You know, there’s something about holding a tiny, vinyl version of a man who used to punish linebackers for a living that just feels right. Walter "Sweetness" Payton wasn't just a football player; he was a Chicago icon. So, it makes total sense that collectors are still scrambling to find every variant of the Walter Payton Funko Pop years after they first hit the shelves.
Honestly, if you're a Bears fan or a serious Funko addict, you've probably noticed that the market for #34 has gotten a little weird lately. It’s not just one figure. Between the home jerseys, the away whites, and those massive 10-inch versions, it’s easy to get confused about what’s actually rare and what’s just sitting in a warehouse somewhere.
The Confusion Around #78: Home vs. Away
Most people start their journey with the standard Walter Payton Funko Pop #78. It’s the classic look. You’ve got Walter in the iconic navy blue Chicago Bears home jersey. But here’s where the collectors get picky.
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Funko released two main versions under that #78 banner. One is the home jersey (navy), and the other is the away jersey (white). Sometimes you’ll see the white jersey labeled as "WH" on retail sites.
If you're hunting for these today, don't overpay. You can still find the navy home jersey for around $15 to $20 if you look at the right time. The white jersey variant tends to lean a bit more toward the $25-$30 range depending on the box condition. I've seen some "Mint" condition white jerseys go for $35+ on eBay recently, especially if they have a protective case included.
The Jumbo Factor: Is the 10-Inch Version Worth It?
Then there’s the big boy. The 10-inch Walter Payton Funko Pop (officially #221) is a whole different beast. Released around 2023, this one isn't just a scaled-up version of the small one.
The pose is different.
In the jumbo version, Walter is in a dynamic running stance, cradling the ball with one arm and pumping the other. It actually looks like he’s about to high-step into the end zone. It even comes with a little green field-style base to keep it from toppling over.
Is it worth the shelf space?
If you have a "man cave" or a dedicated Bears shrine, absolutely. It makes the standard 3.75-inch figures look like pebbles. But if you’re tight on space, stick to the #78.
Funko Gold: The Premium Alternative
Wait, there’s more. Because Funko never stops, they also put out the "Funko Gold" series. These aren't technically "Pops" in the bobblehead-style sense, but they are highly collectible vinyl figures.
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The Walter Payton Gold figures come in 5-inch and 12-inch sizes.
The real kicker here is the "Chase" variant.
If you buy the 5-inch Gold figure, there’s a 1 in 6 chance you’ll get the Chase version, which features Walter in his white away jersey instead of the standard navy. I've seen the 12-inch Gold Chase version listed for $45 or more. It’s a sleek, more "adult" looking collectible than the big-headed Pops.
What to Watch Out For (The Fakes and the Flaws)
Let’s be real for a second: the Funko market is full of people trying to flip "rare" items that aren't actually rare.
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- The "Vaulted" Myth: You’ll see sellers screaming "VAULTED!" in all caps. While some older sports Pops do go out of production, the Walter Payton #78 has had several restocks. Don't let FOMO (fear of missing out) trick you into paying $60 for a figure that's still being sold at Nordstrom or Newegg for $20.
- Box Condition: For a Funko to hold its value, the box is everything. A tiny crease in the corner can drop the price by 30%. If you're buying as an investment, look for listings that include a .50mm protector case.
- The "Sticker" Game: Sometimes you'll see a Fanatics exclusive sticker or a 10-inch jumbo sticker. Collectors love stickers. If the sticker is missing or looks like it was peeled off another box, walk away.
Why This Specific Pop Still Matters
Walter Payton passed away in 1999, yet his Funko Pops sell better than many active NFL players. Why? Because "Sweetness" represents a specific era of toughness and grace.
When you look at the #78 figure, you aren't just looking at plastic. You're looking at the man who held the all-time rushing record for eighteen years. You're looking at the 1985 Bears.
Pro Tips for Your Collection
If you're looking to start or finish your Payton collection, here is exactly what you should do:
- Check PriceCharting: Don’t trust the first price you see on Amazon. Go to PriceCharting or recent eBay "Sold" listings to see what people are actually paying, not just what sellers are asking.
- Diversify the Sizes: If you already have the #78 Home Jersey, don't just buy the #78 Away. Look for the 10-inch #221 to give your shelf some visual height.
- Hunt the Gold: The 5-inch Gold series is arguably the best-looking version of Walter. The "Chance of Chase" makes the hunt a bit more fun if you’re into the gambling aspect of collecting.
- Store It Right: If you live in a place with high humidity or direct sunlight, get those Pops away from the window. The sun will fade the navy blue jersey into a weird purple-grey faster than you can say "Super Bowl Shufflin'."
Essentially, collecting the Walter Payton Funko Pop is about honoring a legend. Whether you want the cute 4-inch bobblehead or the massive 10-inch statue, you're grabbing a piece of sports history that happens to look great on a desk. Just don't let the scalpers get the better of you. Keep your eyes on the box condition and the jersey variants, and you'll have a Hall of Fame shelf in no time.