During the 1980s, there was no Chicago Bear more popular than Walter Payton. The Bears running back set the records for career rushing yards, touchdowns, carries, yards from scrimmage, all-purpose yards, and several others. While many have been surpassed, at the time Peyton retired, it appeared as if his name was atop all the major NFL record categories. Payton donned this road jersey during his glory years of 1984-87, seasons in which the Bears won Super Bowl XX, and he made the Pro-Bowl every year. The white road jersey has Payton’s number “34” on the chest and shoulders in navy and orange applique along with orange and black striping on the sleeve ends. The left sleeve has “GSH” for Bears legend and founder George S. Halas. A white nameplate has “PAYTON” across the shoulders and his number “34” below, both in black and orange applique. A size 44 Wilson label is sewn on the lower left front tail. Since this jersey was donned long before the days of a new jersey for each game was the norm, this piece shows all the wear you’d expect to see on one worn for many games. These are various staining and toning present along with some tears, pulls and team repairs, all giving this jersey the “been there” look and appeal. To top off this Hall of Fame-worthy gamer, Walter Payton has signed the “4” on the back in strong silver pen. This jersey comes with an LOA from MEARS (317548) and LOA from Newport Museum for the game use and an LOA from Beckett (A40155) for the signature. Please note that visual inspection of this jersey shows team repairs and soil stains as referenced in MEARS’ letter on page 2 when they state “Jersey shell remains crisp with fold lines evident. Team/repairs present along with soiling.” However, on their first page of the letter, they indicate that there are no team repairs.

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