What’s the formula that makes for the most valuable sports signatures?

Well …

First, the player needs to have talent and put up huge numbers.

And then, his autograph has to be in limited supply.

Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton checks both boxes — unfortunately.

When he retired after the 1987 season, Sweetness stood alone in first place on the all-time rushing list with 16,726 yards. And, though, Emmitt Smith later claimed the record as his own, Payton is still considered by many to be the greatest back who ever played the game.

But sadly, Payton didn’t get to enjoy the post-retirement adulation that comes with being a top-tier Hall of Famer for nearly long enough. He passed away from a rare liver disease on November 1, 1999, when he was just 45 years old.

With a monster football stat sheet under his belt and a shortage of autographs wrought by his untimely death, Payton is a prime target for high-end autograph collectors.

As with most types of collectibles these days, both eBay and Amazon can help in that quest.

With that in mind, here are 10 specific items that will make you want a Walter Payton autograph and just might break the bank.

(The links below are affiliate links; if you follow them and then buy something on Amazon or eBay, we receive a small referral commission at no extra cost to you.)

Walter Payton & Bears Team Signed Autographs Sb Xx Football Certified – Steiner Sports Certified

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Walter Payton Chicago Bears Game Used Signed Jersey Circa 1984-86 PSA/DNA Authentication

Walter Payton Autograph Jersey

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Walter Payton Signed Autograph Chicago Bears Mini Helmet Sweetness & 16,726 – Beckett BAS Certified


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WALTER PAYTON JIM BROWN EMMITT SMITH BARRY SANDERS SIGNED AUTOGRAPH HELMET JSA

Walter Payton Autographed Helmet - Jim Brown

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Walter Payton (D.99) Hof Autograph 1979 Orange Bowl Full Magazine Signed JSA 15X

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Walter Payton Autographed and Framed White Bears Jersey Auto PSA COA D5-V

Walter Payton Autograph Jersey Framed

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Walter Payton Signed 1986 Topps Trading Card #11 Chicago Bears

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WALTER PAYTON MIKE DITKA AUTOGRAPHED BOOKLET SIGNED AUTOGRAPHED

Walter Payton Autograph Ditka Booklet

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Walter Payton Signed Athlon’s Pro Football Magazine Cover Chicago Bears

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WALTER PAYTON AUTOGRAPHED CHICAGO BEARS SUPER BOWL TROPHY

Walter Payton Autograph Super Bowl Trophy

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