The members of STYX would like to pay tribute to a football hero and tremendous role model--Walter Payton. It was our honor to spend some memorable moments with him at a Bears game in 1996 when we sang the National Anthem at Soldiers' Field.

Walter was one of those special people who made you feel welcome in his circle of achievement. His comfort at being himself was disarming and his ability to lift your spirit was something that seemed to come quite naturally to him.

After I snapped this self-portrait, Walter took my camera and walked away, smiling like a kid who just pulled a good prank on the grown-ups. A few minutes later he lobbed a football to me, and in perfect guitar-player style, I fumbled it, thinking "I just fumbled a Walter Payton hand-off! Dammit!!!" He gave me a look as if he knew exactly what I was thinking. I will never forget that.

Chicagoans and fans World-Wide have lost a great one. We were all blessed by his short time on this earth.

Here's to you, Sweetness