Payton, Walter (1954—)

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Payton, Walter (1954—)

Walter Payton is considered one of the greatest running backs in the history of American professional football. Born in Columbia, Mississippi, on July 25, 1954, Payton attended Jackson State University, where he set a college football record for points scored and earned his degree in special education. Although he left his mark on college football, it is in the National Football League that he secured his astonishing reputation.

Drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1975, Payton showed phenomenal talents that had an immediate impact on the team. He led the National Football Conference (NFC) in rushing in 1976, the same year that he made the Pro Bowl team for what would be the first of nine times. In addition to his talents as a running back, Payton was a gifted receiver and team leader, and was chosen the National Football League's Most Valuable Player in 1977 and again in 1985. In 1984 he became football's all-time rushing leader when he broke the record previously held by Jim Brown. After many years of toiling with mediocre teams, Payton finally played in the Super Bowl in 1986, helping to demolish the New England Patriots in the biggest rout in Super Bowl history.

When Payton retired after the 1987 season, he was the NFL's career leader in rushing yards (16,726), rushing touchdowns (100), and total yards gained (21,264). He also held the record for most rushing yards gained in a single game (275), and he had passed for over 300 yards and eight touchdowns. Walter Payton was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.

While his statistics and on-field accomplishments rank Payton as one of the greatest athletes in the history of professional football, it was his off-field accomplishments that truly set him apart from his contemporaries. His nickname, "Sweetness," not only described his ability as an athlete, but was also an accurate comment on his personality. His charm and understated demeanor made him one of the most endearing of sports personalities and he quickly became a favorite among the fans. Payton never had a negative word to say about his opponents or his city, and his overwhelming love for the game of football was obvious to everybody.

By the end of the 1990s, Walter Payton had been long and constantly dedicated to charity work, particularly causes involving inner-city children and special education. He recognized his position as a role model for youngsters, and made enormous efforts to provide a positive image for them to emulate. In 1988, he helped to start the Halas/Payton Foundation to help the inner-city youth of Chicago. His dedication, integrity, and generosity made him one of the most admired men in the history of professional sports, and his name has become inextricably linked to the city of Chicago.

—Geoff Peterson