Never Die Easy Book Review

Walter Payton was the focal point of one team and city for thirteen years. He was the epitome of what hard work, determination, and leading by example will get you. For thirteen years playing for the Chicago Bears, Payton terrorized defenses by delivering punishment before they did so to him on the football field. But off the field, he was a class act who gave back to the game and community better than anyone.

On November 1, 1999, Payton died at the age of 45 from a rare liver disease. The following Sunday, the Bears played the arch rival Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. "Win One For Walter" signs could be seen at the field as well as by Chicago fans leading up to an emotional 14-13 win that day.

I purchased the hard cover book Never Die Easy after his death which had been written in the last weeks of his life with Don Yaeger. It wasn't about his on-field success. The book was about his life and how he lived it. It was definitely more than about football.

The book does touch on his humble beginnings in Mississippi to his path to the NFL. Also, his collegiate career at Jackson State as well as his wife and two children are in the book, too. Former teammates and coaches such as Jim McMahon, Matt Suhey, and Mike Ditka along with family members talk about Payton. But most importantly, the book is very inspirational with quotes and how one that reads it can apply them to their own life.

Never Die Easy isn't a typical sports biography highlighting the career of an athlete. It isn't just a book that gives you first-hand account from the athlete and their achievements. The book serves as a life lesson we can all apply to ourselves, and is also from the perspective of what others had to say about him. The adoration and respect others had for him on and off the field makes it stand out, too.

The quote in which the title of the book came from sums up his life and the type of player he was on the football field:

"Never die easy. Why run out of bounds and die easy? Make that linebacker pay. It carries into all facets of your life. It's okay to lose, to die, but don't die without trying, without giving it your best."

While this book is about a legendary football player, it proves to serve as a motivational and inspirational one that we all should carry into our own lives. It is definitely a good pick-me-up for anyone who needs it.

I give this book a five star rating for its life lessons beyond the football field, and being told through the eyes of those closest to Walter who knew him best. Never Die Easy is a must-read for everyone.