Athletes & Sports · Late 20th Century
Walter Payton’s Last Words
“Tell everybody I love them.”— Walter Payton, November 1, 1999
Who Was Walter Payton?
Walter 'Sweetness' Payton was a Hall of Fame running back for the Chicago Bears who set the all-time rushing yards record.
The Final Moments
Payton died at his South Barrington home from liver failure related to bile duct cancer.
Are These Words Verified?
Payton's family reported his final message expressing love to everyone. While not a direct quote heard by witnesses at the moment of death, it's consistent with family accounts from his final days and widely reported in credible sources.
Sources
- newspaper Contemporary news reports and family statements
- firsthand Payton family interviews
- biography Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton
Legacy
Payton is remembered as one of the greatest players in NFL history and a man of extraordinary character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Walter Payton’s last words?
“Tell everybody I love them.”
How did Walter Payton die?
Walter Payton died on November 1, 1999 at the age of 45. Cause of death: Bile duct cancer.
Were Walter Payton’s last words documented?
Payton's family reported his final message expressing love to everyone. While not a direct quote heard by witnesses at the moment of death, it's consistent with family accounts from his final days and widely reported in credible sources.
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