Walter Payton was a beacon of excellence due to his numerous honors and achievements. One aspect that stands out prominently is his jersey number.
Walter Payton was prominent in his career for jersey number 34 and was known among his fans as “sweetness 34”. He sparked with this jersey number in his entire career but that was not his original jersey number initially.
Grind more information and let’s check which jersey number Walter Payton wears in college, the significance of the jersey number before and in Payton’s career, its symbolism, and some tributes.
What Number Did Walter Payton Wear in College?
The football journey of Walter Payton began during his college years at Jackson State University. He showcased his talent as a running back and initially got jersey number 21 upon entering the NFL with the Chicago Bears. But before his rookie season, he made a significant switch to number 34.
This transition was the beginning of an era defined by greatness and unmatched skill on the football field. This change was due to his father because he also wore the same number during his days as a semi-professional baseball player.
Other Players Who Changed the Jursey Number Later:
Most sports fans remember their favorite players by their numbers because they hold significance in sports. Jersey numbers serve as identifiers and symbols of player identity. But Walter Payton’s jersey the change was not an isolated incident in Bear’s history.
Several other notable players, like Doug Plank, Lance Briggs, and Mike Ditka, also experienced jersey changes. Below is a quick overview of these players and why they changed their numbers.
- Doug Plank transitioned his jersey number from 25 to 46 after the Bears made a trade. The team decided to trade the number 25, and Plank switched to 46.
- Lance Briggs, the famous player, switched from number 91 to 55 after another player was cut from the team, making 55 available. This lightened the opportunity for Briggs to a more preferred number once it became unoccupied.
- Mike Ditka initially wanted number 89 but temporarily took 82 due to unavailability. The desired number became available after a player changed teams. Once the number 89 opened up, Ditka switched to his preferred jersey number.
But for Walter Payton, number 34 became more than just a number. It represents his greatness, work ethic, and indomitable spirit on the football field.
Why Did Walter Payton Choose No. 34?
The story behind Walter Payton’s choice of number 34 is rooted in personal significance. Due to its father’s connections with the number 34 in his semi-professional baseball player, it might be making it a natural choice for the young footballer Payton also.
And now, his son, Jarrett Payton, continues to honor his father’s (Walter) memory by wearing the number 34 during his college football career. Fans and players alike recognized the significance of this number in Payton’s journey to greatness.
Tributes and Honors:
The legacy of Walter Payton’s number 34 extends beyond the football field. Fans celebrate his legacy in memorial events in various forms, including statues, murals, and honors at Soldier Field. These serve as a reminder of Payton’s enduring impact on the Chicago Bears franchise.
ROOS Ultimate Memory of 34
A fitting tribute to Walter Payton’s legacy came in the form of the ROOS Ultimate Memory of 34 shoes by KangaROOS. It was released before Super Bowl 54 and captured the attention of the audience. The spirit of Payton’s iconic number with an orange base engraved with numbers 3 and 4 was the ultimate achievement for KangaROOS.
These shoes broke social media and connected thousands of Chicago Bears and Walter Payton fans on the same page. They are also quite expensive, selling for over 400 dollars per pair.
Conclusion:
Walter Payton’s jersey number 34 symbolizes excellence and stands for his determination and enduring legacy. His jersey change was not like other players’ changes because it did not significantly impact football culture.
It became a significant part of his legendary status because it was also his father’s jersey number.
As fans continue to honor and remember Payton’s contributions. His number 34 will forever hold a special place in football history.
FAQs:
Yes, Walter Payton ended his career in 1994 with the jersey number 34 from the Chicago Bears. This number also recognizes his significant contributions to the franchise.
Payton achieved numerous achievements while wearing number 34. He became the NFL’s all-time leading rusher at the time of his retirement.
Yes, some tributes, such as statues, murals, and honors at Soldier Field, are still paying homage to Walter Payton’s iconic number 34.
He initially received jersey number 21 while entering the NFL with the Chicago Bears. But before his rookie season, he transitioned to number 34.