' Thomas whispered. ''Yeah, I'm fine,''
Payton said, smiling. ''I'm just gonna take my time. This is the last time I'll
take it off.''
In
another minute Payton began taking off that uniform, almost ceremoniously.
One by
one, he tugged at the fingers of the gray thermal gloves and tossed them to
Gary Haeger, the equipment manager. He lifted off his turf-scraped helmet, but
left on a navy blue wool hood. He unbuckled his shoulder pads and pulled them
over his black, curly hair. He sat down and tore the white tape off his shoes.
He took off his knee pads and his striped uniform stockings, then he cut the
tape off his right ankle and his left ankle. Now he reached inside his white
uniform pants, yanked the thigh pads out and handed them to the equipment
manager.
''Three years high school, four years college and 13 seasons
here,'' he said, ''I've worn the same thigh pads.''
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| 5 Inch Funko Pop |
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| The Bleacher Boys record with songs about "Sweetness" and Michael Jordan |
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| Junior Sized Football |
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| 1986 Dairy Fresh full carton unfolded |
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| 1986 Dairy Pack (Blue) NFL Players Superstar Series |
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| 2023 Jumbo Funko Pop |
*THIS LISTING IS FOR
A: VINTAGE KangaROOS SHOES WALTER PAYTON SWEETNESS LAMBORGINI POSTER 27
1/4" X 19 1/4".
Walter Payton 5 Vintage Wire Press Photos 12-20-87 thru 5-31-88
*PLEASE NOTE: THIS
POSTER HAS BEEN STORED ROLLED, WITHOUT BEING IN A BOX. THIS SHOWS WEAR FROM
BEING ROLLED, EDGE WEAR, & A 1" TEAR TOWARDS THE TOP.
*THE PHOTOS SHOW THE
FRONT AND BACK OF THE POSTER. THE BACK WHITE SURFACE WILL ALLOW YOU TO SEE THE
IMPERFECTIONS MUCH CLEARER.
*THE POSTER STILL SHOWS NICELY, EVEN WITH THE FAULTS. BEING FRAMED UNDER GLASS WOULD PROTECT AND STILL SHOW THE POSTER NICELY. ( I immediately framed it !)
*I RECIEVED THIS
FROM ROBERT GAMM THE FOUNDER OF KANGAROOS YEARS AGO. ( WOW, the Founder of Kangaroos owned this!)
*ROBERT GAMM WAS MY
FATHER-IN-LAW. *ROBERT GAMM IS NO LONGER LIVING.
*THIS LAMBORGINI WAS
A GIFT GIVEN TO WALTER PAYTON BY ROBERT GAMM. WALTER WAS ONE OF THE MOST
IMPORTANT SPORTS FIGURES THAT WORE & REPRESENTED KANGAROOS SHOES.
*THIS IS TRULY A
WONDERFUL PIECE OF WALTER PAYTON & KANGAROOS SHOE HISTORY.
*THE PICTURES ALL
HAVE ENLARGEMENT AND ZOOM OPTION.
*MY COMPANY IS
SHERMAN AUTO SALES. WE ARE A 74 YEAR OLD FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS, WITH 24+ YEARS
SELLING ON E-BAY.
*The package will be
properly prepared for safe mailing. THIS WILL BE ROLLED IN TISSUE & PLACED
IN A PROPER BOX TO ACCOMADTATE THE SIZE.
Another Signature Model Football New In The Box
I just purchased this Custom made Mini Helmet to add to my Payton collection and I love it!
