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"Walter Payton Answers Fans Prayers "

It seems, with the release of the Walter Payton figure, that Mcfarlane's have finally succumbed to the demands of their many NFL fans.

Mcfarlane's have chosen the Chicago Bears running back Hall of Fame star Walter Payton to be their first 12" NFL figure for nearly 2 years, since 2005, answering the prayers of their fans for a new figure.

mcfarlane sports figures

Walter Payton was born in Columbia, Mississippi on July 25 1954. He began to play football during his time at Jefferson High School were he became a successful running back.

However his career almost came to an early end when his High school merged with an all white school during his senior year and he was forced to join Columbia High school.

Due to this situation and racial tensions he was wary of playing with white team-mates or coaches but he decided to player for his new college despite his fears and led Columbia to an unexpected 8-2 winning season.

Despite this he was still by many colleges due to his race and lack of experience until he finally decide to attend Jackson State.

He married his girlfriend Connie Norwood in 1976 and they had two children Brittany and Jarrett.

In 1995 he tried to bring an NFL expansion team to St Louis, however it was not to be. He also pursued a CART Racing investment which nearly claimed his live during a race at Elkhart Lake.

He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round as the fourth overall fourth pick after they had had a disastrous couple of seasons.

Payton remained with the Chicago Bears throughout his twelve year career in which time he amassed 16,726 yards, scored 110 touchdowns and caught 492 passes for 4538 yards and 15 touchdowns.

He also set several team records including the most rushing yards, touchdowns and receptions.

After his retirement in 1975 the Bears also retired his number and in 1993 in was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

In 1999 Payton announced that he was suffering from a rare liver disease known as primary sclerosis. This quickly led to a rapid growth of a cancerous growth on his liver.

Due to his popularity and face he was offered an early transplant but he declined as it meant someone else would die in his place. During these final months he became a staunch supporter of organ transplants appearing in many commercials to encourage people to donate.

He also founded the Walter & Connie Payton Foundation which runs a organ donor program.

On November 1st Walter Payton died as a result his complications arising from his illness.

There have been many local and national awards and ceremonies held in honor of Payton including the Walter Payton College Prep and the NFL yearly "Walter Payton Man of the Year Award".

Hovering above a 5¾-inch by 10-inch by ¾-inch custom base, this awesome figure measures 10½ inches at top of helmet and spans10 inches from tow to toe and has articulation at the neck, elbows, waist and knees. The base includes a custom “Walter Payton” sign with the Chicago Bears logo.

There will be two versions of the figure released through Toys R Us and speciality stores. The regular figure will feature him wearing a white jersey whereas the chase version will have a blue jersey with 3 white jersey figures produced to every one blue jersey.

The support pole on this figure is about 25% shorter than on the previous 6 inch figure due to feedback from fans and collectors.

Due Oct, 2007