Photos are copyrighted by Chicago Bears or AP/Wide World Photos and are used with permission. "He set a standard for going all out. He wasn't as big as some of your other backs that play the game, but he could outwork anybody and he always gave 100 percent. And that was 100 percent to his family, to his friends, to the game of football, and so is a guy that is really going to be missed." (AP)

Dennis Green

About the Fund

The Walter Payton Cancer Fund was created by the Payton family to honor Walter’s life. After witnessing the ravaging effects of cancer on her husband, Connie Payton was determined to direct new research funding toward researchers seeking a cure with the same grit and determination that Walter showed on the football field as well as during his battle with cancer.

Connie chose Gateway for Cancer Research to administer the Walter Payton Cancer Fund. Its mission is to cure cancer through funding innovative research that has an immediate impact on cancer patients. As a special fund of Gateway for Cancer Research, 100% of every dollar donated to the Walter Payton Cancer Fund goes toward cancer research programs.