Walter Payton

Walter Jerry Payton (born July 25, 1954 in Columbia, Mississippi ? died November 1, 1999 in Barrington, Illinois,) was an American football running back and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Career

Payton spent his entire 13-year career (1975-1987) with the Chicago Bears, who drafted him in the first round (the fourth pick overall) of the 1975 draft out of Jackson State University, where he was fourth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, which was won that year by Ohio State University running back Archie Griffin. Nicknamed "Sweetness," Payton was quiet, humble, and generous off the field, but a relentless, hard-nosed competitor on it. His numerous accomplishments, which was topped by his breaking Jim Brown's NFL career rushing record against the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field in Chicago on October 7, 1984. He also broke another Jim Brown record in this game by with his 59th career 100-yard performance.

Related Topics:
1975 - 1987 - Chicago Bears - Jackson State University - Heisman Trophy - Ohio State University - Archie Griffin - Jim Brown's - NFL - New Orleans Saints - Soldier Field - Chicago - October 7 - 1984

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Against the Minnesota Vikings on November 20, 1977, Walter Payton rushed for 275 yards on 40 carries while fighting a severe case of influenza. The 275 yards was an NFL single-game record until it was broken by Corey Dillon of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001. He was the NFL's Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player in 1977

Related Topics:
Minnesota Vikings - November 20 - 1977 - Influenza - NFL - Corey Dillon - Cincinnati Bengals - 2001 - Player of the Year - Most Valuable Player

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He also scored 125 career TD's, seventh on the all-time scoring list. In addition to being a tremendous running back, Payton was also an excellent receiver and blocker, and, later in his career, was also an emergency quarterback and punter.

Related Topics:
Receiver - Quarterback - Punter

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