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Created with soft pastels on museum-quality, heavyweight, acid-free sanded pastel
paper, this work depicts a young boy sitting on a toolbox in front of a mural of Walter
Payton. His shirt reads “Sweetness,” Payton’s nickname, and “Never Die Easy,” one of
his famous quotes. On the ground before him rests a football helmet marked “16,726,”
the total rushing yards Payton had at retirement. The toolbox bears three logos:
“Wildcats” for his high school mascot, “Tigers” for Jackson State University, and “Bears”
for the Chicago Bears. The boy wears kangaroo cleats, referencing Payton’s sportswear
sponsor, and a green wristband, symbolizing liver cancer awareness and honoring
Payton’s battle with the disease. Through layered symbols of his life, teams, and legacy,
the piece celebrates Payton’s athletic greatness, personal resilience, and lasting
influence on and off the field.
Created with soft pastels on museum-quality, heavyweight, acid-free sanded pastel
paper, this work depicts a young boy sitting on a toolbox in front of a mural of Walter
Payton. His shirt reads “Sweetness,” Payton’s nickname, and “Never Die Easy,” one of
his famous quotes. On the ground before him rests a football helmet marked “16,726,”
the total rushing yards Payton had at retirement. The toolbox bears three logos:
“Wildcats” for his high school mascot, “Tigers” for Jackson State University, and “Bears”
for the Chicago Bears. The boy wears kangaroo cleats, referencing Payton’s sportswear
sponsor, and a green wristband, symbolizing liver cancer awareness and honoring
Payton’s battle with the disease. Through layered symbols of his life, teams, and legacy,
the piece celebrates Payton’s athletic greatness, personal resilience, and lasting
influence on and off the field.