Back in the 1990s, as Emmitt Smith was in the midst of chasing the all-time NFL rushing record, people tried to pit him against Walter Payton. “Sweetness” was the record holder at that time. Somebody who many felt should stay that way. Smith, for as great as he was, had a ton of help behind a great offensive line in Dallas. People tried to spin it where the two were rivals for a grand prize.
The reality is far different. Payton and Smith developed a friendship during that time along with mutual respect. Not having to play at the same likely helped that. Payton had retired three years before Smith even arrived in the NFL. As it turns out, their bond grew close when Payton began his steady health decline from liver disease.
On his death bed, Smith came to visit to see if there was anything he could do for his friend. Payton had just one request.
By the look of things, “Uncle Emmitt” fulfilled that duty well. Jarrett Payton developed into a decent football player himself before becoming a quality member of the Chicago Bears media community. He continues to exemplify many of the traits that made his father so special. This should be a reminder that Smith never gets enough credit for being a great person in his own right.
