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The Day Walter Payton Met Muhammad Ali

By Bill Zimmerman

Jun 3, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; A photograph of boxing great Muhammad Ali is displayed in the outfield after the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins game at Marlins Park. The Mets won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; A photograph of boxing great Muhammad Ali is displayed in the outfield after the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins game at Marlins Park. The Mets won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Better Boys Foundation has been in existence since 1961 working to provide safe programs and opportunities for Chicago’s youth from the North Lawndale neighborhood and other surrounding areas.

Being they do so much for African American youths in the Chicago area, it wasn’t a shock that Walter Payton agreed to make an appearance at their annual dinner in 1977, but it was a huge bonus that legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, who always had a soft spot for the Windy City and spent plenty of time there, also agreed to support the foundation and attend the dinner.

The two met in the lobby of the Ambassador Hotel and exchanged a few friendly ‘jabs’ before heading in to the dinner. Only a few photos were captured of this legendary meeting. It’s not too often that two icons like Payton and Ali find themselves at the same location for an event such as this. It was a truly special occurrence and those who were there that evening in support of the Better Boys Foundation had quite a thrill.

With the tragic news of the passing of Ali, so many stories have poured out about how he touched so many lives. He was the biggest star in the sports world for more than two decades and he made a huge cultural and political impact on society. Whether it was his stance on the Vietnam War or his frequent visits to children hospitals and charitable functions such as this one, Ali’s presence was felt wherever he was.

Ali rubbed many people the wrong way. His confidence went as far as cocky and he was brash, loud, and demeaned his opponents. But regardless of how he acted in the ring, he touched millions of lives out of it and he will be forever missed.

RIP Muhammad Ali

Bill Zimmerman is an editor and featured writer for FanSided‘s BearGogglesOn. Like his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter for more news and interaction.

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