Bears Are Bringing In Another Possible Successor to Payton

They have been coming and going for a decade now, yet no one has succeeded.

Each year, particularly in the past several seasons, the Bears have talked about grooming a successor to Walter Payton, the all-time NFL career rushing leader.

But Payton’s reported replacements seem to find a way into relatively rapid obscurity while the 5-foot-10, 12-year veteran continues to march on.

It is generally believed by some NFL experts--Payton included--that time, rather than some hotshot rookie, will eventually cause the superstar running back to call it quits.

The dilemma is that Payton’s longevity and durability have precluded any successor from getting enough playing time to be a worthy successor. The only time Payton missed a game in 11 years was Oct. 19, 1975, when an ankle injury prevented him from facing the Pittsburgh Steelers. His string of consecutive games since then is almost unheard of for a position that is so susceptible for career-threatening injuries.

Besides, Payton never really wants to come out of a game. It isn’t strictly selfishness or fear of being replaced, he just loves to play football and doesn’t see any reason to come out in the fourth quarter even if the score, common sense or precautions dictate otherwise.

The latest contender for the throne is Neal Anderson, the Bears’ No. 1 pick in the April 29 collegiate draft. The Florida running back would appear to have all the tools--good size, quickness, and what Bears’ coach Mike Ditka calls “character, character, character, character.”

“He’s a lot like the fellow we already have,” smiled Ditka, referring to Payton.

Anderson isn’t mounting a media campaign to swing support for his bid to start. He admits that time may work on his side.

“No one can play forever, not even Walter Payton,” Anderson says.

Anderson has avoided injuries in his collegiate career and would seem to have the kind of durability needed to last the two- or three-season apprenticeship that may be required while Payton continues to add to his NFL career best rushing yardage.

Whether Anderson is going to succeed where so many others have failed remains to be seen. He has the statistics--more than 3,000 career yards--and the press clippings from his four-year stint with the Gators. But others have come into camp with similar numbers, bright scouting reports and glowing praise from coaches with an eye of unseating Payton. All have failed.

Anderson should take note of what happened in 1979. Willie McClendon, who at the time had been one of the premier Southeastern Conference rushers out of Georgia, was drafted in terms of being Payton’s replacement.

Former coach Neill Armstrong lauded McClendon as having the speed and durability of a Payton and had promised to work the rookie into action.

It never occurred.

McClendon rode the bench before being dismissed by the Bears.

Robin Earl of Washington and John Skibinski of Purdue had been drafted the previous two years as possible breathers for Payton. Both hung around a couple of years and Chicago even tried moving Earl to tight end because there was no room for him behind Payton. Neither succeeded in becoming Payton’s successor.