Sweetness

by Jeff Pearlman

  116 So lightly regarded was Jackson State: Husar, “Team Canada stung by ‘bugs’?” Chicago Tribune, October 10, 1974.

  117 “If they are going to go by ability”: “Payton All-Time Scoring Champ,” The Blue and White Flash, November 1, 1974.

  119 The only news outlet to run the photograph: “You Be The Referee,” The Blue and White Flash, November 1, 1974.

  119 The Tigers fell again, to Grambling: Bill Sanders, “Tigers End Home Play,” The Clarion-Ledger, November 9, 1974.

  119 “I’m telling you, I chugalugged”: Payton and Jenkins, Sweetness, 91.

  120 “Pro scouts, judging from my research”: Tom Siler, “Griffin Leading Heisman Race,” The Sporting News, November 9, 1974.

  CHAPTER 10

  130 Three days before the January 11, 1975, contest: Ponto Downing, “JSU’s Payton Comes Close On Prediction,” The Clarion-Ledger, January 12, 1975.

  130 In a dull 17–17 tie, Payton: “Mike-Mayer’s FG Earns South 17-17 Senior Tie,” Associated Press, January 12, 1975.

  131 “I am strictly a thrower”: Will Grimsley, “Bartkowski Wants To Play,” Associated Press, January 29, 1975.

  131 “I remember the debate”: CNN, Mike Ditka interview with Lou Waters. November 1, 1999.

  132 “Without question, the best offensive lineman”: “NFL Kicks Off Clouded Draft,” Associated Press, January 29, 1975.

  133 When Ponto Downing of the Clarion-Ledger arrived: Ponto Downing, “J-State Pair ‘Buzzing’ After Hearing Draft News,” The Clarion-Ledger , January 29, 1974.

  133 More than two hours after he was selected, Tom Siler: Tom Siler, “Walter Payton—Gifted Runner,” The Sporting News, February 15, 1975.

  133 “We’ve been sweating it out”: Robert Markus, “Bears go after ‘little big man’ in first draft pick,” Chicago Tribune, January 29, 1975.

  134 “He was easy to find on film”: Pierson, “ ‘If the people of Chicago give me some time and be patient, I’ll give them a new Gale Sayers,’ ” Chicago Tribune, November 7, 1999.

  134 Bud Holmes, however, wasn’t sold: Downing, “J-State Pair ‘Buzzing’ After Hearing Draft News,” The Clarion-Ledger, January 29, 1974.

  136 “There are other leagues”: Pierson, “Elusive Payton talks,” Chicago Tribune, January 30, 1975.

  138 “Walter, they ain’t got no grits”: Bill McGrane, Sweetness, (Los Angeles: National Football League Book, 1988), 8.

  139 “The major deciding factor was that it has been his life’s”: Ed Stone, “Bears sign Payton for big bucks,” Chicago Tribune, June 4, 1975.

  CHAPTER 11

  140 “Gale Sayers has been my idol”: Pierson, “Payton shows up . . . with his agent,” Chicago Tribune, February 4, 1975.

  141 It was once said that if Helen of Troy: Jack Schnelder, “Gibron Brings New Image to NFL—300 Pounds,” The Sporting News, September 14, 1972.

  142 Halas was born on February 2, 1895: Eugene Carlson, “George Halas Put Pro Football in Big Leagues,” Wall Street Journal, June 20, 1989.

  142 In helping the Illini capture the 1918: Arthur Daley, “Story of the Papa Bear,” The New York Times, December 7, 1951.

  143 The Staleys finished 10-1-2: Frank Graham, “Keeper of the Bears,” New York Journal-American, March 5, 1947.

  143 “I’m afraid we can’t make a go of it”: Ibid.

  143 It came on the morning of January 30, 1922: Jerry Liska, “Halas: Last of a Series,” Associated Press, December 12, 1962.

  144 As Frank Graham wrote: Frank Graham, “Keeper of the Bears,” New York Journal-American, March 5, 1947.

  144 In 1933, Halas, along with Redskins owner: Jerry Liska, “Halas: Last of a Series,” Associated Press, December 12, 1962.

  144 He also added—among other things: Frank Deford, “ ‘I Don’t Date any Woman Under 48,’ ” Sports Illustrated, December 5, 1977.

  144 “Our game has assumed many of the characteristics”: Cooper Rollow, “Papa Bear,” The Sporting News, November 14, 1983.

  145 “The juices of humanity seem to have been squeezed”: Bill Furlong, “George Halas: Saint or Sinner?” The Sporting News, December 15, 1962.

  145 “[Halas],” wrote Furlong: Richard W. Johnston, “Chicago: The Once and Future Bears,” Sports Illustrated, December 9, 1974.

  145 The Bears, wrote Jerry Green of The Sporting News: Jerry Green, “New Era for Bears With Finks,” The Sporting News, September 28, 1974.

  146 “I have the authority to hire or fire”: Ibid.

  146 A quarterback with the Steelers from: William N. Wallace, “Ex-Quarterback Behind Surging Vikings,” The New York Times, December 11, 1969.

  146 “He has the temperament and disposition”: “Bears Hire Pardee as Head Coach,” The New York Times, January 1, 1975.

  147 On June 1, 1975, two days before Payton signed: Roy Damer, “McKay selects 54 College All-Stars,” Chicago Tribune, June 1, 1975.

  152 At one point Payton was sent to Illinois Masonic: Stone, “Payton is hospitalized; Bears sell Pagac, Barnes,” Chicago Tribune, August 6, 1975.

  152 He was milking cows on the family’s farm: Tony Kornheiser, “Pardee!” The Washington Post, September 17, 1979.

  152 Told he could either die or: Sam Smith, “This time, Pardee will stay a while,” Chicago Tribune, September 13, 1987.

  152 “I didn’t think I’d die”: Kornheiser, “Pardee!” The Washington Post, September 17, 1979.

  153 “It was more of a gut feeling”: Phil Elderkin, “ ‘Sleeper’ coach shakes Bears from hibernation,” The Christian Science Monitor, November 2, 1976.

  156 While booting balls during a practice: Pierson, “Bears’ Coady waived,” Chicago Tribune, August 29, 1975.

  157 As Don Pierson noted in that day’s Chicago Tribune: Pierson, “Bears vs. Dolphins tonight; Payton to make debut,” Chicago Tribune, September 6, 1975.

  CHAPTER 12

  158 In a piece titled “Bears are putting”: Pierson “Bears are putting it all together,” Chicago Tribune, September 14, 1975.

  158 In the lead-up to the game: Stone, “Payton: ‘Give me time, I’ll give ’em a new Sayers,’ ” Chicago Tribune, September 14, 1975.

  159 The Bears lost 35–7: Pierson, “Unbearably Colt (35-7) NFL debut,” Chicago Tribune, September 22, 1975.

  160 “Zero yards for the number one pick?”: Payton and Yaeger, Never Die Easy, 77.

  161 “He ran for zero yards, but it was”: Pierson, “1975: ‘I just like to do whatever it takes to win. And if it takes that much I’ll do it,’ ” Chicago Tribune, November 7, 1999.

  162 Payton, in the words of: Pierson, “Bears prevail 15-13 with :08 left,” Chicago Tribune, September 29, 1975.

  163 “They weren’t as good as I expected”: Pierson, “Tarkenton, Vikes stifle Bears 28-3,” Chicago Tribune, October 6, 1975.

  163 “That’s the first time I’ve ever seen an opponent laugh”: Pierson, “Lions ax Bears in ‘laugher’ 27-7,” Chicago Tribune, October 13, 1975.

  163 “He played a good game”: Pierson, “Bear offensive line criticized by Pardee,” Chicago Tribune, October 14, 1975.

  167 That Sunday, Payton stood on the sideline: Stone, “Bears battle Steelers in ‘morbid’ mismatch,” Chicago Tribune, October 19, 1975.

  169 “I can’t believed it’s the Mike Adamle”: Neil Milbert, “Cosell crew kind to Bears over TV,” Chicago Tribune, October 28, 1975.

  169 Payton was a backup for the first: Pierson, “Vikes turn back stubborn Bears 13-9,” Chicago Tribune, October 28, 1975.

  169 “If they want me to run, I’ll run”: Joe Mooshil, No headline, Associated Press, November 18, 1975.

  171 Five months later, when he prepared to return to Chicago: Payton, Payton, and Payton, Payton, 179–181.

  CHAPTER 13

  172 On July 14, the third straight day: Pierson, “Bears run ‘best practice’ despite heat,’ Chicago Tribune, July 15, 1976.

  174 Fed up, Pardee announced after: Pierson, “Musso moves us after Bear win,” Chicago T
ribune, August 9, 1976.

  174 When Finks slyly told the Tribune: Pierson, “Payton ready to carry big load, shed pressure,” Chicago Tribune, August 12, 1976.

  177 The lineman began the process of bringing the back: Pierson, “Bears top 49ers but lose Buffone,” Chicago Tribune, September 20, 1976.

  180 The story was published in the November 22, 1976: Dennis Breo, “Since Walter Joined the Football Bears, Chicago Has Turned Into Payton’s Place,” People, November 22, 1976.

  181 He craved the bright lights and glitter: Rollow, “Beating Payton no special kick for Simpson,” Chicago Tribune, March 13, 1977.

  182 By the time the half ended, Payton had run: Pierson, “Payton has his best day,” Chicago Tribune, December 6, 1976.

  183 With Soldier Field’s scoreboard: Pierson, “Payton vs. O. J. to take back seat to Bears win,” Chicago Tribune, December 10, 1976.

  183 Among those in attendance were: David Condon, “Celebration turns into anxiety for Payton’s mom,” Chicago Tribune, December 14, 1976.

  184 Late into the third quarter: Pierson, “Broncos ruin finale for Bears, Payton,” Chicago Tribune, December 13, 1976.

  185 “It was, I guess, the low point of”: Rollow, “Loss to O. J. ‘low point’ of life: Payton,” Chicago Tribune, February 17, 1977.

  CHAPTER 14

  186 “Walter Payton is concerned enough about”: Stone, “Payton’s goal: quit in 1 piece,” Chicago Tribune, November 1, 1977.

  188 Five months later, in another: Pierson, “Bears, Phipps flop in Cleveland,” Chicago Tribune, August 26, 1977.

  189 Later on, following a third-quarter sweep: Pierson, “Robertson backs down—sort of,” Chicago Tribune, October 12, 1977.

  190 “Wally Chambers is the poorest excuse”: Rollow, “Rams rage over Bear ‘cheap hits,’ ” Chicago Tribune, October 11, 1977.

  191 The Bears were coming off a 47–0: Pierson, “Bears take early hibernation, fall 47–0,” Chicago Tribune, November 7, 1977.

  193 “It was the first time I saw him,” recalled Brown: Interview with NFL Network for 100 Greatest Players program, 2010.

  194 Asked now to assess the Bears: Pierson, “It’s high noon of Bears’ season,” Chicago Tribune, November 20, 1977.

  194 He had prayed throughout the week for health: “Payton Breaks Record, Rushing for 275 Yards,” The New York Times, November 21, 1977.

  196 “It never came up”: John Underwood, “Payton Runs All Over The Place,” Sports Illustrated, November 28, 1977.

  197 “Nobody would ever confuse running back Walter Payton”: Phil Elderkin, “Wonderful Walter makes end zone ‘Payton Place,’ ” The Christian Science Monitor, December 13, 1977.

  198 “Payton’s record rushing brought out”: Pierson, “World runs to Payton,” Chicago Tribune, November 22, 1977.

  198 The one Bear who seemed most irked by Payton: Joe Lapointe, “Memories Of a Stadium, Served Cold,” The New York Times, December 27, 2009.

  199 “I think we’ll be the Beehive”: Pierson, “Payton enjoys day of slipping past cameras,” Chicago Tribune, December 14, 1977.

  199 The red-hot Bears traveled to Detroit: Richard L. Shook, “Payton Leads Bears’ Lion-Tamers,” The Sporting News, December 10, 1977.

  200 “If I don’t catch any passes I feel worthless”: Stone, “Bears want rushing record for Payton, but . . . ,” Chicago Tribune, December 18, 1977.

  201 As soon as he spotted the rain: Sufrin, Payton, 98–99.

  203 “I was getting worried there”: Pierson, “Bears reach playoffs—miraculously,” Chicago Tribune, December 19, 1977.

  204 Just in case the sentiment didn’t resonate: Lapointe, “Memories Of a Stadium, Served Cold,” The New York Times, December 27, 2009.

  204 What if Thomas had shanked: Pierson, “Bears reach playoffs—miraculously,” Chicago Tribune, December 19, 1977.

  CHAPTER 15

  207 On the evening of Monday, December 11, 1978: “Payton’s father dies in jail,” New York Post, December 13, 1978.

  209 According to Gonzalez’s report: “Payton autopsy,” Chicago Tribune, December 16, 1978.

  210 Jack Pardee, the only professional coach: Wallace, “Pardee Quits as Bears’ Coach; Will Apply for Redskins’ Post,” The New York Times, January 20, 1978.

  211 “No one cares that he’s leaving”: Pierson, “Bears were losing respect for Pardee,” Chicago Tribune, January 20, 1978.

  211 “I hate to see the guy leave”: Pierson, “Add Marchibroda to Bear stew,” Chicago Tribune, January 22, 1978.

  212 “I don’t know what people consider dull”: Pierson, “Bears End Long Snooze, Name Armstrong,” The Sporting News, March 4, 1978.

  212 On the final day of taping, Payton: Markus, “ ‘New’ Payton keeps audience, himself in stitches,” Chicago Tribune, February 9, 1978.

  213 A couple of weeks after Armstrong: Pierson, “Bears hire ex-coach of 49ers,” Chicago Tribune, March 21, 1978.

  214 Were that not bad enough: Pierson, “Bears land ‘safe pick’ in Texas star Shearer,” Chicago Tribune, May 3, 1978.

  214 According to a scathing March 13 Tribune article: Pierson, “How Bear salaries rate,” Chicago Tribune, March 13, 1978.

  214 “I wish Walter were a free agent”: Pierson, “Agent’s goal: satisfy Payton on his worth,” Chicago Tribune, July 2, 1978.

  214 Holmes assumed Chicago’s fans: Bill Jauss, “Even lawyer pulls for Payton to sign,” Chicago Tribune, July 18, 1978.

  214 On July 19, Finks offered Payton: Pierson, “Payton weighs $375,000-a-year offer,” Chicago Tribune, July 20, 1978.

  215 In 1997, years after both men had retired: Caulton Tudor, “Dickerson gets Sayers’ nod as best,” The News & Observer (Raleigh), January 31, 1997.

  216 “Walter’s not running as well as he had”: Jauss, “Dispute hurting Walter, team—Noah,” Chicago Tribune, August 9, 1978.

  216 Finally, one day before the Bears’: Pierson, “Payton agrees to sign for $400,000,” Chicago Tribune, September 3, 1978.

  216 The call came to the Chicago Bears: “In brief,” The New York Times, September 5, 1978.

  217 The Bears won 17–10, and Payton played: Davis Israel, “Payton’s spark electrifies Bears,” Chicago Tribune, September 4, 1978.

  218 “Payton is acting like a very hollow person”: Pierson, “Payton figures to rebound,” Chicago Tribune, September 29, 1978.

  219 In the days leading up to a matchup at Green Bay: Rollow, “Packer pride is avenged, Luke crows,” Chicago Tribune, October 9, 1978,

  219 On October 10, two days after: Byron Rosen, “H-e-e-e-r-e Come the Women,” The Washington Post, October 12, 1978.

  220 “I kind of liked Jack Pardee’s philosophy”: “Payton said he ‘kind of liked Jack Pardee’s philosophy,’ ” Chicago Tribune, October 18, 1978.

  221 Through the first eight games, the Bears had opened with: Pierson, “It’s predictable—Bears will run,” Chicago Tribune, October 27, 1978.

  CHAPTER 16

  230 When asked to name his extravagances: Pierson, “Payton,” Chicago Tribune, December 14, 1979.

  230 “[It] just seemed like this cold, faraway”: Pickett, “’We were opposite, opposite,’ ” Chicago Sun-Times, May 12, 2002.

  232 “Even that great year he had [1977]”: Pierson, “Payton: Doing it all, and doing it better,” Chicago Tribune, September 23, 1979.

  232 The Bears beat two two-win clubs: Pierson, “Bears’ streak doesn’t mean they’re a good team yet,” Chicago Tribune, November 22, 1979.

  233 When the Raiders offered Ken Stabler: “Bears Nixed Stabler,” The Sporting News, November 10, 1979.

  234 When asked about Harold Carmichael: Pierson, “Bears on Eagles: who you don’t know can’t hurt you,” Chicago Tribune, December 19, 1979. 234 Seconds before the ball was snapped: Bob Verdi, “Payton’s pride hurt more than shoulder,” Chicago Tribune, December 24, 1979.

  235 Payton spoke optimistically of better days: Ibid.

  235 In the summer
of 1980 the team moved: Bob Logan, “Title thoughts dominate Bear camp opening,” Chicago Tribune, July 26, 1980.

  237 “If I never face another defense like them”: Verdi, “Bears seem to be in prevent offense,” Chicago Tribune, November 4, 1980.

  237 “A resoundingly innovative”: Ibid.

  238 He was named after a character: Bob Herguth, “Off and running with Payton,” Chicago Sun-Times, August 11, 1996.

  238 “My son brought me tremendous joy”: Payton and Yaeger, Never Die Easy, 198.

  240 “I talked to a lot of clubs, just social”: George Vecsey, “Walter Payton Fits in Chicago,” The New York Times, July 28, 1981.

  240 When Holmes told the Tribune Payton would: Pierson, “Payton won’t get $1 million: Halas,” Chicago Tribune, February 3, 1981.

  240 Under the new ownership of a: Pierson, “I’ve made offer to Payton—Montreal owner,” Chicago Tribune, May 1, 1981.

  242 “Pay me eight hundred thousand dollars”: Pierson, “Too often, Payton finds Bear linemen blocking his way,” Chicago Tribune, September 27, 1981.

  242 The following week, after gaining forty-five yards: Paul Zimmerman, “He Can Run, But He Can’t Hide,” Sports Illustrated, August 16, 1982.

  242 Jerry Kirshenbaum, the editor of Sports Illustrated’s Scorecard section: Jerry Kirshenbaum, “Mush!” Sports Illustrated, December 28, 1981.

  242 After paying $58.40 for two tickets: Laura Garraway, “Fan can’t ‘Bear’ Chicago’s charade,” New York Post, October 13, 1981.

  243 “Maybe Walter’s best years are behind him”: Pierson, “If new Payton plan catches on, he’ll run less, enjoy it more,” Chicago Tribune, October 11, 1981.

  CHAPTER 17

  244 So it was that one day: Mike Ditka with Don Pierson, Ditka: An Autobiography (Chicago: Bonus Books, 1986), 156.

  245 Once asked by Sports Illustrated’s Curry Kirkpatrick: Curry Kirkpatrick, “Once a Bear, Always a Bear,” Sports Illustrated, December 16, 1985.

  245 He was born on October 18, 1939: Ibid.