Hashmarks: 'Sweetness' popular among incoming players during HOF visits

[WoodysGirl]

June 19, 2008 8:00 AM

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

As NFL rookies are required to tour the Hall of Fame this offseason, there is one plaque that incoming players are most interested in.

"The one guy they all seem to know about is Walter Payton," said tour coordinator Joe Horrigan of the former Chicago Bears running back. "It's just the mystique. I think it's the personality, the nickname 'Sweetness,' and everyone really revered him as a guy that put his heart and soul into the game."

Horrigan, who has been present for every rookie tour this offseason, said it's been interesting to learn how they get most of their football knowledge. Most rookies say they're familiar with past players from highlights and the popular John Madden Football video games.

To no surprise, many former quarterbacks also are very popular amongst rookies. Joe Montana, Dan Marino and Brett Favre -- who is not eligible but has a lot of remnants in the Hall -- were some of the names mentioned.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/hashmarks/0-7-611/-Sweetness--popular-among-incoming-players.html

 

[jimmy40]

June 19, 2008 8:00 AM

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

As NFL rookies are required to tour the Hall of Fame this offseason, there is one plaque that incoming players are most interested in.

"The one guy they all seem to know about is Walter Payton," said tour coordinator Joe Horrigan of the former Chicago Bears running back. "It's just the mystique. I think it's the personality, the nickname 'Sweetness,' and everyone really revered him as a guy that put his heart and soul into the game."

Horrigan, who has been present for every rookie tour this offseason, said it's been interesting to learn how they get most of their football knowledge. Most rookies say they're familiar with past players from highlights and the popular John Madden Football video games.

To no surprise, many former quarterbacks also are very popular amongst rookies. Joe Montana, Dan Marino and Brett Favre -- who is not eligible but has a lot of remnants in the Hall -- were some of the names mentioned.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/hashmarks/0-7-611/-Sweetness--popular-among-incoming-players.html

The best running back I ever saw play, without a doubt.

 

[COWBOYSNUM1]

The best running back I ever saw play, without a doubt.

He was a 1st class person as well as a player. The NFL named their man of the year award after him. Jason Taylor won it this past year. It appears that Witten was a finalist since he is included in the picture on Walter's website.

http://www.payton34.com/

Aikman won this award in 1997

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Payton_Man_of_the_Year

There is also a college award named after him that Tony Romo won in 2002.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Payton_Award

 

[AbeBeta]

The best running back I ever saw play, without a doubt.

I was about to post the same thing.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

one of my all-time favorites

 

[Hostile]

The best running back I ever saw play, without a doubt.

I have to agree. There was just something very special about the guy. He did more with less and he did it with incredible dignity.

 

[bbgun]

Two of da best.

http://img150.*************/img150/5528/tdorsett205mn8.jpg

 

[the kid 05]

Two of da best.

http://img150.*************/img150/5528/tdorsett205mn8.jpg

right-click save-as...

thats an amazing picture , never thought i'd say this, thanks bbgun

 

[Hostile]

Two of da best.

http://img150.*************/img150/5528/tdorsett205mn8.jpg

That is a cool picture.

 

[bbgun]

That is a cool picture.

That kid holding TD's helmet is too young to be Anthony Dorsett. Did Tony have more than one son? Maybe he's the son of a teammate.

 

[Hostile]

That kid holding TD's helmet is too young to be Anthony Dorsett. Did Tony have more than one son? Maybe he's the son of a teammate.

Anthony was born in 1973. That could be him.

 

[WoodysGirl]

That kid holding TD's helmet is too young to be Anthony Dorsett. Did Tony have more than one son? Maybe he's the son of a teammate.

When was that pic taken? Anthony was born in 1973. He only grew to 5' 11" so maybe it is.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

He was a 1st class person as well as a player. The NFL named their man of the year award after him. Jason Taylor won it this past year. It appears that Witten was a finalist since he is included in the picture on Walter's website.

http://www.payton34.com/

Aikman won this award in 1997

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Payton_Man_of_the_Year

There is also a college award named after him that Tony Romo won in 2002.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Payton_Award

the DivII "Heisman" was named after him too, the Walter Payton Trophy

 

[bbgun]

When was that pic taken? Anthony was born in 1973. He only grew to 5' 11" so maybe it is.

Dec 21, 1986, which would have made him 13. That kid looks younger, but no biggie.

 

[Hostile]

Dec 21, 1986, which would have made him 13. That kid looks younger, but no biggie.

Yeah, that doesn't look like a 13 year old to me.

As far as I know Tony had no other kids.