Stewart died on October 25, 1999. Known for his plus-4 pants and an incredible golf swing. He was also the first to wear the NFL teams on the PGA (which Ben Curtis now does). He would wear the NFL team of the city of where he played and sometimes he may have worn that city's rival (I don't think he ever wore Packer colors in Chicago). What stands out about him. He was known for being generous. He gave his first place check Bay Hill Invitational away in memory of his father, who had died of cancer. He also represented a never give up attitude. He failed to get his PGA Tour card after graduating from college so what did he do? We played in Asia and while overseas, he met his wife, Tracey. Even during a tough drought from 1994 until 1998, he had a moment in his life where things changed.
His swing was as good as it got. I've built mine around his. When he played the Western Open, no matter who came that year, I was following Stewart (often playing with Paul Azinger and or Lee Janzen). It seemed as it he found a second wind. He was one of the first people I saw with the WWJD braclet on. He also share about what was important in life. I can recall the win at Pinehurst and the 12th hole, I said to my Dad that I think he's going to win (his second US Open). Six holes later, he did. Most remembered what was said after the win, "you're going to be a father" to Phil Mickelson (who first born child was born not long after). This was more dramatic than having to win his first US Open, an extra round playoff with Scott Simpson. Only four months later, he was gone. Hearing the story unfold was just numbing for me as a fan. I can't imagine how it was for his family and friends. Had he lived, he would have been eligible for the Champions Tour in 2007. Who knows what he would have done.
A funny side of him (if you want his musical efforts with Peter Jacobson and Mark Lye):
Walter Payton died on November 1, the following week. What can be said that hasn't already been said? For me, he's still the best back in my lifetime and that include everyone since. People recall the most rushing yards but people forget that he could actually BLOCK, which many backs today don't want to do. I can remember the 275 rushing yards game (against the Saints). He outworked people. There was a hill not far from where he lived and he sprinted up this hill (and the hill was pretty steep) multiple times. This is the hill, as shown by his son (it has actually leveled out a bit):
What people don't realize is that he was a JOKER. He knew how to play pranks on his guys. I think of a picture of him and Matt Suhey. Suhey was lined in front of Payton (he was a fullback) and Payton actually grabbed the back of Suhey's shorts as the play began. He played at Jackson State University, a small Historically Black College in Mississippi (where fellow Hall of Famer Jackie Slater came to play with him). He was known as "Sweetness" and I can attest to this first hand. Years ago, I worked at an outdoor concert hall named Poplar Creek. Working security, we would be responsible (at time) for escorting higher profile guest to their cars. This was two years after the Super Bowl. The Bears who came were all VERY nice to the people and Walter was no exception. He signed autographs, took some pictures, takled cars, and just take the time to show appreciation to those who saw him.
His journey ended in Canton. Payton was also the first to have his son give his induction speech.
Former teammates telling about Payton, the prankster:
A small but respectful tribute to two of my top sports figures. Thanks for the memories.
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