Payton grows closer to owning NFL franchise - former Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton - Brief Article

Jet, March 8, 1993

The good news continues to roll in for National Football Hall of Fame-designate Walter Payton, who recently revealed that he's "very, very close" to finalizing a de which will make him the first Black owner of a NFL franchise.

The location of the franchise will be St. Louis, which has been without a pro football team since the Cardinals moved to Phoenix five years ago.

Payton, however, expressed some dismay about his former Bears teammates who have been remiss in congratulating the NFL's all-time leading rusher after being recently selected to join the Hall of Fame.

"It hurts," the proud Payton was quoted in the Chicago Tribune commenting on the snubbing. "The only athlete who sent his congratulations was Michael Jordan. He sent a fruit basket and a card. Nobody else called," the great athlete added.