Jim Finks, a former NFL executive and general manager, said this about Walter Payton, one of the best running backs in American football history. Finks was complimenting Payton's versatility on the field rather than just his yardage totals.

One of the most versatile players in NFL history, Walter Payton was a member of the Chicago Bears from 1975 to 1987. In addition to his rushing yards, he was a valuable leader on and off the field, caught passes, and returned kicks. Finks thought it would be a big mistake to judge Payton's performance only on the basis of his running stats.

To better grasp this, consider evaluating a chef solely on the basis of their ability to prepare a single dish, disregarding all of their other culinary abilities. Payton was a superb runner who also made a substantial contribution to many areas of the game, much like a great chef who is skilled in a variety of cooking methods and can adjust to different cuisines.

Finks made positive comparisons between Payton and two other great NFL running backs, O.J. Simpson and Jim Brown. This analogy demonstrates how Finks believed Payton's influence on the game was unmatched by that of his peers.

This quote essentially highlights the value of appreciating a player's entire contribution to a team instead of concentrating only on one facet of their play. It inspires people to see past statistics and value the all-encompassing skill set and leadership traits that distinguish a truly great athlete.