I read the autobiography of Walter Payton knowing a lot about him already, but not much about his personal life and work ethic. He created a reputation as a nice, genuine person, which along with his immense running ability, earned him the nickname "Sweetness." I really enjoyed the personal aspects of the book, such as his description of the struggles of going to a newly-integrated High School in Mississippi, and the racism that surrounded him. A big part of Payton's life was the work ethic that he put in on a daily basis. He had an obsession with getting better, and as a football player, that is something that I an relate to and try to emulate. Overall, this was a good book that provided a new view on an NFL Hall of Famer and insight in to the mind of a legend.

inspiring book about a prodigious athletic talent that approached life with humility and compassion. while not without his flaws, payton was a man who never took the easy way out and earned every ounce of his legacy ... 'sweetness' as he was fondly known is one of my favorite all-time sports figures for good reason.

I noticed straight off the bat that this book was going to be emotional. He uses really deep feeling and detail. You can tell he has great memory. I thought it was funny when he said that he started playing football just to impress girls and get their attention. Now to see his legacy today its pretty incredible. One of the best running backs the NFL has ever seen, one of the best we may ever see.
I wonder how his career would have shaped out on another team. Would he have still been that successful? I believe the match up of Mike Ditka and Walter Payton was a match made in heaven. Together they formed a great Chicago Bears Dynasty. When Walter was drafted analysts predicted he wouldn't last very long. Maybe 5 years max as a bench role. However obviously that was not the case. Would that have been the case if he was on a different team? I wonder.
I was reminded of the big super bowl in 1985. Throughout this book it shows how Payton prepared for this long journey to the Superbowl. He put in a lot of effort to making his team better both as a person and a player. I have jerseys and pictures of sweetness in my room. However i never really knew what type of guy he was outside of the game. I always think of the Superbowl when I see his jersey, but now I see this amazing person and athlete.
I think of how my life is and any time I ever feel down, and when I think people owe me something, I think of Walter Payton. Then I think of never giving up, always taking advantage of each day's opportunities, and being truly thankful for each breath I take. That was the Walter Payton way of living. His coach described him as a player who would never die easy. He would go out the best way possible. This book has made me idolize and look up to Payton a lot more than before.
I realize that one of the main messages in this book is to be humble about your success. Don't be hot headed and show boat. Play the game the way you play it. Play great and don't be rude about it. Keep a level head. Then success comes easy, and you're a better person and more respected athlete in result of staying humble.

This book shows that sports are more than a game. Walter Payton was an iconic figure for his abilities as a running back, but his legacy goes beyond his accomplishments on the football field. He was larger than life. This autobiography brings together his voice alongside those who knew him best. This would definitely be a good read for any fans of the Chicago Bears or the NFL in general. It is a piece of history, pure and simple.

I can't think of a better man to have my son named after (okay, maybe one, but Roberto doesn't really work with "Werling"). Walter Payton is an excellent role model, not only for athletes, but for everyone. He esemplifies what every person should strive to be.

I really enjoyed this book. It taught me that keeping your self in good shape does not gaurantee good health. What a great guy Walter was. It made me aware of all the awesome things Walter did for this world in his short, wonderful life.

Probably my favorite athlete of all time, and I appreciated the things I learned about his charity work and his life outside of football. I'm not crazy about how it is written. It is mostly transcribed interviews of Payton, his family, and those that knew him but seems to get a bit repetitive and turns him into a god among men (it is a biography after all, haha). Though I'm a huge fan, I'm going to look for a more critical biography because the man is better than the legend.

this book changed my outlook on so many things I don't know where to begin. This is easily one of the best books I have ever read. And as a long time bears time it was good to remember their glory days but more than that to remember one of the greatest humans ever to play pro spoorts.

Ok this is my book talk. Ok so this book is kinda of hard to follow becuase of how it jumps around. So at the beginning of it it is telling about Walters last few days on earth. The doctors had said that Walters kidnees have failed, and that the only way for Walter to stay alive is for him to get a kidnee transplant. So they go and sign him up for one. But the thing is as they were waiting for him to get one the doctors said that there has been other things in walters body that have failed. And the doctors said to his family that there is really not that much more that they can do for him. There has been to many things that have failed for walter. So they said that they can take Walter home if they would like. So that he can be in the comfort of his own home. Also that he would be with his family when he passes. The doctors said thats what he needs is his family to be there for him. Everything was going good for Walter after they left the hospital. He was able to walk again and he was just moving around. But then out of no where something happened and it was like his body just stoped. And Walter passed away on November 1, 1999. They just couldn't beleive it. Then the book jumps to how he grew up in Columbis Mississippi. Walter has always been into sports. Everyday after school he would come home throw his bag inside and would go out and play with his friends, any kind of sport that you can think of they all played it. And they were all really good at it. They we go out and play for hours after school. until there mothers all called them in for dinner. Then they would all start it over the next day. Walter has spent most of his life in Mississippi. He went to an all black John - Jefferson High School. The went on to go to Jefferson State. Then about 3 to 4 years later he was drafted by the bears in the first round in the 1975 NFL Draft. If you would like to know more about this book your just going to have to read it.

Awesome to finally read and learn more about an absolute legend and role model. I obviously always knew of him as one of the greatest players to play the game but I never knew of how well respected he was on and off the field. On the field he was an all around specimen (running, catching, throwing for TDs, etc.) and his attitude on the field was a treat to read about.

But the book gave me chills at certain times because he was one honorable and humble human being. He had a few ways of giving back to the community but one I thought was sweet was the Christmas foundation that gives presents to those that don’t usually get that opportunity. Also the way he handled his dad’s death spoke to how dedicated he was to his faith.

Great read - gets 4 stars because I thought the flow could’ve been different than just alternating blurbs between different people.

I preface this review with letting you know I am a life long Chicago Bear fan. This book gives you every reason why Walter Payton is the best Human Being to ever wear a NFL uniform. The man would give until he could not give anymore then he would find some and give you that. This book documents his life, being stricken with a sickness, and looking for an Organ to be donated for him. This book will make you enroll to organ donation after reading it.

This book is pretty cool. Its inspirational and it is also very sad that Payton died of cancer after his help to the community. Walter Payton was an Icon in the football game. He is in the opinion of many the best RB to ever play.