Payton Remains Silent on Questions About His Retirement Plans

Walter Payton, speaking the way he carries the ball, has high-stepped and stiff-armed questions whether this is absolutely his last year in the NFL.

At a news conference at Lake Forest before the opening of the Chicago Bears training camp, Payton wouldn’t commit a clear answer to the question of whether he’ll play beyond 1987.

“Unless something happens and Mr. McCaskey (team owner Michael) says he wants me back, this will be the last one,” says Payton, the NFL’s career rushing leader. “Nothing is final, but I’m thinking it is.”

Payton formally signed a one-year contract to play in 1987 at more than $700,000 a year. He refused an option year in 1988.

“The negotiations were simple,” McCaskey smiled. “I gave him a blank check, told him to fill in the amount and we had it completed.”

Payton rushed for 1,333 yards last year, fourth best in the NFC. He has 16,193 yards, 106 rushing touchdowns and needs one more to break Jim Brown’s record. He also has 120 TDS overall, six short of Brown.

Payton has never enjoyed a close relationship with the media even though he has received little criticism in his 12-year NFL career.

When he talked about whether it would be his final year, he was outwardly uncomfortable. That was due, in part, because he hasn’t made up his mind 100%.

“I don’t think he honestly knows yet,” says Bill McGrane, director of administration for the Bears’ front office. “That’s the way Walter is. He’s a private person and he generally keeps his thoughts to himself.”

Payton emphasized he believes he can play at least three more years.

“You realize that you can’t play forever,” said Payton, 33. “I think I can play three more years. I know I can play and it’s tough to come and say you ought to stop.”

Payton, who hasn’t missed a start since his rookie year, said he was physically strong and still “loved the game.”

Even Bears Coach Mike Ditka, who wasn’t consulted by Payton about any retirement plans, remains convinced of Payton’s ability.

“Walter Payton is still the best running back in the league. You see him in practice and how hard he works. He never wants to come out of a game,” Ditka says. “Walter Payton is still a vital part of the Bears’ success.”

There are several scenarios which could keep Payton around through 1988.

--A possible NFL strike could interrupt part or all of the 1987 season. In that event, Payton would likely want to stay through a full campaign in 1988.

--Injuries to other running backs. With Chicago deep with rushers, Payton’s services may not be as important for another run to the Super Bowl. With players hurt, Payton could resume his ironman status. The Bears could come to him rather than him coming and asking for another year.

--Changing his mind. Payton has never used the media as a sounding board for his thoughts like Jim McMahon. Payton could change his mind about retiring and not tell any members of the media and just show up for practice in 1988.

Clearly, Payton wants to go out on top.

“I’ve seen too many players, some of whom never belonged in the league, play and play too long,” he says. “I know a lot of young people look up to me. I want them to be able to look up to me when I retire.”

Payton also doesn’t want to spend his final year as a bench-warmer and a parttime starter. But with the depth at running back, Payton already faces a reduced role in 1987.

Neal Anderson, the club’s No. 1 draft choice last year, is the man the Bears would like to see more action. In limited duty last year, mostly on special teams, the former Florida back showed signs of brilliance.

“I accepted my role on this team,” Anderson says. “My job is to keep working hard and learning. I know more time is going to come.”

In addition, Chicago would like to use Thomas Sanders and Calvin Thomas more often in the backfield. Veteran Matt Suhey is still around at fullback and the Bears even considered shifting Payton to fullback in some formations in order to get Anderson, Sanders and Thomas more playing time.