Nightlink: Payton Statue at Solider Field?
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Sep 16, 2009 10:35 PM CDT
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Did you know the Walter Payton family is donating a statue of the greatest football player in the NFL's history to the Chicago Bears? Over on the Yahoo sports Shutdown Corner Blog, the topic of the Walter Payton statue is broached.
As it turns out, the Chicago Park District doesn't want the statue in front of Soldier Field, because the area surrounding the stadium is designated strictly as a memorial to war veterans.
The blog makes a lot of really good points, and I especially like his solution;
Soldier Field, though, is not an inappropriate environment. Football is present there. At the entrance to Soldier Field is where the statue would probably be most appreciated. Put the statue there, surrounded by a well where people can toss coins, and collect those coins and give them to foundations for disabled veterans.
Head over and read the full post, then come back and tell us what you think.
EDIT - Here's a video from Yahoo sports about the statue.
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And by the way I had that poster in my room as a youth! Anyone else have it back in the day?
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Sep 16, 2009 10:41 PM CDT reply actions
Who the hell would say no to this?
by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on Sep 16, 2009 10:46 PM CDT reply actions
Really?
Not sure why you would say that, given what this is about.
The glass is more than half-full.
Gut reaction?
I think if you look at both sides you would find an argument. Not that 34 shouldn’t be honored, it’s just not the same. He died of a terrible disease, not a fatal wound on the battle field.
i understand that
but if soldier field were strictly a war memorial why are they playing football there?
Well said...
it kind of kills any argument for being strictly a vet memorial now doesn’t it
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Sep 17, 2009 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions
What does his statue
have to do with his death? I don’t think the greatest franchise in NFL history should have it’s own great history overshadowed because it’s named Soldier Field and is dedicated to the armed forces. I think a Payton statue would be a beautiful thing.
by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on Sep 17, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Long Overdue
This man gave everything he had 100% of the time he was on the field for this team. I think this might make up for his TD snub in the Superbowl. Shame on you Ditka!
There is
plenty of room at the site. It doesn’t have to be on the pillar side, which is the official memorial.
Gov. Quinn is personally trying to make this happen, from something I read on chicagobreakingnews a few hours ago.
3 votes for no??
Gather your pitchforks and torches and hunt them down Bears fans.
This is a no-brainer “YES”, even if you aren’t a Bears fan. A “NO” voter is a petty tool.
If you can't laugh at yourself... Who can you laugh at?
The Packers, that’s who.
-- The almighty Manimal
Well to be fair
I see the “no” side of it. It is suppose to be a memorial for soldiers and I can understand the whole keep the focus on that and not on anything else. However, I don’t think this statue would take away from that (I like the well idea) and it was originally a tribute to soldiers of WWI and I don’t know that many of them are left. I think this is way more appropriate than selling the naming rights to a company as was thrown around 6-7 years ago.
by Sam Householder on Sep 16, 2009 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Not forgotten
I agree that this is more appropriate than the naming rights, but just because there are no more WWI vets around doesn’t mean that they are forgotten. I believe that Payton should be emortalized somehow, it just has to be appropriate. I would give the ideas at least a year to make a decision.
ahhhhh
ok, I gotcha. I’m just an ignorant opposing fan who didn’t know the whole story. I can understand the reasoning now, but if I were the Bears organization, I’d still find a way to do this. The Banks statue is a friggin’ landmark outside of Wrigley.
If you can't laugh at yourself... Who can you laugh at?
The Packers, that’s who.
-- The almighty Manimal
by TheViking83 on Sep 17, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I simpy read the poll and thought
“How could people say “no” to this???
Sorry for not reading more, folks. :(
If you can't laugh at yourself... Who can you laugh at?
The Packers, that’s who.
-- The almighty Manimal
by TheViking83 on Sep 17, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions
No need to apologise
Even after reading the arguments, I still think the way of your gut reaction. Niice to see non-Bears fan honouring the memory of #34, too.
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
That's ok man.
Your name explains it all… :)
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
I'll confess, that I did vote NO
not out of disrespect for Walter, but out of respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. As passionate as we all are for everything Bears, it doesn’t come close to what those who are in the Armed Forces symbolize everyday.
I am not a service veteran myself, but my Dad is and I feel that the difference between what he went through in combat and what a football player (albeit one of the greatest ever) goes through are light years apart. If the Park District is truly serious about the honor of our war veterans, then I have to vote NO. If they are just angling for more of a payoff, then they should all rot in Hell.
All that said, a statue honoring Walter should be proudly displayed somewhere in Chicago that befits his contributions to the Bears and the city.
A Chicago Icon, but not 1 vs. 2 million
I have all the respect in the world for Walter Payton. I would rather see #34 sitting on top of the Buckingham Fountain before I saw him sharing the glory of those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for OUR country. During the 20th century almost 2 million troops have been killed or wounded during wars or conflicts. Think about honoring 1 man along side of a memorial that is meant to horor 2 million brave young men that have put their lives on the line. No doubt would #34 get all the attention. Let us not forget the wounded and fallen. Payton’s fame would certainly overshadow those memories.
how bout this
put the statue of sweetness in front of the stadium to honor the guy that kept people paying money to get in the staduim, that is in honor of the brave men that gave their lives for our country in ww1, so that the city didnt tear it down and put something else up to make money..
I'm ok with it being there, but I definitely understand
those who are against it. I like MJD’s idea of putting a wishing well around it to collect coins for charity. It will be an embarassment to the team however when someone turns up with photos of McCaskey splashing around stealing all the change.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
Being a servicemember
and a veteran of this current “engagement” or whatever the media is calling it today, football is such an engrained part of everyday morale, it gives you something to get what is actually happening off your mind. Recounting great moments, or “did you see that run!” help so much get you away from the sickening reality of your environment.
Walter Payton’s greatness as a human being transcends football pads and cleats, or Flak Jackets and M-4s, obviously i’m not a WWI vet, but if it were a Memorial for myself and my fellow servicemember, i would have no problem with a statue of such a tremendous human being, being honored next to me. For all the enjoyment he gave me, and those who came before me, and for the example of what to be, for those who will come after me, in devotion to man, friend, teammate, and community.
Whether they honor you there or not, Thank you #34
"I'm sorry Josh, I'm with Chicago now, you need to stop calling me" -JerBear50 as Jay Cutler
by BearNecessities on Sep 17, 2009 4:11 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
good to hear from a vet, and thanks...
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Sep 17, 2009 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions
I was looking for the right words for this situation
But BearNecessities said it better than i ever could. Agree 110%.
by Chitownproduct on Sep 17, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
If I may quote a comment on the Yahoo blog from another veteran:
I am a veteran, and we share Soldier Field with the Bears. They honor us. And we respect the fact that naming rights to Soldier Field haven’t been sold to FlashinthePan.com. So get Walter up there, already. At least he’s a real human. Unlike the Rocky statue in Philly.
I’m not even American, but I can appreciate that.
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
At least he’s a real human. Unlike the Rocky statue in Philly.
Hahahahaha, that’s funny!
I heard Wrigley is going to erect a statue of a leapord-vested teenager singing “Danke Schoen” in honor of Ferris Bueller.
If you can't laugh at yourself... Who can you laugh at?
The Packers, that’s who.
-- The almighty Manimal
Also plans for a statue
of a crack-addled degenerate panhandling for ticket money, since he’s somehow become our unofficial mascot. Guh.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
No disrespect to to our soldiers...
But the Bears play their games at Soldier Field. Has been since forever. I just think there’s nothing wrong with honoring past players. Throw one of Papa Bear up too. I mean if your argument is that it’s a memorial to our fallen soldiers, Why play ball there in the first place?
Couldn't agree more. Was going to post this, then read you with my thoughts.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
I know this is a little off point but,
I would really appreciate if the parks department could find a way to keep Soldier Field from looking like a cow pasteur before they debate what statue should go where.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
They are not allowed to have a playable surface, it's a war memorial.
With a spaceship inside.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
With aspaceshipwarship inside.
You can't believe everything you read on the internet, that's how World War One got started.
by Ditkavsworld on Sep 17, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions
lol exactly
They’re trying to preserve the abandoned mine-field look.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
I think a statue of Walter should be put in front of Soldier Field.
As a member of the US military I don’t see a statue of Walter Payton taking away from the tribute memeorial to the fallen Soilders. Statues of Harry Carry and Michael Jordan are already up why can’t the Bears have one?? I would not be offended in any which way, and I really couldn’t see any service members being upset about it either. Like the article said it’s not like they are trying to put it on top of the Vietnam Memorial or Iwo Jima or in the middle of Arlington National. I look at it like this, Soldier Field joins together two great things football and honoring out fallen, a statue of Walter continues that sentiment. Why can’t they go hand in hand?
You can't believe everything you read on the internet, that's how World War One got started.
another great comment
thank…
Maybe a this poll will find it’s way to the powers that be?
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Sep 17, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
I hope it does make it to the powers that be
but if it does can we correct my poor spelling of the word memorial?
You can't believe everything you read on the internet, that's how World War One got started.
by Ditkavsworld on Sep 17, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Yes, cause Chicago politics
always revolve around what the people want/need. That’s not a shot at you wilt, I’m just sayin…
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
Walter deserves to be honored!!!
It could be placed on the north side of the stadium, and it should be not for just what he did for football . But also for his charity work, personal character, and HONOR, i can’t recall EVER hearing him talk trash . Where do i sign the petition .
Video Link
I added a video link on the subject in the post, and HERE a well
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Sep 17, 2009 10:21 AM CDT reply actions
I saw this yesterday
But I didn’t see the reason why. I voted yes immediately, and now that I’ve read the reason, I would need to vote no.
Football is a game. It is fun to watch and follow. And at the end of the day, when the game is over, nothing has really changed except a few scores. To compare that to those who fought for our country and have given their lives is absurd.
I’m not familiar with Chicago aside from the stops I’ve made at O’hare and Union Station, but isn’t there somewhere nearby to the stadium that would be appropriate?
When you go to somebody's house, you don't crap on their floor. Being a fan of one team does NOT give you license to be a dick to fans of another.
Corollary: When people are visiting your house and behaving themselves, them being a fan of a different team is NOT a reason for you to piss in their beer.
Two other comments I liked in that Yahoo blog…
Hey I’m an Ohio guy, and I think it’s nice to have his statue in the stadium, but if not. Us ohio people can always make room for him in Canton.. right inside of the HOF building.
And nice to see respect even from another team’s fan:
Not a Bears fan. I’ll enjoy watching them lose w/that crybaby Cutler. BUT PUT THE STATUE AT THE STADIUM! Payton was a great running back, a great football player and an OUTSTANDING human being. You shouldn’t be able to turn around in the city of Chicago without bumping into a statue of Walter Payton.
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
I love the Soldiers, and I have nothing but respect for what all of our Veterans have done.
But just because the stadium is dedicated to the soldiers doesn’t mean that they should not be allowed to honor someone as great as Walter Payton in the same place as the monuments for the soldiers.
I hope they can find somewhere to put that Statue.
Marine here
I agree with BearNecessities as I am a veteran of Afghanistan, Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom or whatever you wanna call it now. But let me explain even more:
Think about who your veterans are, and where they come from. They don’t come from wealthy backgrounds and they don’t have a silver spoon in their mouth. They come from blue collar families in big cities and little farming communities all around this nation! A large percentage who are athletes following in their father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. A large percentage who lost their father and grandfather in some foreign conflict.
From my point of view: I lost my father at an early age. I grew up in Paxton, Illinois which is about an hour and a half south of the city. In Paxton all we had after school, during the summer, and after work were sports. We played football, baseball, and basketball in school and in our spare time. I remember watching Walter Payton at an early age. We gathered in front of the television on Sunday’s to see what he would do next. My mother bought me a VHS tape on Walter which highlighted his training and detailed his character. From a young age I looked up to Walter and strived to be half the man he was.
Walter was not my idol or hero like some may think. He was simply an example of the great American spirit. He was one example of the many I had at a young age. He was alongside my single mother of 6, my grandfather, my grandmother, my uncle, Ira Hayes, Ryne Sandberg, and many other human beings that contributed to my development at that age. And his example of contributing to his fellow man while he played football stuck with me. At 18 years old I decided to join the United States Marine Corps. A decision that came easy since I had several great examples to follow as I grew up.
Memories of Walter as well as other people in my life carried me through the hard times as BearNecessities outlined above. Walter was a shining example of the real American spirit. Hard work and perseverance made him the greatest football player I ever knew, but his character made him one of the greater human beings I ever learned about.
There is a place for Walter at Soldier Field and it does not come at the expense of overshadowing our nation’s veterans. He was a Chicago Bear and the last time I checked the Bears still play at Soldier Field. You want to honor our veterans? Don’t pretend that a football stadium is an exclusive venue or a war memorial. Let Walter stand beside those heroes as another example of character and courage to teach our children about. Sure, Walter was not a war hero…but he was a hero to many who fought in our nation’s wars. He used his platform to contribute to his fellow human instead of his own pocketbook and his family follows the same principle today. We can certainly figure out a tasteful way to make this happen and there are already some fine ideas.
by PaxtonMustang on Sep 17, 2009 6:40 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
I’m not an American or in the military, so I can’t possibly understand everything that pertains to Soldier Field as a memorial for war veterans… but I am a Bears fan who’s old enough to have caught the twilight of #34’s career and, after reading what you had to say, all I can say is: Bless you, sir.
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
I’m not an American or in the military
We can’t all be perfect. :)
You can't believe everything you read on the internet, that's how World War One got started.
by Ditkavsworld on Sep 18, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions
But I'm a Bears fan
That has to count for something! :-D
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
It does.
You can't believe everything you read on the internet, that's how World War One got started.
by Ditkavsworld on Sep 18, 2009 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions
What a great post
After reading this and other posts by Servicemen here, I would change my NO vote to yes. If these fine people are in favor of this, then the rest of us should be completely accepting of their wishes. The things all of you have said here is the reason we all should hold you in the highest regard and thank each of you for your service to us and our country. If the Park District could set up a “Bears Section” in or around Soldier Field then, with the blessing of the Armed Services, a tribute to Walter and other Bear greats would be totally appropriate.
Bear Down!
"I'm sorry Josh, I'm with Chicago now, you need to stop calling me" -JerBear50 as Jay Cutler
by BearNecessities on Sep 18, 2009 4:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Make it GREEN!
PaxtonMustang, I’m not ashamed to say I got emotional, when reading your view on this matter.
Thank you…. for everything!
Great country
but we get wrapped up in little details too often.
I read this blog daily as I no longer live in the great state of Illinois. I don’t post that often but could not hold off on this one. I am so tired of the media blowing things out of proportion.
To the Park District: You want to start some kind of crusade? How bout focusing on the playing surface of that field! Or get Richard Dent in the Hall of Fame (reminded by your blog name rdent4hof)! Or help the Payton family support needy children in the Chicago area. But please don’t make this Payton statue an issue. It would bring the kind of attention to the Bears that we don’t need.
Chicago Park District- Uncle Sam wants you to put up the statue!
You can't believe everything you read on the internet, that's how World War One got started.
They better do it, he looks serious.
You can't believe everything you read on the internet, that's how World War One got started.
by Ditkavsworld on Sep 18, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I really wish I knew how to photoshop.
I’ve got a nice Payton/Patton scene playing itself out in my head. Not as good as the Cutler/McDaniels/Say Anything one that I had imagined, but still.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
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