STATEMENT FROM CONNIE PAYTON ON EMMITT SMITH

 LAKE FOREST, IL - Connie Payton, widow of Bears Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, issued the following congratulatory statement regarding Emmitt Smith’s accomplishment of setting the NFL’s all-time rushing mark:

"Along with being a football hero and on his way to joining the ranks of becoming a football legend, I can say with all sincerity, Emmitt is just a really nice guy.  This summer my children and I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Emmitt and his beautiful family.  Of course, with football being a common factor between us, we discussed the possibility of his breaking Walter's rushing yards record.  Walter always said that records were made to be broken, and if anyone was going to break his record, he felt it would be Emmitt Smith.  Walter certainly knew talent when he saw it.

"During the time we spent together, I was most touched when Emmitt extended an ‘open door’ invitation to my son, Jarrett, telling him to call anytime if he ever felt the need for a mentor, that he would be there for him.  That statement meant the world to me.  He is a really nice guy and very special to the Payton family."