In a stunning move that has rocked the football world, Chicago Bears icon Walter Payton has reportedly turned down a massive $21.3 million offer from head coach Ben Johnson and members of a rival organization, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to finishing his career with the Bears.
Sources close to the situation say the deal—described by insiders as “jaw-dropping” and “game-changing”—was aggressively pitched earlier today by Johnson and his team, who were hoping to lure the Hall of Fame running back into a leadership or ambassadorial role amid a major rebuild.
But Payton, long revered not just for his record-breaking talent but for his loyalty and humility, swiftly declined the proposal.
“Walter made it clear—he’s a Bear for life,” said one source familiar with the negotiation. “No amount of money could change that.”
Payton, who played his entire career in Chicago and retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, remains one of the most beloved figures in football history. While he’s no longer on the field, his presence and impact on the Bears organization continue to be deeply felt through his charitable work and mentorship of younger players.