Wheaties

I have several Walter Payton Wheaties boxes in my collection...Most are still filled with the original cereal. I don't know if that is a bad idea or not. I guess it is okay if you keep 'em dry and rodent free.

There have only been eight spokespersons that have represented Wheaties, one of which was Walter Payton. There have been numerous individuals who have had their images garnished on the box covers, yet were not official spokespersons. Walter Payton was chosen to represent Wheaties from 1986 thru 1988. He was chosen based on his ideals of giving back to the communities, specifically children. Walter and his wife started The Walter Payton Foundation in 1988 to represent that cause. It is still operating today.

Walter Payton was the FIRST NFL player ever to be on a Wheaties box and was imaged there 9 times. Michael Jordan has the record, something like different 18 boxes....Tiger Woods may take that lead someday.

This is his first box 1n 1986....There were several variations of the banner, like "Free Bread", "Free Photo", "NFL Film Offer", "Instant Winner" ...The one I own says " Ski Vacation"

Also in 1986 there was a Commemorative release with a large up close and personal picture of Walter on the back.




Wheaties boxes come in many different sizes, but mostly 12, 18 and 24 ounces, so Walters pictures were on all of those, as well as a "purple" Crispie Wheaties 'n Raisin box that I own, but do not have a picture of. There is a link to ALL of the box covers and I will try and post that. The Walter Paytons were Series #s 24,25,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,4B, 41A,39C and S94....I am assuming each series represents a "size" or the fact that many boxes are only issued "regionally", as opposed to "nationally".

Here is 1994 cover celebrating 75 years of the NFL....notice Butkus is on there, as well. I also have the 1999 box representing 75 years of Wheaties and Walter Payton is on there.


Famous artist Leroy Neiman did a 1997 cover of Walter


This issue was released in 2000 following Payton's death: "A Tribute to Sweetness"

The flat box at the top is from 1998 and for the 75th anniversary of Wheaties they issued a "top ten" retro type box....I have a miniature version....