Walter Payton
Inducted:
1993
Player Stats
5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
200 lb (91 kg)
Born:
July 25, 1953
Columbia, Mississippi, U.S.
Died:
November 1, 1999
South Barrington, Illinois, U.S.
Position:
Running back
College:
Jackson State (1971–1974)
Walter Payton, nicknamed “Sweetness,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Playing his entire 13-year career (1975–1987) with the Chicago Bears, Payton combined speed, agility, and durability with unmatched work ethic and versatility. He retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in rushing yards (16,726) and total touchdowns (110), records that stood for decades.
Known for his relentless determination, he could run, block, catch passes, and even throw the occasional touchdown, making him a complete offensive weapon. Payton’s leadership and character were equally remarkable, inspiring teammates and fans alike. He led the Bears to a Super Bowl XX victory in 1985, earning league-wide respect for his consistency and dominance.
Walter Payton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, leaving a legacy as both a record-breaking athlete and an iconic figure in football history.
Payton's Awards and Honors
- Super Bowl champion (XX)
- NFL MVP (1977)
- 9× Pro Bowl Selection
- 5× First-Team All-Pro
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1978, 1979, 1986)
- Super Bowl XX Champion (1985)
- NFL 1970s & 1980s All-Decade Teams
NFL Records
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1977)
- NFL Man of the Year (1977)
- NFL rushing yards leader (1977)
- NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1977)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- NFL all-time leading rusher at retirement
NFL Teams
Chicago Bears (1975–1987)
NFL Draft:
1975: 1st round, 4th overall pick
Chicago Bears
Number Worn:
34
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1975–1987)
Game Played:
190
Game Started:
184
Rushing yards:
16,726
Rushing average:
4.4
Rushing touchdowns:
110
Receptions:
492
Receiving yards:
4,538
Receiving touchdowns:
15
