Time to say Happy Birthday to a legend of the NFL, Walter Payton. Payton was a running back for the Chicago Bears for 13 seasons and was a big reason for their only Superbowl win in 1985. Payton was said to be the best player that people have seen, most notably said by Mike Ditka and was rated the #5 NFL player of all-time by NFL.com. Walter has two awards named after him the Walter Payton Awards and the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
During his career with the Bears, Walter has 16,726 rushing yards, 4.4 yard per rush average, 110 rushing touchdowns, 4,538 receiving yards, 9.2 yards per catch average, and 15 touchdowns receiving. Payton also has the record for most touchdowns thrown by a non-quarterback position with 8.
Walter Payton died November 1st, 1999 from a liver disease. He was only 45 years old but he lived more then most do and still does to this day. His number 34 was retired by the Chicago Bears in remembrance of Payton's great work ethic and personality. He was one of the toughest players to ever play the game. He would run over a defender before running out of bounds and he would only miss one game in his career. He was eligible to play but it was the coaches decision he sat out.
Awards and Achievements:
- #5 NFL Player of All-time by nfl.com
- 1985 Superbowl Champion
- 1977 AP NFL MVP
- 1977 PFWA NFL MVP
- 1977 Pro Bowl MVP
- 1977 NFL Offensive Player of the Year
- NFL 1970's All-Decade Team
- NFL 1980's All-Decade Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- 34 Jersey Number Retired
- 9x Pro Bowler
- 6x First Team All Pro Selection
- 2x UPI NFC Player of the Year Award
- Most Career games with 100 or more rushing yards (77)
- Most 150 or more all purpose yards (46)
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