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.

Style

Walter Payton's style of play was distinctive and memorable. At 5'-10", Payton wasn't a large running back, nor was he a "breakaway" runner, but at a concrete-like 200 pounds, Payton's forte was power and quickness. His large leg muscles led to an unusual stiff-legged running gait, and he was not content to gain yards and run out of bounds. He could often be seen with his hand on the facemask on a pursuing tackler, a tactic which would surely draw a penalty today. He was perhaps the most adept player at the "goal line leap" into the endzone. A few times, he leaped straight over a defender who was standing straight up for a touchdown! At the end of every carry, Payton would extend the ball as far forward as possible with his arms. This tactic was considered to be an advantage to his team, perhaps gaining a few precious inches which would add up over the course of a game.

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