Archive for the 'Sports and Recreation' Category



PWC Covers Do More Than Make Your Seadoo Look Good In Storage

Posted By Fynn Cole on May 28, 2009 @ 3:50 am
by Greg Jones

Whether it is almost time to put your pwc on a trailer and get it to the lake, or that time of year where you drain the oil and put it in the garage, you’re going to need a pwc cover to protect your favorite summer sporting toy. Finding a cover that fits your watercraft to a tee is one of the best investments you can make second to buying the thing in the first place. And the best thing is, it’s super easy to find pwc covers online these days, specifically designed to fit your make and year of pwc.

Acquiring pwc covers or seadoo pwc covers with a perfect fit should be the most important factor when you are deciding on a custom cover. This becomes extremely important when it comes time to transport your watercraft ? whether you are 10 minutes or 2 hours from your favorite lake or harbor, trailering a pwc with an improperly fitting cover can be hard on your boat, as well as potentially hazardous for you and/or drivers behind you on the highway.

Now, second to a tailored fit, material is probably the second most important factor when you are considering pwc covers. The material that is used will determine how well and for how long your cover will protect your boat.

When it comes to material choice, Sunbrella is probably the most popular option – at least if you’re looking at quality pwc covers. The advantages to Sunbrella are it’s patented sun-resistent abilities, especially in particularly hot and harsh conditions. Secondly, it is a woven fabric, which means it breathes. This is important because breathable fabrics allow moisture and heat to escape, thereby protecting your pwc from heat buildup and damaging mildew formation. In addition, the woven material adds tear resistance for extra durability.

The same principles of material selection and attention to precise fit will apply, whether you are looking for a pwc cover, sea doo pwc cover, Yamaha pwc cover, Kawasaki pwc cover, mooring cover, dodger, bimini, helm cover, or just about any manner of marine canvas cover.

Many people ask whether they should buy manufacturers pre-fabricated covers for their watercraft, or whether they need to have a custom pwc covering specifically designed and tailored to get the maximum protection. The pre-made options are often tailored to exactly fit a particular make, model and year, so this is often the most cost effective solution as well. It is a good idea to search for some reviews about the quality and attention to detail for the particular cover manufacturer that you are considering ordering from.

So, knowing a bit more about the important factors to consider before choosing your pwc covers ? ie. 1) exact fit and 2) material durability and breathability, will help you decide whether you should invest a little extra expense in a custom designed and manufactured cover, or whether an off-the-shelf pre-manufactured cover will suit your needs.

About the Author:



Making Homemade Carp Baits That Make You Money!

Posted By Tim Richardson on @ 3:42 am
by Tim Richardson

Today with the recession and ever rising costs, there is no better time to exploit making your own unique fishing baits to take full control and increase your budget-savings, choose your exact ingredients and levels you want to exploit, and to experience the amazing satisfaction of catching new personal best fish (on your very own budget-price, secret homemade baits!) There is far more to exploit than just bait flavours however and the majority of carp anglers when discussing their favourite flavours and readymade bait brands never truly get to appreciate and exploit the proven potential of much less well known carp feeding triggers, ingredients, additves, incitants, enhancers and so on, and continue to accept average catches and miss a gigantic advantage available to everyone with open eyes and ears! So if you want to save a fortune in bait in the coming years and wish to improve you fishing results and be able to leverage homemade bait-making to maximum effect ” read on!

Of course it is no surprise that homemade bait-making is making a big come-back; the advantages these can very much out-weigh the financial costs and over-inflated expectations associated with constantly buying popular readymade baits which simply do not produce outstanding catches for the average angler. Regularly on a range of different waters I and my friends have fished with economical homemade baits against anglers using all the well-known brands of readymade baits – and we have held our own or out-fished the more expensive baits very many times. Our catches along with those of other homemade bait-makers over the past 30 plus years prove that they are potent and economical edges in carp fishing; in fact the bait company bosses of today mostly started-out at their own kitchen tables or in their own garden sheds!

Perceptions have changed in carp fishing to an unbelievable degree in recent years; my own twenty fish caught in the UK over forty pounds would be very average on some crazily-priced impossible to get into carp syndicates today, but the fact is that if your goal is big fish, you must fish waters containing them or never achieve your goals at least until the fish you have present access to grow that size if they ever do that is! Many limiting factors are involved in both bait details and fishing itself; commonly it is lack of time and good waters, (or restricted access to them,) exorbitant membership or day ticket prices or bait costs involved in truly being able to establish a bait on a water for an average angler that limits catch results very severely that results in average or lower than average yearly catches for average anglers. Obviously if you are a sponsored angler, in the tackle and bait trades, are a full-time angler, or have the time and resources, or personal support and contacts available etc (which can all come into the equation of success) then your chances of carp fishing success can be far higher than the average.

Like most carp anglers, I do not have the luxury of any of the advantages of the full-time sponsored angler or retired builders for example with loads of money and time to sit on big fish waters and rave about what great anglers they are (big deal!)! I have to fish against bait and tackle-sponsored anglers wherever I fish just the same as most of my fellow anglers, but one thing I have is desire, focus and willingness to constantly learn and refine my thinking which is so vital in fishing. Being able to make an effective homemade carp bait is a very well proven leveller to those advantages others may have in terms of money, time, personal contacts and up to date fishing intelligence and so on.

Although beginning in carp bait making is like starting junior school again – when you are really competing against bait companies (and individuals) who are exploiting professionals with PhDs in food science, fish nutrition, electrochemistry and so on, you can be certain your efforts will pay-off, big-time! Although certain anglers will rave-on about a balanced nutritional value bait being as fully digestible as possible and sorted down the third limiting amino acid level, you may noticed that over 90 percent of all carp caught in the world are not caught on such baits; this is because only a handful of well-connected bait designers can actually produced baits to this effect! The nutritional, metabolic and health impacts of a fast and efficiently digested bait cannot be under-estimated however; it figures that the more energy a fish has available after eating baits and the more a bait offers in potential rewards that carp detect in them, the more chances you have of fish actually mouthing baits and consuming them repeatedly ” with more chances of captures than very many competing baits perhaps with much less to offer (view my unique ebooks on bait design and making at Baitbigfish for more!)

The average carp angler has been conditioned by appearances to associate carp baits with flavours; many are still on the basic level of asking other anglers what flavour they are using and this is a great shame as these anglers are missing out on tremendously better catches if they knew more! The real key to long-term success for average-skilled anglers is the use of nutritionally stimulating baits seriously packed with optimum levels of nutritional substances carp need in order to survive. Many versions of food style baits are being offered commercially by countless companies, but the large majority of these baits are in effect wasted by the fish due to being indigestible to varying degrees ” but make no mistake, they still catch carp on many carp waters.

Many carp anglers are champions of highly flavoured baits over-dosed with highly concentrated flavours on many kinds of bases both natural synthetic, nature-identical and others where the lines are blurred completely (See my flavours secrets ebook for more!) Instant highly flavoured flavours do work very effectively but do not give you competitive advantages over excellent food baits if you are an average-skilled angler; in the hands of a very talented angler they can be extremely effective and I can name many of the key components of the very best flavours but that is for those wanting my ebooks! Chilli seems very popular today although it has been around as a bait additive for decades; this just demonstrates the number of outstanding additves and substances that are simply not being fully exploited that can leverage to maximum effect – the most potent of the natural chilli bioactive substances is named along with a unique supplier in my ebooks!

Carp are a product of the evolution of the food around them that provide the basic energy to survive ” fish utilise proteins and amino acids incredibly well for all purposes including energy compared to humans; how many carbohydrate foods can you think of in lakes, rivers, oceans (can you see why highly potent natural protein-related feeding triggers that carp are by definition most sensitive to are so vital in bait making!) The more you know about baits the better because you can double or treble your catches or simply avoid blank sessions; do you know the best squid extract, where to get it and how it works and even which companies employ it in their readymade baits and how to boost its levels correctly for awesome catches ” find out more in my ebooks! Even a bait-making beginner can immediately go out and start catching big fish on their own baits, for instance by boosting a very simply low value semolina bait with highly potent flavours, or some of the most potent soluble protein products or combine the advantages of these for example ” at a price that will save you thousands of pounds over the years, so see my unique ebooks at Baitbigfish right now and get catching more big fish and fulfil your carp fishing dreams!

By Tim Richardson.

About the Author:



Having a terrific GPS tracking system is a wonderful idea.

Posted By James Bel Canti on May 3, 2009 @ 3:06 am
by James Bel Canti

They can help you stay on track when camping, help you arrive at your vacation spot, or even allow you to keep a watchful eye on the kids. The last several years have made these devices popular and they have been used to save lives on more than one occasion. Having one is definitely important. With one, no one is able to hide.

Of course when you are making the purchase, it’s important that you keep your eyes open for knock offs that don’t do the job. Some of them may not be very accurate and they don’t last long either. When you purchase GPS tracking systems, it’s important that you go with one that has the features that you need and a reputable brand. Here’s a look at some of the options available to you today.

One option is outdoor GPS devices and they can be very helpful. If you happen to lose something or someone gets lost, you can use the GPS locater to help you find him or her. There are a variety of versions that are water resistant as well, which is definitely important if you are outdoors. It could rain or you could end up in some water.

For those that plan on traveling a lot by car, going with an automobile GPS device is a smart choice. You never know when your car could break down and having a tracking system can definitely be of help. If you’re in an accident, you need directions somewhere, or you get lost, having GPS tracking systems in your vehicle can make a big difference.

When choose a system for your vehicle, there are dashboard systems or hand held devices that are both easy to use. The great thing is that you have a variety of different options these days, which allows you to get exactly what you want in a GPS device. Today you’ll even find that most cell phones actually have GPS locators inside of them as well.

There are convenient GPS devices that look just like a wristwatch. You put it on just like a wrist and it begins working for you right away. They are definitely very convenient to have if you are going to be outdoors for any length of time. They allow you to easily keep track of where you are going and you don’t have to keep your hands free, which could come in between you and your outdoors experience.

We could give you hundreds of various different ways you could take advantage of a GPS locator. However, the reason you need one could be different. A prime example of this is when those big name fishermen head out for a tournament. They already know the best places to catch the fish, but getting there is always another story.

However way you want to look at it, GPS tracking systems are becoming a necessity all over the world. Whether you want to be a part of it is up to you. Before you make your decision, it’s important to think about all the positive results that can happen from owning one. Just make sure you’re getting a good GPS locator for your money.

About the Author:



Vintage Sports Memorabilia

Posted By Colin Joss on March 7, 2009 @ 1:14 pm
by Colin Joss

Finding authentic vintage sports memorabilia is a challenging undertaking. Yet there are those who seek out certain old items from years past to add to their collection. Many of these items have specific and fond memories for the collectors. While the sports hero might have even been a relative that has long been laid to rest he is much remembered in the world of sports today. Just think what it would be like to research and look for vintage sports memorabilia of your own grandfather. Some of today’s athletes are off springs of outstanding fathers, uncles and grandparents.

For some instance if their father or grandfather is no more in this world it is obvious that they might be looking for reminders and memories of the past years. People like these have special curiosity and wish to have as much knowledge about themselves as much possible. For the years that have passed these people would have become really a prominent figure of sports history. Might be that some more years later they would be the late heroes of the sport history. And as due to internet more and more information is available on their achievements. As new information comes out the relativity of a person?s achievements becomes more and more important and interesting. For appreciation of the work done by a sports hero in the past it is obvious to compare it to the work in the present.

When you look at some of these pass conditions, a little-known person becomes bigger on the pages of history. We have reached a moment in history when vintage sports memorabilia has become of varied interests among collectors. You always have a history buffs that enjoy finding things from the past and learning more about them. Sometimes a common yard sale will offer you a rare chance at history when you least expect it. How many times have you heard of someone attending a yard sale and finding a valuable vintage sports memorabilia? At the time they were not sure of the value but decided to pay the $.25 of $.50 or whatever the cost for this item of interest. You can be sure and abundantly sure when this happens the find was well worth the effort. This is very common around old homes when the last member of the family dies. What was worth nothing in yesteryears becomes increasingly more valuable as the years roll by.

Sometimes a person may have a $.10 baseball in the house that is 70 years old or more and has no idea how it got there. All they know is that grandpa brought it home. Vintage sports memorabilia may be found in many instances just this way. If you are looking for this kind of merchandise take care that you don’t pass by what could be your best find at a yard sale. There are other places to look for vintage sports memorabilia other than yard sales.

If you dedicate the necessary time and concentration you will be capable to locate items on the Internet, as well as catalogs. If you want exclusive information about these two directed. You might also go to museums, though several of these items you could not be capable to purchase.

About the Author:



Instructions to maintain your skateboard with suitable grip tape

Posted By Todd Martin on @ 9:02 am
by Todd Martin

With the intention to take care for your skateboard like you be supposed to, you will have to change the grip tape as required. The further you make use of the skateboard the further repeatedly you will have to do so. The more aggressively you perform on it the sooner it will wear away. As soon as you have worn out grip tape your skateboard isn’t going to perform like it is supposed to for you. It as well isn’t going to be as secure as it might be for you to be on it.

Keep in mind there is a precise method in which you have to use grip tape to your skateboard. It will not be good enough to do the procedure if you don’t do it appropriately. Always check you have an exceptional quality grip tape to apply. This may perhaps be obtained from sport wares stores or online. You might have to try a number of different brands ahead of you come across one you are very satisfied with. You may well read reviews concerning them online in addition if you aren’t definite which one to test.

You must cautiously clean your deck previous to you apply the brand new grip tape, for the best results. If you don’t, it possibly will end up being uneven due to fragments below it. Utilize a clean cloth to smoothly clean the deck down. You wouldnt like to make use of something harsh that might end up abrading it. The manner in which you apply the grip tape for your design is going to have an effect on how long it will last.

Lots of skaters get into a dash at this juncture and afterward they are required to waste more time doing it again later. You should apply it slowly but surely with the intention that you don’t have any air bubbles below it. To keep it looking fine, make use of a sharp blade to trim the remaining from the design. Watch out not to go very deep though or you possibly will end up scraping your deck. Ensure you apply pressure to the ends of the grip tape so it won’t be slackening off in those areas. If you apply the grip tape from the center out to the ends you will realize it is much easier to appropriately apply.

Applying grip tape properly to your skateboard is going to keep you safe on it. You will be able to perform at your very best. The fact that it is affordable means you have no excuse not to keep up with this part of maintaining your skateboard. There are plenty of fun designs and colors of grip tape to select as well. This can make fixing up your skateboard fun. Some people go with the same thing each time while others like to give it a new look. It is up to you how you will take care of your skateboard, but make use, the use of grip tape as needed is part of the to-do list.

It can take time to get good at applying grip tape like GRIP GUM 4inch STICK to your skateboard. Be patient and take all the time you need, to complete the process. You will find that the more you do it the faster you become at it. You will also find that the appearance of it becomes more professional with time. If you need help ask a friend with experience or look at some online videos to get a better idea of the process.

About the Author:



Skateboards: Take care with scheduled maintenance

Posted By Todd Martin on @ 8:46 am
by Todd Martin

Only if you take some time to do scheduled maintenance, your skateboard can last a good deal longer. Nevertheless lots of people do not take the time for it and subsequently the quality of their performance goes downwards. If you utilize your skateboard on a regular basis then doing this kind of maintenance turns out to be much more essential. Save if you are capable to meet the expense of a new skateboard as you would like one as a result; you have to make this a part of your agenda for it. The method isn’t hard and it doesn’t take a great deal time too.

One area which is neglected and you must take notice to, is the grip tape on the deck. Probability is this is the stuff you will be required to check and restore the most. It isnt expensive as well and it will not take long for you to stick new grip tape to the deck. On the other hand once you have applied a new grip tape, you will realize that you are able to get ample of extra benefit out of it. When you make use of your skateboard routinely you might not make out that the efficacy of the grip tape isn’t as much as it used to be. Once you restore it though, you will see an enormous difference.

You have to perform regular maintenance on your skateboard on a routine basis for precautionary measures. You wont like the trucks or the wheels to become loose. If that happens you may perhaps notice a wobble and you would not have as much control while on the skateboard just like you earlier had. Failing to notice those timely warning signs could result in a serious mishap once on your skateboard though. Make sure that all of the parts of the skateboard are fixed well and as it should be with the intention that, you don’t have to fear about it.

As you use your skateboard regularly its wheels will start to wear out in addition. As soon as this happens you must get new ones. You may purchase what you want from a sports wares store or online. The price of new wheels for a skateboard is extremely reasonable. You may as well fix them on by yourself in very little time. This will make a vast difference in the overall function of your skateboard as well.

Bearings on your skateboard as well want some scheduled maintenance occasionally. Typically you can notice as they will slow down than usual. If there are remains in them they possibly will create a strange noise as you ride in addition. A lot of people make an effort to clean their bearings without removing them from the skateboard. However this in fact does not provide them the level of maintenance that they actually have to. Take care you get free of all the dirt as well as the remains ahead of you lubricate them nonetheless.

At the end, if you really enjoy riding your skateboard, then take care of it suitably. A bit of your time to evaluate these things and to update them when necessary will help you get the most out of the experience. A skateboard like ALMOST HASLAM MAGNUM full COMPLETE that is well maintained will last you much longer no matter what the quality of it happens to be. Taking care of your equipment is a key part of the skateboarding sport. Make sure you give it the attention it deserves.

About the Author:



What Every Youth Flag Football Coach Should Know

Posted By Coach Lewis on @ 8:36 am
by Coach Phillips

Below are a few tips on coaching youth football, whether you have been roped into coaching your sons football league or youve been coaching a few years and cant get over the hump. With our tips you will not have to fear parents talking behind your back because the team isnt winning despite having talent, or kids are quitting because they arent learning the fundamentals. Get your kids excited for practice and ready to play every game.

Make Practice Fun

Teaching the team to enjoy the process is important whether they are playing a game or running plays during practice. Never yell at players for mistakes, practice is more fun when everyone learns to laugh when mistakes are made and then get down to business to correct them. If you are enthusiastic about practice and games it will infect your team and keep everyone wanting to participate.

Keep a positive attitude

Never make a negative comment in front of players whether they make a mistake, you make a bad call or the other team isnt playing fairly. Bad things happen often at the worst times during games which you have no control over, but you can control your attitude and your actions. Remember your kids are always watching and they will reflect your attitude at all times.

Understand the Game

The only way your team is going to understand the fundamentals and rules of the game are if they learn it from you. So make sure you understand the rules, the plays and all the ins and outs of the game. Read websites and books, watch football games on TV and talk to other coaches with experience.

Building Character

think of their coaches as role models, so if you want your players to be driven and always do the right thing on and off the field, keep that mind. Making mistakes are part of human nature, so admit when you are wrong and show your players it is OK to do so. Keep control of your emotions and words, whether disputing a call with a ref or dealing with parent complaining their child is not playing enough.

Effective Communication

Learn to communicate your ideas well, knowing everything there is to know about football drills, plays or the fundamentals is great but will get you nowhere if you cant explain them. Keep in mind YOU are explaining a play or drill incorrectly if your players dont catch on. Keep an open line of communication between you, the parents and players so parents and athletes to have realistic views of the athlete’s skill level.

Improving Your Communication Skills

Football takes a while for a coach and players to understand the rules of the game since it is arguably the most complicated and position-specific of all major sports. Keeping in mind youth sports teaches self confidence, discipline and teamwork that kids will use for the rest of their lives makes it even more important to be a good role model. Keep you and your team looking forward to every practice and game by making it fun!

About the Author:



Fantasy Football Pre-Draft Preparation

Posted By James Hudson on @ 6:35 am
by James Hudson

So you want to dominate your fantasy football league eh? Well join the club, there are at least 11 other guys in your league who want to do the same thing, and unless you’re drafting with utter clowns, you better have a plan. I know it’s still early but here are five tips you can think about before you start your draft prep.

First, pay close attention to positions that are thin for what’s available. Do you notice that there aren’t as many good wide receivers as there used to be? Are there only two or three tight ends that you would consider drafting in the first ten rounds? Make a special note and draft them a little earlier than the average guy. Having an idea of positional value can make all the difference in the world and win you those close games that could cost you playoff spots.

Second, don’t draft a player just because they score the most points overall. Quarterbacks almost always score the most points, but that doesn’t make them the most valuable. If there are eight quarterbacks that all score in the top 15 but only four running backs, then running backs are more valuable because the supply isn’t there like it is at the quarterback spot. Typically running backs, then receivers, then quarterbacks are most valuable, in that order.

Third don’t forget to take a look at your league’s scoring system. Are you in a point per receptions league? Receivers are much more valuable then. Do quarterback touchdowns count more or less than normal? Bump them a little higher as well. To win a fantasy football league you need to take ever advantage you have and taking advantage of scoring is key to fantasy league domination.

Lastly don’t forget the most important part of every football player’s success: playing time. Do you notice a young running back cutting in to a first rounder’s playing time? Maybe you want to steer clear. Do you notice a young up and comer ready for a breakout with little competition between him and a starting job? Draft him higher. For all good players, playing time equals stats and without it even the greatest of fantasy football superstars wouldn’t be worth their draft positions even in the late rounds.

About the Author:



Selecting the ultimate longboards

Posted By Todd Martin on @ 6:17 am
by Todd Martin

Longboards are in actual fact skateboards except that they are wider and longer, designed for transport uses and for slalom, exposition, and competitive riding. Usually, a longboard is made up of a deck, a set of wheels, bearings, and trucks in different sizes depending on the style of riding to be completed. They may perhaps in addition be made from synthetic materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass or natural woods like maple or birch.

Kinds of longboards to choose from

Pintail longboards are most excellent for general transportation, level cruising, and downhill gliding. They are extremely slim skateboards merely about nine inches in width and up to 48 inches in length. Together with trucks fixed at the farther ends of both side, they as well have semi-slanted riser pads, letting the rider to make sharper turns. On the other hand, because of this, beginners may come across that pintail longboards can be hard to maneuver. Low-rider longboards, however, are best intended for street riding. With decks prepared from heavy-duty laminated wood, low-rider longboards as well have low contours perfect for pushing and carving. Low-rider longboards as well have trucks fixed almost at the tips to get superior control as well as stability.

Choosing longboards: some tips

If you’re more of a recreational rider, go for decks like SURF ONE EMPTY PERFECTION DECK made from natural wood. They are inexpensive yet strong enough to handle the beating that accompanies general transportation. If you’re more of a competitive rider, look for decks made from synthetic materials for more durability, since competitive riding is more punishing than recreational riding.

Longboards with stiff bushing are ideal for downhill riding or adventure riding since they offer stability at high speeds. Softer bushing offers more control so they’re more suited for general transportation.

Regular recreational riding needs steel ball bearings, at the same time downhill skating will profit from ceramic ball bearings as they reduce thermal resistance and friction. Ceramic ball bearings, nevertheless, are more costly.

About the Author:



Payton

Posted By Denise I Smithson on @ 6:12 am
by Denise I Smithson

Walter Payton, who passed away on November 1, 1999, was the essence of what an NFL player should be. His Hall of Fame career with the Chicago Bears still rings in the ears of Bear’s fans and to this day, sports announcers, still compare rookies to Payton’s running style.

Born in 1954 in Columbia, MS, Payton began to play football in high school, continuing to play for Jackson State in college. It was here that he developed his already remarkable natural talent for the game.

Payton was fourth in contention for the Heisman Trophy in 1975, the year that saw him becoming Chicago’s fourth draft pick. Walter Payton got off to a slow start his first season, with a mere 7 touchdowns and 679 yards, but gave the world a taste of what would come later in his final game of the season. This game saw the Bears facing off against the New Orleans Saints; Payton made a 134 yard run, something which had not been seen in Chicago since the Gale Sayers era.

His second year as a Bear saw him with 13 touchdowns and 1,000 yards, a performance which won him the NFL’s 1977 MVP title. The Bears went to the playoffs this year and Payton ran an impressive 274 yards in a single game, a record which stood for 23 years.

Walter Payton was known fondly as “sweetness” to fans and teammates, a nickname which belied his incredible 13 year career record of 16,726 total career-rushing yards, 110 touchdowns and no less than 77 100-yard rushing games.

He made it look easy rushing for 1,000 yards every season between 1976 and 1981 and his first Pro-Bowl came in 1979-he was voted to every Pro-Bowl after that year until his retirement. Although his rushing yard record has been broken, that was mainly due to two strikes during his career in the NFL, which cut the seasons short, and between 1975 and 1977, the NFL season was only 14 games, unlike the 16 games it is today.

With the arrival of coach Mike Ditka and his authoritative attitude, new players were recruited to Chicago to ensure Payton’s success. That came in 1984 when they led the NFC Central Division, the year that Walter broke Jim Brown’s running record. Walter, being the gentleman he was, accepted his new title with dignity, but reminded everyone that day to think of other athletes whose careers were cut short due to injury or illness.

And of course, 1986 was the year of the “Super Bowl Shuffle”, still commonly heard coming from the jukeboxes in Chicago taverns. The Bears had made it to the Super Bowl for the first time and they were victorious over the Patriots in the matchup, with a jaw-dropping 46-10 score.

The following year, Payton’s retirement was marked with a huge send off at the Bears home field, Soldier Field in Chicago. After his retirement from the game, he stayed active, sitting on the team’s board of directors, beginning a CART racing team and even opening a restaurant. He was name dot the NFL Hall of Fame in 1996, a fitting cap on an extraordinary career.

Payton stunned the world in 1999 with his announcement that he had been diagnosed with the rare autoimmune disease Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Payton was placed on an organ transplant waiting list (it wasn’t his style to use his fame to receive treatment before those even sicker than himself). Tragically, he would pass away in November of that year.

There are many stories fun, exciting, and charming about old number 34 of the Chicago Bear, but perhaps Walter’s biggest legacy is the outreach of people signing up for organ donation after his death in Illinois. We still today, miss the man, the shuffle-yeah, we still miss “Sweetness.

About the Author:



Next Posts »» «« Previous Posts