Walter Payton was a Pro Bowl, Hall of Fame running back for the Chicago Bears. Payton broke numerous NFL records during his 13-year career, leaving the league as the NFL's all-time leading rusher (the record was later broken Emmitt Smith).
Walter Payton began his NFL career after being drafted by the Bears in 1975. After a sub-par rookie season, Payton rushed for over 1,300 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in his second season. He was elected to his first Pro Bowl and was named MVP of the game. The next season, Payton won the league MVP award after rushing for over 1,800 yards and 16 total touchdowns. Payton finally won a Super Bowl title after the 1985 season that saw the Bears finish 15-1.ChicagoBears.com: Walter Payton
After retiring at the conclusion of the 1987 season, Payton's jersey number was retired by the Bears. He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993. Walter Payton died on November 1, 1999 after battling a rare liver disease.
Walter Payton 1985-86 Season
The 1985-86 seasons stands as the crowning achievement in Payton's career. Despite being 31 years old, well after the point when running backs start to their inexorable physical decline, he was the leader of the potent offense on a historically good team that finished 15-1 and coasted to a Super Bowl. He finished the season with 1,551 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground, averaging 4.8 yards a carry. He also caught 49 balls out of the backfield, averaging almost ten yards a reception, and reached the end zone twice on receptions.
Payton lived up to his reputation as a flawless pass blocker, and threw for a touchdown pass, cementing his role as a multiple threat.http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PaytWa00.htm He also ran for 180 yards in three playoff games, although he famously didn't score a touchdown in the Super Bowl. http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PaytWa00_playoffs.htm To top it off, Payton had a key role in the Bears' famous video that year, the "Super Bowl Shuffle". With the Bears' 46-10 win in Super Bowl XX, Payton avoided the fate of other Chicago athletes of never winning a championship.
Walter Payton Highlights
Here's a highlight reel of some Walter Payton's greatest runs. It gives you a good sense of his explosiveness, his extremely low center of gravity, and his strength while running the football. It also includes commentary from his old coach Mike Ditka following his tragic death in 1999.
Career Stats
- Carries: 3,838
- Rushing yards: 16,726
- Average: 4.4
- Touchdowns: 110
References
Fast Facts
-
Full name
Walter Jerry Payton
-
Born
July 25, 1954
-
Birthplace
Columbia, Mississippi
-
Died
-
Fact:
-
NFL Draft
Fourth overall in 1975 (Chicago Bears)
-
Fact:
Nine-time Pro Bowl selection
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
Super Bowl XX champion
-
Height
5'10"
-
Weight
200 lbs
-
Jersey
34
