A treasure trove of memorabilia from Bears superstar Walter Payton's personal collection is featured in a live and online auction that culminates this weekend.
Lots 138-202 in Hunt Auctions' Super Bowl LVII Live Auction consist of footballs, trophies and other artifacts that were owned by the Hall of Fame running back. The Live Auction is being held at the Phoenix Convention Center at 1 p.m. (CT) Saturday, while online pre-bidding concludes at 11 p.m. Friday.
A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, the Jarrett Payton Foundation and NFL Auction Charities.
There are about 30 presentation game balls included in the auction. The most notable ones are from when Payton set the NFL rushing record in a home win over the Saints Oct. 7, 1984; rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns in a road victory over the Packers Oct. 30, 1977; and reached 10,000 career rushing yards in an away win over the Rams Dec. 26, 1982.
Trophies in the auction include Payton's 1985 NFC Offensive Player of the Year Award; a 1985 NFL Player of the Year Timmie Award; a 1976 Willie Galimore Memorial Veteran of the Year Award; and multiple Pro Bowl Awards, including one from 1977 when he was named the game's MVP.
Other items in the Payton auction include his cleats, golf bag with clubs, auto racing suit and helmet, license plates and an autographed Wilson Sporting Goods endorsement contract.
"It has been 35 years since my husband Walter left the playing field completing one of most distinguished careers in the history of the NFL," said Connie Payton. "There are many items which we continue to cherish along with the countless memories from Walter which we hold dear with our family. We have decided to share a portion of the memorabilia from his career with the fans who passionately supported him during his time playing in the NFL.
"Walter's legacy on the field and philanthropic efforts off of the field continue to provide a guiding light for our family. We are proud to offer these items and even more pleased that a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, Jarrett Payton Foundation and NFL Auction charities."
Selected with the fourth pick in the 1975 draft out of Jackson State, Payton is widely considered the best player in Bears history and among the top running backs of all time. He spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Bears from 1975-87, missing just one game and retiring as the league's all-time leading rusher with 16,726 yards.
Payton was voted to nine Pro Bowls—second to Mike Singletary's 10 in Bears history—set 27 Bears records and had his No. 34 retired. "Sweetness" also threw eight touchdown passes and led the NFL in kickoff returns as a rookie in 1975 with a 31.7-yard average.
Payton tragically passed away due to bile duct cancer Nov. 1, 1999, at the age of 45.
Click here to go to the online auction.
