Chris Zorich considered Walter Payton a man of the people.
Ordinary people.
Just like Zorich was as a fresh-man at Chicago Vocational High School on the city’s South Side.
Zorich went to the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place, just a few blocks south from Soldier Field, where the public tribute to Payton was held Saturday.
He wanted an autograph from the legendary Bears running back. But it appeared he would go home disappointed when the signing session ended just as he reached the front of the line.
"I was kind of feeling down, but he saw me and put his arm around me," recalled the ex-Bears defensive line-man after the Payton memorial service. "For me it was like, 'Wow, this is terrific.'æ"
But the fact Payton didn’t disappoint made a lasting impression on Zorich, who played for the Bears from 1991-97 after being drafted out of Notre Dame.
"He taught me how to treat fans," Zorich said. "Because of that ex-perience, he was able to teach me directly."
Payton’s involvement with charitable causes also wasn’t lost on one of the city’s most recognizable figures in that regard. Zorich said he wasn’t aware Payton helped collect toys for needy children for the holidays.
"He had a tremendous impact," Zorich said. "He did so many things behind the scenes that normal everyday people might not know about and his teammates might not know about.
"I really use him as an example where you can do things and maybe you don’t have to get all the press and publicity."
Such as brightening someone’s day with a smile or hello.
"When I was drafted by the Bears, I wanted to give the same respect to the fans he had," Zorich said. "I really feel a large portion of the fans in the stands today had personal contact with Walter."
As Chris Zorich knows, it was usually memorable.
