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{{about|the American football running back|the musician|Walter Payton (musician)}}
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[[File:Walter-payton-1-sized.jpg|right]]
  
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{{Infobox NFL player
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'''Walter Payton''' (July 25, 1954 – November 1, 1999) was an [[American football]] player who spent his entire professional career with the [[National Football League]]'s [[Chicago Bears]]. Walter Payton was known around the NFL as "'''Sweetness'''". He is remembered as one of the most prolific [[running backs]] in the history of American football. Payton, a nine-time [[Pro Bowl]] selectee, once held the [[List_of_National_Football_League_rushing_yards_leaders|league's record for most career rushing yards]], [[touchdown]]s, carries, and many other categories. He was elected into the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] in 1993. Hall of Fame NFL player and coach [[Mike Ditka]] described Payton as the greatest football player he had ever seen—but even greater as a human being.<ref name=nytimes>[http://www.nytimes.com/books/00/10/15/bib/001015.rv080804.html Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton.] [[New York Times]] book review of ''Never Die Easy''. Michael Lichtenstein, 2000.</ref>
 
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|image=Walter-payton-1-sized.jpg
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|position=[[Running back]]
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|number=34
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|birth_date={{Birth date|mf=yes|1954|7|25}}, [[Columbia, Mississippi]], U.S.
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|death_date={{death date and age|mf=yes|1999|11|1|1954|7|25}}, [[South Barrington, Illinois]], U.S.
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|height_ft=5
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|height_in=10
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|weight=200
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|debutyear=1975
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|debutteam=Chicago Bears
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|finalyear=1987
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|finalteam=Chicago Bears
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|draftyear=1975
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|draftround=1
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|draftpick=4
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|college=[[Jackson State Tigers football|Jackson State]]
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|teams=<nowiki></nowiki>
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*[[Chicago Bears]] ({{NFL Year|1975}}–{{NFL Year|1987}})
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|highlights=<nowiki></nowiki>
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* Rated #5 NFL Player of all-time by [[The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players|NFL.com]]
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* 9× [[Pro Bowl]] selection ([[1977 Pro Bowl|1976]], [[1978 Pro Bowl|1977]], [[1979 Pro Bowl|1978]], [[1980 Pro Bowl|1979]], [[1981 Pro Bowl|1980]], [[1984 Pro Bowl|1983]], [[1985 Pro Bowl|1984]], [[1986 Pro Bowl|1985]], [[1987 Pro Bowl|1986]])
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* 6× First-team [[All-Pro]] selection ([[1977 All-Pro Team|1977]], [[1978 All-Pro Team|1978]], [[1979 All-Pro Team|1979]], [[1980 All-Pro Team|1980]], [[1984 All-Pro Team|1984]], [[1985 All-Pro Team|1985]])
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* 3× Second-team All-Pro ([[1976 All-Pro Team|1976]], [[1983 All-Pro Team|1983]], [[1986 All-Pro Team|1986]])
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* 1977 [[AP]] [[NFL MVP]]
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* 1977 [[PFWA NFL MVP]]
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* 1977 [[NFL Offensive Player of the Year]]
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* 2× [[NEA NFL MVP]] (1977, 1985)
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* 2× [[UPI NFC Player of the Year]] (1977, 1985)
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* 1985 [[Bert Bell Award]]
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* [[Pro Bowl MVP]] ([[1978 Pro Bowl|1977]])
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* [[Super Bowl XX]] champion
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*[[NFL 1970s All-Decade Team]]
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*[[NFL 1980s All-Decade Team]]
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* [[NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team]]
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* [[Chicago Bears#Retired numbers|Chicago Bears #34 retired]]
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|statlabel1=Rushing Yards
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|statvalue1=16,726
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|statlabel2=Average
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|statvalue2=4.4
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|statlabel3=[[Touchdowns]]
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|statvalue3=110
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|nfl=PAY738296
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|HOF=174
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|HOFYear=1993
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|CollegeHOF=70028
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}}
   
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'''Walter Jerry Payton'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PaytWa00.htm |title=Walter Payton NFL Football Statistics |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com |date= |accessdate=2012-08-04}}</ref> (July 25, 1954 – November 1, 1999) was an [[American football]] [[running back]] who played for the [[Chicago Bears]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for thirteen seasons. Walter Payton was known around the NFL as "'''Sweetness'''". He is remembered as one of the most prolific [[running backs]] in the history of American football. Payton, a nine-time [[Pro Bowl]] selectee, once held the [[List of National Football League rushing yards leaders|league's record for most career rushing yards]], [[touchdown]]s, carries, yards from scrimmage, all-purpose yards, and many other categories. His eight career touchdown passes are an NFL record for non-[[quarterback]]s. He was elected into the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] in 1993. Hall of Fame NFL player and coach [[Mike Ditka]] described Payton as the greatest football player he had ever seen—but even greater as a human being.<ref name=nytimes>[http://www.nytimes.com/books/00/10/15/bib/001015.rv080804.html Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton.] ''[[New York Times]]'' review of ''Never Die Easy'' (by Michael Lichtenstein), 2000</ref>
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Payton began his football career in [[Mississippi]], and went on to have an outstanding collegiate football career at [[Jackson State University]] where he was an [[1975 College Football All-America Team|All-American]]. He started his professional career with the Bears in 1975, who selected him as the [[1975 NFL Draft|1975 Draft]]'s fourth overall pick. Payton proceeded to win two [[National Football League Most Valuable Player Award|NFL Most Valuable Player Awards]], and won [[Super Bowl XX]] with the [[1985 Chicago Bears]]. After struggling with the rare liver disease [[primary sclerosing cholangitis]] for several months, Payton died on November 1, 1999.
 
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Payton began his football career in [[Mississippi]], and went on to have an outstanding collegiate football career at [[Jackson State University]] where he was an [[1975 College Football All-America Team|All-American]]. He started his professional career with the Bears in 1975, who selected him as the [[1975 NFL Draft|1975 Draft]]'s fourth overall pick. Payton proceeded to win two [[National Football League Most Valuable Player Award|NFL Most Valuable Player Awards]] and won [[Super Bowl XX]] with the [[1985 Chicago Bears]]. After struggling with the rare liver disease [[primary sclerosing cholangitis]] for several months, Payton died on November 1, 1999, aged 45, from [[cholangiocarcinoma]]. His legacy includes the [[Walter Payton Award]], the [[Walter Payton Man of the Year Award]], and a heightened awareness of the need for [[organ donation]]s.
   
 
==Early life==
  
==Early life==
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Payton was one of three children born to Edward Charles Payton and Alyne Payton in [[Columbia, Mississippi]]. His father was a factory worker who had played semi-professional [[baseball]].<ref>[http://www.chicagobears.com/tradition/hof-payton.asp Walter Payton]. [[Chicago Bears]], 2007.</ref> Payton was an active member of the [[Scouting in Mississippi|Boy Scouts]], [[Little League]], and his local [[Church body|church]]. At [[John J. Jefferson High School]], Payton played drums in the [[marching band]], participated in the track team and sang in the school [[choir]].<ref name=oa>{{cite web|publisher=[[Oxford African American Studies Center]]|url=http://www.oxfordaasc.com/article/aag/896|title=AT A GLANCE - Payton, Walter|accessdate=2010-02-04}}</ref><ref name=nytimes2/> Outside of school, he played drums in [[jazz-rock]] groups.<ref name=nytimes2/> During his first few years at high school, his older brother [[Eddie Payton|Eddie]] was on the football team, and Payton did not play partly to avoid competing with him. After Eddie graduated, the football coach asked Payton to try out for the team, and he agreed on condition that he be allowed to continue playing in the band.<ref name=nytimes2>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C01E2DF123BF931A35752C1A96F958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2 Walter Payton, Extraordinary Running Back for Chicago Bears, Dies at 45.] [[New York Times]], November 2, 1999.</ref>
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Payton was one of three children born to Edward and Alyne Payton in [[Columbia, Mississippi]]. His father was a factory worker who had played semi-professional [[baseball]].<ref>[http://www.chicagobears.com/tradition/hof-payton.asp Walter Payton profile].</ref> Payton was an active member of the [[Scouting in Mississippi|Boy Scouts]], [[Little League]], and his local [[Church body|church]]. At [[John J. Jefferson High School]], Payton played drums in the [[marching band]], participated in the track team and sang in the school [[choir]].<ref name=oa>{{cite web |publisher=[[Oxford African American Studies Center]]|url=http://www.oxfordaasc.com/article/aag/896 |title=AT A GLANCE - Payton, Walter |accessdate=2010-02-04}}</ref><ref name=nytimes2/> Outside of school, he played drums in [[jazz-rock]] groups.<ref name=nytimes2/>
   
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Once he began to play football, as a junior, he achieved instant success as a running back.<ref name=nytimes2/> At {{convert|5|ft|10|in|m|2|abbr=on|lk=off}}, he was not especially large, but his speed and strength made him one of the team's featured players. Jefferson High School was integrated with neighboring [[Columbia School District (Mississippi)|Columbia High School]] that year; Payton and his teammates were upset that their head coach, Charles L. Boston, had become an assistant and Payton boycotted some of the spring practices in protest, but returned during the fall season.<ref name="p34">Payton34.com, [http://www.payton34.org/walter/biography.aspx Walter Payton Biography], Retrieved on May 16, 2007.</ref><ref name="CBH">BearsHistory.com, [http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/walterpayton.aspx Walter Payton, Bears RB, 1975&ndash;1987], Retrieved on May 16, 2007.</ref> He then earned state-wide honors as a member of Mississippi's all-state team, leading Columbia to an unexpected 8-2 season.<ref name="CBH"/><ref>[http://www.payton34.org/walter/biography.aspx Walter Payton Biography], Retrieved on May 16, 2007.</ref> His performance helped ease the local tensions surrounding desegregation.<ref name=oa/><ref name=trib1>{{cite web|title=Walter Payton always at home in bronze sculpture|publisher=[[Chicago Tribune]]|url=http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2009/nov/01/sports/chi-01-haugh-bears-payton-nov01|date=2009-11-01|accessdate=2010-02-04}}</ref>
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During his first few years at high school, his older brother [[Eddie Payton|Eddie]] was on the football team, and Payton did not play partly to avoid competing with him. After Eddie graduated, the football coach asked Payton to try out for the team, and he agreed on condition that he be allowed to continue playing in the band.<ref name=nytimes2>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C01E2DF123BF931A35752C1A96F958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2 "Walter Payton, Extraordinary Running Back for Chicago Bears, Dies at 45"]. ''[[New York Times]]'', November 2, 1999.</ref> Once he began to play football, as a junior, he achieved instant success as a running back.<ref name=nytimes2/> At {{convert|5|ft|10|in|m|2|abbr=on}}, he was not especially large, but his speed and strength made him one of the team's featured players. Jefferson High School was integrated with neighboring [[Columbia School District (Mississippi)|Columbia High School]] that year; Payton and his teammates were upset that their head coach, Charles L. Boston, had become an assistant and Payton boycotted some of the spring practices in protest, but returned during the fall season.<ref name="p34">Payton34.com, [http://www.payton34.org/walter/biography.aspx Walter Payton Biography], Retrieved on May 16, 2007.</ref><ref name="CBH">BearsHistory.com, [http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/walterpayton.aspx Walter Payton, Bears RB, 1975&ndash;1987], retrieved May 16, 2007.</ref> He then earned state-wide honors as a member of Mississippi's all-state team, leading Columbia to an unexpected 8-2 season.<ref name="CBH"/><ref>[http://www.payton34.org/walter/biography.aspx Walter Payton Biography], retrieved May 16, 2007.</ref> His performance helped ease the local tensions surrounding desegregation.<ref name=oa/><ref name=trib1>{{cite web |title=Walter Payton always at home in bronze sculpture |publisher=Chicago Tribune|url=http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2009/nov/01/sports/chi-01-haugh-bears-payton-nov01 |date=2009-11-01 |accessdate=2010-02-04}}</ref>
   
 
==College career==
  
==College career==
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Although Payton had established himself as one of the state’s top running back prospects, he received no invitations from [[Southeastern Conference]] colleges and universities, which were accepting only a few black players at the time.<ref name=neverdieeasy>{{cite book | author = Walter Payton | coauthors = Don Yaeger| publisher = [[Random House]] | title = Never Die Easy | year =2001 | isbn =0375758216 }}</ref> He decided to pursue his collegiate career at the [[HBCU|historically African-American]], [[Jackson State University]], where his older brother Eddie had played football (declining a scholarship offer from the [[University of Kansas]], where fellow [[Chicago Bears]] running back legend [[Gale Sayers]] had played).<ref name="p34"/><ref name="CBH">BearsHistory.com, [http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/walterpayton.aspx Walter Payton, Bears RB, 1975-1987], Retrieved on May 16, 2007.</ref>
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Though Payton had established himself as one of the state’s best running back prospects, he received no invitations from [[Southeastern Conference]] colleges or universities, which were accepting only a few black players at the time.<ref name=neverdieeasy>{{cite book|author=Walter Payton|coauthors=Don Yaeger|publisher=[[Random House]]|title=Never Die Easy|year=2001|isbn=0-375-75821-6}}</ref> After originally committing to Kansas State University, he decided to pursue his collegiate career at the [[HBCU|historically black]], [[Jackson State University]], where his older brother Eddie played football (he also declined a scholarship offer from the [[University of Kansas]], where fellow [[Chicago Bears]] running back legend [[Gale Sayers]] had played).<ref name="p34"/><ref name="CBH">BearsHistory.com, [http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/walterpayton.aspx Walter Payton, Bears RB, 1975-1987], retrieved May 16, 2007</ref>
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While attending Jackson State, Payton played alongside many future professional football players, including [[Jerome Barkum]], [[Robert Brazile]], and [[Jackie Slater]]. As a member of the [[Jackson State Tigers]], Payton rushed for more than 3,500 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Also, he broke the [[NCAA]]'s scoring record by rushing for 65 touchdowns during his college career. In 1973, Payton was selected for the All-American Team. The following year he was named Black College Player of the Year.<ref>www.biography.com</ref> Payton graduated in 1975 with a [[Bachelor's degree]] in Communications.<ref name="p34"/><ref name="CBH"/>
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He acquired the nickname "Sweetness" in college. The nickname's origin is ambiguous: it is variously said to have stemmed from his personality, from his athletic grace, or as a sarcastic description of his aggressive playing style.<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/wnet/aaworld/reference/articles/walter_payton.html Walter Payton bio.] [[Public Broadcasting Service|PBS]], 2002</ref> In 1996, Payton was inducted into the [[College Football Hall of Fame]].<ref name="CBH"/> On January 18, 2010, it was announced that Payton would be one of eleven members of the inaugural class inducted into the [[Black College Football Hall of Fame]] on February 20, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4836017|title=Payton, Rice among 11 set for Black Hall|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=January 18, 2010|accessdate=January 18, 2010}}</ref>
   
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===Breakout performance===
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While attending Jackson State, Payton played alongside many future professional football players, including [[Jerome Barkum]], [[Robert Brazile]], and [[Jackie Slater]]. As a member of the [[Jackson State Tigers]], Payton rushed for more than 3,500 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Also, he broke the [[NCAA]]’s scoring record by rushing for 65 touchdowns during his college career. In 1973 and 1974, Payton was selected for the All-American Team and was named Black College Player of the Year.<ref>www.biography.com</ref> Payton graduated in 1975 with a [[Bachelor's degree]] in [[communication]].<ref name="p34"/><ref name="CBH"/>
  
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On October 1, 1972 during Walter Payton’s sophomore year, he set a then-best SWAC scoring record by scoring 7 touchdowns and running to points after for 46 points as Jackson State crushed [[Lane College]], 72-0. Payton scored on TD runs of 6, 8, 2, 3, 1, 2, and 31 yards in the blowout win.<ref>{{cite news |title= |author= |url= http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=S7JlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mY0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=2164,5504731&dq=walter+payton+lane+college&hl=en|newspaper= Natchez News Leader |location= Natchez, Miss. |page= 3B |date= Oct. 1, 1972 |accessdate=16 January 2013}}</ref>
   
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===Statistics===
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He acquired the nickname "Sweetness" in college. The nickname's origin was ambiguous: it is variously said to have stemmed from his personality, from his athletic grace, or as an ironic description of his aggressive playing style.<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/wnet/aaworld/reference/articles/walter_payton.html Walter Payton.] [[PBS]], 2002.</ref> In 1996, Payton was inducted into the [[College Football Hall of Fame]].<ref name="CBH"/> On January 18, 2010, it was announced that Payton would be one of eleven members of the inaugural class inducted into the [[Black College Football Hall of Fame]] on February 20, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4836017|title=Payton, Rice among 11 set for Black Hall|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=January 18, 2010|accessdate=January 18, 2010}}</ref>
  
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{|class=wikitable style="text-align:center"
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|-
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!|
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! colspan="4" style="background:#e7e3e7;"| Rushing
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! colspan="2" style="background:#e7e3e7;"| Kicking
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|-
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!|YEAR
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!|ATT
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!|YDS
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!|AVG
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!|TD
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!|XPM
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!|FGM
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|-
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|1971||94||651||6.9||5||13||3
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|-
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|1972||124||781||6.3||15||21||0
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|-
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|1973||205||1,139||5.6||24||13||1
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|-
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|1974||175||1,029||5.9||19||6||1
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|-
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!Totals!!598!!3,600!!6.0!!63!!53!!5
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|}
   
 
==Professional career==
  
==Professional career==
 
===1975&ndash;1982===
  
===1975&ndash;1982===
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The Chicago Bears drafted Payton in the first round of the [[1975 NFL Draft]], as the fourth overall pick. The Bears had endured several losing seasons after the retirement of the iconic [[Gale Sayers]] in 1972. Payton's first game was not particularly successful; he was held to zero net rushing yards on eight attempts. His best performance of the season was the final game against the [[New Orleans Saints]], where he rushed for 134 yards on 20 carries. Payton finished the season with only 679 yards and seven touchdowns.<ref name="p34"/><ref name="CBH"/><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.bearshistory.com/seasons/1970schicagobears.aspx|title=1970's Chicago Bears: Peaks & Valleys}}</ref>
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The Chicago Bears drafted Payton in the first round of the [[1975 NFL Draft]], as the fourth overall pick. The Bears had endured several losing seasons after the retirement of the iconic [[Gale Sayers]] in 1972. Payton's first game was not particularly successful; he was held to zero net rushing yards on eight attempts. His best performance of the season was the final game against the [[New Orleans Saints]], where he rushed for 134 yards on 20 carries. Payton finished the season with only 679 yards and seven touchdowns.<ref name="p34"/><ref name="CBH"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bearshistory.com/seasons/1970schicagobears.aspx|title=1970's Chicago Bears: Peaks & Valleys}}</ref> However, Payton led the league in yards per kickoff returns.<ref name="A Football Life">''[[A Football Life]]'', "Walter Payton." Premiered on [[NFL Network]], Oct. 13, 2011</ref>
   
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Payton was eager to improve his performance. During the [[1976 NFL season]], Payton rushed for more than 1,000 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. After the season, he was selected to play in the [[Pro Bowl|1977 Pro Bowl]], where he was declared the [[Pro Bowl MVP]]. The next year, he rushed for 1,852 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, becoming the league’s leading scorer for the season. He earned numerous awards that season, including the [[Associated Press]] and Pro Football Writers of America’s Most Valuable Player awards. His most memorable game of the [[1977 NFL season]] was against the [[Minnesota Vikings]] on November 20. He rushed for a then-record 275 yards on 40 carries while combating the [[flu]], breaking the previous record of 273 yards held by [[O.J. Simpson]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Payton Runs All Over The Place|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1093068/index.htm|publisher=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=1977-11-28|accessdate=2010-01-07}}</ref> By the end of the decade, Payton had received additional accolades for his exploits as a [[Blocking (American football)|blocker]], [[Wide receiver|receiver]], emergency [[Punter (American football)|punter]], and [[quarterback]].<ref name="p34"/><ref name="CBH"/><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.chicagobears.com/tradition/hof-payton.asp|title=34 Walter Payton}}</ref>
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Payton was eager to improve his performance. During the [[1976 NFL season]], Payton rushed for more than 1,000 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. After the season, he was selected to play in the [[Pro Bowl|1977 Pro Bowl]], where he was declared the [[Pro Bowl MVP]]. The next year, he rushed for 1,852 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, becoming the league’s leading scorer for the season. He earned numerous awards that season, including the [[Associated Press]] and Pro Football Writers of America's Most Valuable Player awards. A memorable game of the [[1977 NFL season]] was against the [[Minnesota Vikings]] on November 20. He rushed for a then-record 275 yards, breaking the previous record of 273 yards held by [[O. J. Simpson]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Payton Runs All Over The Place|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1093068/index.htm|publisher=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=1977-11-28|accessdate=2010-01-07}}</ref> In that record-setting game against the Vikings, Payton was suffering with a 101-degree fever and intense [[influenza|flu]]. His longest run was for 58 yards, and he caught one pass for 6 yards. His record stood for 23 years until [[Corey Dillon]] of the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] ran for 278 yards in 2000. By the end of the decade, Payton had received additional accolades for his exploits as a [[Blocking (American football)|blocker]], [[Wide receiver|receiver]], emergency [[Punter (American football)|punter]], and [[quarterback]].<ref name="p34"/><ref name="CBH"/><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.chicagobears.com/tradition/hof-payton.asp|title=34 Walter Payton}}</ref>
   
 
===1983&ndash;1986===
  
===1983&ndash;1986===
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The Bears struggled to assemble consecutive winning seasons, landing only two playoff berths since his arrival. The lack of success prompted the Bears' management to replace [[Neill Armstrong]] with [[Mike Ditka]] for the season that began in the Fall of 1982. Ditka, a [[tight end]] during the 1960s and 1970s who would also join the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]], led the Bears to a 3&ndash;6 (strike-shortened) record in 1982. He led the Bears to an 8&ndash;8 finish in [[1983 NFL season|1983]] and to a 10&ndash;6 finish in [[1984 NFL season|1984]]. Payton continued his success by rushing for more than 1,400 yards in both seasons. On October 7, 1984, Payton broke [[Jim Brown]]'s career rushing record of 12,312 yards. In [[1985 NFL season|1985]], Payton rushed for more than 1,500 yards, helping the Bears establish the league's second-best offense. The Bears' [[46 defense]] of that season would go on to become one of the best in NFL history, setting a record for fewest points allowed.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/13/AR2005061301547.html "R. Ryan Takes Baltimore Defense Back to '86 With the 46"]. ''[[Washington Post]]'', June 14, 2005.</ref>
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[[Image:040804payton.jpg|thumb|Payton breaks Jim Brown's career rushing record]]
 
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The Bears struggled to assemble consecutive winning seasons, landing only two playoff berths since his arrival. The lack of success prompted the Bears’ management to replace [[Neill Armstrong]] with [[Mike Ditka]] for the season that began in the Fall of 1982. Ditka, a [[tight end]] during the 1960s and 1970s who would also join the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]], led the Bears to a 3&ndash;6 (strike-shortened) record in 1982. He led the Bears to an 8&ndash;8 finish in [[1983 NFL season|1983]] and to a 10&ndash;6 finish in [[1984 NFL season|1984]]. Payton continued his success by rushing for more than 1,400 yards in both seasons. On October 7, 1984, Payton broke [[Jim Brown]]'s career rushing record of 12,312 yards.
  
   
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In [[1985 NFL season|1985]], Payton rushed for more than 1,500 yards, helping the Bears establish the league’s second-best offense. The Bears' [[46 defense]] of that season would go on to become one of the best in NFL history, setting a record for points allowed.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/13/AR2005061301547.html R. Ryan Takes Baltimore Defense Back to '86 With the 46]. [[Washington Post]], June 14, 2005.</ref> Payton performed with his teammates in the widely released 1985 music video ''[[The Super Bowl Shuffle]]''. The Bears went on to a 15&ndash;1 record that culminated in a 46-10 victory over the [[New England Patriots]] in [[Super Bowl XX]]. Although Payton's offensive prowess had assisted the Bears throughout the 1985 season, the New England Patriots prevented him from reaching the end zone. According to quarterback [[Jim McMahon]], he was targeted by two or three defensive Patriots during each play.<ref>{{cite book | author = Walter Payton | coauthors = Don Yaeger| publisher = [[Random House]] | title = Never Die Easy | year =2001 | page =124 | isbn =0375758216 }}</ref>
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Payton performed with his teammates in the widely released 1985 music video ''[[The Super Bowl Shuffle]]''. The Bears went on to a 15&ndash;1 record that culminated in a 46-10 victory over the [[New England Patriots]] in [[Super Bowl XX]]. Although Payton's offensive prowess had assisted the Bears throughout the 1985 season, the New England Patriots prevented him from reaching the end zone. According to quarterback [[Jim McMahon]], he was targeted by two or three defenders on every play.<ref>{{cite book|author=Walter Payton|coauthors=Don Yaeger|publisher=[[Random House]]|title=Never Die Easy|year=2001|page=124|isbn=0-375-75821-6}}</ref> In a later interview, Ditka stated that Payton's lack of a touchdown in this game was one of his major regrets.<ref name="p34"/><ref name="CBH"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bearshistory.com/seasons/1985chicagobears.aspx|title=1985 Chicago Bears&ndash;World Champions Again}}</ref>
   
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===1986−1987===
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In a later interview, Ditka stated that Payton's lack of a touchdown in this game was one of his major regrets.<ref name="p34"/><ref name="CBH"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bearshistory.com/seasons/1985chicagobears.aspx
  
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Payton, who was a 12-year veteran, amassed 1,333 yards in the [[1986 NFL season]]. The Bears won the [[NFC Central]] Division, but lost to the [[Washington Redskins]] 27&ndash;13 in the divisional round. At the end of the 1986 season, he announced that he would retire after completing the [[1987 NFL season]]. During his last season with the Bears, Payton split carries with his successor, [[Neal Anderson]], and rushed for only 533 yards. Payton's career ended with another loss to the [[Washington Redskins]] in the divisional round of the playoffs by the score of 21&ndash;17 on January 10, 1988. Over his entire career, Payton rushed for 16,726 yards, which broke the record for most rushing yards by any NFL player in history, and scored 110 touchdowns. He caught 492 passes for 4,538 yards and 15 touchdowns. Payton set several team records, including most career rushing yards, receptions, touchdowns, and touchdown passes by a running back. His jersey number was retired by the Bears, and he was inducted into the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] in 1993.<ref name="p34"/><ref name="CBH"/> The only game he missed in his 13-year career was in his rookie season of 1975.
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|title=1985 Chicago Bears&ndash;World Champions Again}}</ref>
  
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===1986−1987 ===
  
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Payton, who was a twelve-year veteran, amassed 1,333 yards in the [[1986 NFL season]]. The Bears won the [[NFC Central]] Division, but lost to the [[Washington Redskins]] 27&ndash;13 in the divisional round. At the end of the 1986 season, he announced that he would retire after completing the [[1987 NFL season]]. During his last season with the Bears, Payton split carries with his successor, [[Neal Anderson]], and rushed for only 533 yards. Payton's career ended with another loss to the [[Washington Redskins]] in the divisional round of the playoffs by the score of 21&ndash;17 on January 10, 1988. Over his entire career, Payton rushed for 16,726 yards and scored 110 touchdowns. Also, he caught 492 passes for 4,538 yards and 15 touchdowns. Payton set several team records, including most career rushing yards, receptions, and touchdowns. His jersey number was retired by the Bears, and he was inducted into the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] in 1993.<ref name="p34"/><ref name="CBH"/> The only game he missed in his 13-year career was in his rookie season of 1975. His ankle was injured, and an assistant coach held him out of play; the miss rankled Payton for years afterwards.<ref name=nytimes2/>
  
   
 
==Playing style==
  
==Playing style==
  +
Payton's motto was "Never Die Easy", which is also the title of his posthumously published autobiography. Payton attributed this motto to Bob Hill, his coach at Jackson State. In practice, this meant that Payton refused to deliberately run out-of-bounds and always delivered some punishment to his tacklers before being forced off the field or forced down.<ref name="neverdieeasy"/>
   
  +
One of Payton's signature maneuvers was the "stutter-step", a high-stepping, irregularly paced run. He developed this as a way to distract his pursuers during long runs, saying that it startled them into thinking and gave him some advantage over players who were actually faster runners.<ref name=neverdieeasy/> In his autobiography, he likened the stutter step to a kind of "option play": when he was stutter-stepping, defenders would have to commit to a pursuit angle based upon whether they thought he would accelerate after the stutter-step, or cut — he would read this angle and do the opposite of what the defender had committed to.<ref name=nytimes />
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Payton's motto was "Never Die Easy", which is also the title of his posthumously published autobiography. Payton attributed this motto to Bob Hill, his coach at Jackson State. In practice, this meant that Payton refused to deliberately run out-of-bounds, and always delivered some punishment to his tacklers before being forced off the field or forced down.<ref name="neverdieeasy"/>
 
−  
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One of Payton's signature maneuvers was the "stutter-step", a high-stepping, irregularly paced run. He developed this as a way to distract his pursuers during long runs, saying that it startled them into thinking and gave him some advantage over players who were actually faster runners.<ref name=neverdieeasy/> In his autobiography, he likened the stutter step to a kind of "option play": when he was stutter-stepping, defenders would have to commit to a pursuit angle based upon whether they thought he would accelerate after the stutter-step, or cut — he would read this angle and do the opposite of what the defender had committed to.<ref name=nytimes /> He reinvented the practice of stiff-arming his tacklers, which had gone out of favor among running backs in the 1970s.<ref>[http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/Features/NFList/2007/nflist2213.htm Brown, Payton delivered the pain] Pro Football Weekly, 2007.</ref> At times, he used his high school experience as a long jumper to leap over his opponents, landing on his head in the end zone to gain a touchdown in a game against the [[Buffalo Bills]].<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nfl/daily/nov99/02/wilpayton2.htm Sweetness, Till the Bitter End]. [[Washington Post]], November 2, 1999.</ref> His running gait was somewhat unusual, as his knees were minimally bent, and the motion was largely powered from the hip.<ref name=prof1>[http://archive.profootballweekly.com/content/archives/features_1999/payton2_110199.asp Main ingredient in 'Sweetness' was heart] Pro Football Weekly, August 1, 1993.</ref> This may have given his knees, a football player's most vulnerable joints, some protection, although he underwent [[arthroscopic]] surgery on both knees in 1983. He referred to this procedure as an 11,000-yard checkup.<ref name="prof1"/>
  
   
  +
He re-invented the practice of stiff-arming his tacklers, which had gone out of favor among running backs in the 1970s.<ref>[http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/Features/NFList/2007/nflist2213.htm "Brown, Payton delivered the pain"]. ''Pro Football Weekly'', 2007</ref> At times, he used his high school experience as a long jumper to leap over his opponents, landing on his head in the end zone to gain a touchdown in a game against the [[Buffalo Bills]].<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nfl/daily/nov99/02/wilpayton2.htm "Sweetness, Till the Bitter End"]. [[Washington Post]], November 2, 1999</ref> His running gait was somewhat unusual, as his knees were minimally bent, and the motion was largely powered from the hip.<ref name=prof1>[http://archive.profootballweekly.com/content/archives/features_1999/payton2_110199.asp Main ingredient in 'Sweetness' was heart] Pro Football Weekly, August 1, 1993.</ref> This may have given his knees, a football player's most vulnerable joints, some protection, although he underwent [[arthroscopic]] surgery on both knees in 1983. He referred to this procedure as an 11,000-yard checkup.<ref name="prof1"/>
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After scoring touchdowns, Payton declined to celebrate; instead, he would often hand the ball to his teammates or the official. He disapproved of the growing practice of touchdown celebrations; he preferred post-game antics such as rushing into the locker room and locking his fellow teammates out in the cold while taking a long shower.<ref name=neverdieeasy/>
  
   
−
Although Payton would have won the respect of his peers and coaches by his running alone, he made 492 receptions and over 4000 yards over his career and was a consistent threat in the passing game.<ref>[http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=174 Walter Payton] Pro Football Hall of Fame, 2007.</ref>
 +
After scoring touchdowns, Payton declined to celebrate; instead, he would often hand the ball to his teammates or the official. He disapproved of the growing practice of touchdown celebrations; he preferred post-game antics such as rushing into the locker room and locking his teammates out in the cold while taking a long shower.<ref name=neverdieeasy/> Although Payton would have won the respect of his peers and coaches by his running alone, he made 492 receptions and over 4,000 yards over his career and was a consistent threat in the passing game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=174 |title=Walter Payton entry into the Pro-Football Hall of Fame in 2007 |publisher=Profootballhof.com |date= |accessdate=2012-08-04}}</ref>
   
 
==Personal life==
  
==Personal life==
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Payton married Connie Norwood in 1976. During his rookie years he resided in a home on the north side of Arlington Heights, Illinois. The couple had two children, [[Jarrett Payton]] (born 1980)<ref>{{cite web|title=Jarrett Payton|url=http://www.nfl.com/players/jarrettpayton/profile?id=PAY601397|publisher=[[National Football League]]|accessdate=2009-11-02}}</ref> and Brittney (born 1985)<ref>{{cite web|title=http://payton34.com/brittney.asp|url=Publisher=Walter & Connie Payton Foundation|accessdate=2009-11-02}}</ref> and resided in [[South Barrington, Illinois]]. In 1995, Walter, along with many other investors, sought to bring an NFL [[expansion team]] to [[St. Louis, Missouri]]. Although the NFL strongly favored a franchise in St. Louis, their efforts were thwarted because of internal dissension among the investment group members<ref name="nytimes"/> leading the NFL to award franchises to investment groups in [[Jacksonville, Florida]] ([[Jacksonville Jaguars]]) and [[Charlotte, North Carolina]] ([[Carolina Panthers]]).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/payton/article1.html |title= Q&A: Hall of Fame eve }}</ref>
+
Payton married Connie Norwood in 1976. During his rookie years he resided in a home on the north side of [[Arlington Heights, Illinois]]. The couple had two children, [[Jarrett Payton]] (born 1980) and Brittney (born December 26, 1985)<ref>{{cite web|title=Jarrett Payton|url=http://www.nfl.com/players/jarrettpayton/profile?id=PAY601397|publisher=[[National Football League]]|accessdate=2009-11-02}}</ref> and resided in [[South Barrington, Illinois]].
   
  +
==Investments==
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Payton pursued various business ventures in retirement, including becoming co-owner of [[Dale Coyne Racing]] in the [[Champ Car|CART IndyCar World Series]]. He also drove in several [[Trans-Am Series]] events, including a 1993 race at [[Road America]] in which his car overturned and caught fire. He suffered burns but escaped serious injury.<ref>{{cite news|title= SPORTS PEOPLE: AUTO RACING; Payton Escapes Serious Injury in Crash|date=1993-08-21|publisher=[[New York Times]]|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE4DA123DF932A1575BC0A965958260|accessdate=2008-12-04}}</ref>
 
  +
In 1995, Payton, along with many other investors, sought to bring an NFL [[expansion team]] to [[St. Louis, Missouri]], and Payton expressed his interest in becoming the first minority owner in NFL history.<ref name="A Football Life" /> Although the NFL strongly favored a franchise in St. Louis, their efforts were thwarted because of internal dissension among the investment group members<ref name="nytimes"/> leading the NFL to award franchises to investment groups in [[Jacksonville, Florida]] ([[Jacksonville Jaguars]]) and [[Charlotte, North Carolina]] ([[Carolina Panthers]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/payton/article1.html|title=Q&A: Hall of Fame eve}}</ref>
   
  +
Payton pursued various business ventures in retirement, including becoming co-owner of [[Dale Coyne Racing]] in the [[Champ Car|CART IndyCar World Series]]. He also drove in several [[Trans-Am Series]] events, including a 1993 race at [[Road America]] in which his car overturned and caught fire. He suffered burns but escaped serious injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=SPORTS PEOPLE: AUTO RACING; Payton Escapes Serious Injury in Crash|date=1993-08-21|publisher=New York Times|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE4DA123DF932A1575BC0A965958260|accessdate=2008-12-04}}</ref>
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In 1995, he and his partners, Mark Alberts, Scott and Pam Ascher, bought a [[Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad]] [[roundhouse]] in [[Aurora, Illinois]]. The property became known as "[[Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Roundhouse and Locomotive Shop|Walter Payton's Roundhouse]]", hosting a [[restaurant]], brewery, banquet and meeting facility, and [[museum]]. In 1999 the property received an award from the [[National Trust for Historic Preservation]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Robin Shepard|title=The Best Breweries and Brewpubs of Illinois: Searching for the Perfect Pint|publisher=[[University of Wisconsin]] Press|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=xyF1wp70jp4C&pg=PA3&lpg=PA3&dq=payton+roundhouse+historic+preservation&source=bl&ots=_aKn1Y1bSL&sig=9xTNsPzr2O47t3rDYRy_v1AT724&hl=en&ei=sY0uS431BpL6nAeQx633CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CCoQ6AEwCTgK#v=onepage&q=payton%20roundhouse%20historic%20preservation&f=false|page=3 | isbn=9780299188948}}</ref>
  
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The beers brewed at the Roundhouse received awards in the 2000s.<ref>{{cite web|title=America's Brewing Company -World Beer Cup and GABF Medal Winning Brewpub|publisher=Walter Payton's Roundhouse|url=http://www.walterpaytonsroundhouse.com/content/5.html|accessdate=2009-12-20}}</ref>
  
   
  +
In 1995, he and several partners purchased a [[Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad]] [[roundhouse]] in [[Aurora, Illinois]]. The property became known as "[[Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Roundhouse and Locomotive Shop|Walter Payton's Roundhouse]]", hosting a [[restaurant]], brewery, banquet and meeting facility, and museum. In 1999 the property received an award from the [[National Trust for Historic Preservation]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Robin Shepard|title=The Best Breweries and Brewpubs of Illinois: Searching for the Perfect Pint|publisher=[[University of Wisconsin]] Press|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=xyF1wp70jp4C&pg=PA3&lpg=PA3&dq=payton+roundhouse+historic+preservation&source=bl&ots=_aKn1Y1bSL&sig=9xTNsPzr2O47t3rDYRy_v1AT724&hl=en&ei=sY0uS431BpL6nAeQx633CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CCoQ6AEwCTgK#v=onepage&q=payton%20roundhouse%20historic%20preservation&f=false|page=3|isbn=978-0-299-18894-8}}</ref> The beers brewed at the Roundhouse received awards in the 2000s.<ref>{{cite web|title=America's Brewing Company -World Beer Cup and GABF Medal Winning Brewpub|publisher=Walter Payton's Roundhouse|url=http://www.walterpaytonsroundhouse.com/content/5.html|accessdate=2009-12-20}}</ref> Payton appeared on a 1987 episode of ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' (co-hosting with fellow football player [[Joe Montana]]).<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0694511 ''Saturday Night Live'' &ndash; Walter Peyton/Joe Montana guest hosts]</ref>
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Payton was interested in cooking, often making meals for friends<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_19991105/ai_n13844584 Kup's Column] [[Irv Kupcinet]].[[Chicago Sun-Times]], November 5, 1999. Cited through [[Findarticles.com]].</ref> and was also an enthusiastic [[chess]] player. He was known for making practical jokes which included untying referees' shoelaces during pileups.<ref>[http://www.bearshistory.com/seasons/1979chicagobears-print.aspx 1979 Chicago Bears]. BearsHistory.com, 2003.</ref> He appeared on the [[NBC]] comedy show ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' in 1987 (co-hosting with fellow football player [[Joe Montana]]).<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0694511/ Saturday Night Live &ndash; Walter Peyton/Joe Montana/Debbie Harry (1987)]. [[IMDB]]</ref>
 
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Payton had always been an accomplished [[dancing|dancer]]. While at [[Jackson State]] in 1975, he and a girlfriend entered a couples' dance contest televised on the nationally syndicated music/dance show ''[[Soul Train]]'' and finished second overall.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,945867,00.html?promoid=googlep Running Wild]. ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'', 1997.</ref>
  
   
 
==Illness and death==
  
==Illness and death==
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In February 1999, Payton announced that he had a rare autoimmune liver disease known as [[primary sclerosing cholangitis]]. The disease probably led to his [[bile duct cancer]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer|publisher=[[Johns Hopkins University]] Pathology|url=http://pathology2.jhu.edu/gbbd/types_ca.cfm|accessdate=2009-11-03}}</ref> Payton spent his final months as an advocate for [[organ transplants]], appearing in many commercials to encourage others to donate organs, although by the time his first appeal was recorded, his illness was already too far advanced for transplantation to have been a viable option.<ref name=neverdieeasy/> In April of that year, Payton made a final public appearance at a [[Chicago Cubs]] game with [[Mike Ditka]], where he threw the game's ceremonial first pitch.<ref name="Payton_Death1">{{cite web |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/payton/article6.html|title=
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In February 1999, Payton announced that he had a rare autoimmune liver disease known as [[primary sclerosing cholangitis]], which may have led to his [[cholangiocarcinoma]] (bile duct cancer).<ref>{{cite web|title=Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer|publisher=[[Johns Hopkins University]] Pathology|url=http://pathology2.jhu.edu/gbbd/types_ca.cfm|accessdate=2009-11-03}}</ref> He spent his final months as an advocate for [[organ transplants]], appearing in many commercials to encourage others to donate organs, although by the time his first appeal was recorded, his illness was already too far advanced for transplantation to have been a viable option.<ref name=neverdieeasy/> In April of that year, Payton made a final public appearance at a [[Chicago Cubs]] game with [[Mike Ditka]], where he threw the game's ceremonial first pitch.<ref name="Payton_Death1">{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/payton/article6.html|title=Payton dead at 45}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://static.espn.go.com/nfl/news/1999/1031/144491.html|title=NFL's all-time leading rusher dies at 45}}</ref> Author Don Yaeger worked with him during the last weeks of his life to create his autobiography, ''Never Die Easy''.<ref name=nytimes2>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C01E2DF123BF931A35752C1A96F958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2 Walter Payton, Extraordinary Running Back for Chicago Bears (obituary)], ''[[New York Times]]'', November 2, 1999.</ref>
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Payton dead at 45}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://static.espn.go.com/nfl/news/1999/1031/144491.html|title=
 
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NFL's all-time leading rusher dies at 45}}</ref> Author Don Yaeger worked with him during the last weeks of his life to create his autobiography, ''Never Die Easy''.<ref name=nytimes2>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C01E2DF123BF931A35752C1A96F958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2 Walter Payton, Extraordinary Running Back for Chicago Bears, Dies at 50], ''[[New York Times]]'', November 2, 1999.</ref>
 
   
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On November 1, 1999, Payton died from the complications that arose from his illness. During the same week, the NFL held special ceremonies in each game to commemorate his career and legacy. In addition, the Chicago Bears wore special #34 patches on their jerseys to honor Payton.<ref name="Payton_Death1"/> His body was [[Cremation|cremated]] after his death.<ref>http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6885</ref>
 +
On November 1, 1999, Payton died from the complications that arose from his illness. He was 45 years old. During the same week, the NFL held special ceremonies in each game to commemorate his career and legacy. In addition, the Chicago Bears wore special #34 patches on their jerseys to honor Payton.<ref name="Payton_Death1"/> His body was [[Cremation|cremated]] after his death.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6885 |title=Walter Payton (1954 - 1999) - Find A Grave Memorial |publisher=Findagrave.com |date= |accessdate=2012-08-04}}</ref>
   
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The speakers at Payton's public funeral service, held in [[Soldier Field]], included [[Jesse Jackson]]; former [[National Football League]] Commissioner [[Paul Tagliabue]]; former teammate [[Dan Hampton]]; his widow Connie Payton; and his children, [[Jarrett Payton|Jarrett]] and Brittney.<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B04E1D8153AF934A35752C1A96F958260 Chicagoans Bid Payton Fond Farewell At Soldier Field]. [[New York Times]], November 7, 1999.</ref> Among the 1,000 mourners at the private service were [[John Madden (American football)|John Madden]]; Illinois Governor [[George Ryan]]; Chicago's mayor [[Richard M. Daley]]; former teammates [[Matt Suhey]], [[Mike Singletary]], [[Roland Harper]], and [[Jim McMahon]]; the Bears' equipment manager and building superintendent; and many other people representing a wide social, political, and economic spectrum.<ref>[http://www.dailyherald.com/special/payton/imrem1106.htm Walter Payton 1954 - 1999]. Daily Herald, 1999.</ref>
 +
Speakers at Payton's public funeral service, held in [[Soldier Field]], included [[Jesse Jackson]]; former [[National Football League]] Commissioner [[Paul Tagliabue]]; former teammate [[Dan Hampton]]; his widow Connie Payton; and his children, [[Jarrett Payton|Jarrett]] and Brittney.<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B04E1D8153AF934A35752C1A96F958260 Chicagoans Bid Payton Fond Farewell At Soldier Field]. [[New York Times]], November 7, 1999</ref> Among the 1,000 mourners at the private service were [[John Madden (American football)|John Madden]]; Illinois Governor [[George Ryan]]; Chicago's mayor [[Richard M. Daley]]; former teammates [[Matt Suhey]], [[Mike Singletary]], [[Roland Harper]], and [[Jim McMahon]]; the Bears' equipment manager and building superintendent; and many other people representing a wide social, political, and economic spectrum.<ref>[http://www.dailyherald.com/special/payton/imrem1106.htm Walter Payton, 1954 - 1999]. ''Daily Herald'', 1999</ref>
   
 
==Legacy==
  
==Legacy==
−
Payton's legacy continues through the charitable [[Walter and Connie Payton Foundation]]. His own appeals&mdash;and after his death, his foundation's&mdash;for greater awareness of the need for [[organ donations]] are widely credited with bringing national attention to the problem.<ref>[http://www.senate.gov/~levin/newsroom/release.cfm?id=209937 Levin Joins Senate Colleagues, NFL Players to Promote Organ and Tissue Donation] [[United States Senate]], 2000.</ref> After his appeals, donations in Illinois skyrocketed, and the regional organ bank of Illinois was overwhelmed with calls.<ref>[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=News&id=3331198 Jennings death puts lung cancer in the public eye]. [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], 2005.</ref> In response, the City of Chicago inserted organ donation requests into city-vehicle-registration mailings in early 2000, and by August 2000, 13,000 people had signed on to the program.<ref>[http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/press/2000/august/000809d1.html Jesse White Unveils New Organ Donor License Plate]. Illinois [[Secretary of State]], August 2000.</ref> The foundation continues to run a program that Payton organized to donate toys to underprivileged children across the Chicago area each [[Christmas]].<ref name="Payton_Bio21">{{cite web |url= http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/walterpayton.aspx|title= Walter Payton, Bears RB, 1975&ndash;1987}}</ref> The family established the Walter Payton Cancer Fund in 2002.<ref>[http://www.payton34.org/research/default.aspx Walter Payton Cancer Fund: Research]. www.payton34.org.</ref>
 +
Payton's legacy continues through the charitable Walter and Connie Payton Foundation. His own appeals&mdash;and after his death, his foundation's&mdash;for greater awareness of the need for [[organ donations]] are widely credited with bringing national attention to the problem.<ref>[http://www.senate.gov/~levin/newsroom/release.cfm?id=209937 "Levin Joins Senate Colleagues, NFL Players to Promote Organ and Tissue Donation".] [[United States Senate]], 2000</ref> After his appeals, donations in Illinois skyrocketed, and the regional organ bank of Illinois was overwhelmed with calls.<ref>[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=News&id=3331198 "Jennings death puts lung cancer in the public eye"]. [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], 2005</ref> In response, the City of Chicago inserted organ donation requests into city-vehicle-registration mailings in early 2000, and, by August 2000, 13,000 people had signed on to the program.<ref>[http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/press/2000/august/000809d1.html Jesse White Unveils New Organ Donor License Plate]. Illinois [[Secretary of State]], August 2000</ref> The foundation continues to run a program that Payton organized to donate toys to underprivileged children across the Chicago area each [[Christmas]].<ref name="Payton_Bio21">{{cite web|url=http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/walterpayton.aspx|title=Walter Payton, Bears RB, 1975&ndash;1987}}</ref> The family established the Walter Payton Cancer Fund in 2002.<ref>[http://www.payton34.org/research/default.aspx Walter Payton Cancer Fund: Research]{{dead link|date=August 2012}}</ref>
   
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Many modern NFL running backs have cited Payton as a source of inspiration. [[Emmitt Smith]] tearfully paid homage to Payton after breaking Payton’s rushing record.<ref>[http://static.espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/Smith_Emmitt.html Emmitt Smith]. [[ESPN]], 2007.</ref> [[LaDainian Tomlinson]], who set numerous records during the [[2006 NFL season]], named Payton as one of his foremost mentors and inspirations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=neel/061214|title=IS LT the best ever?}}</ref> [[Ahman Green]], a player for the Bears' rival [[Green Bay Packers]], is said to have idolized Payton, viewing the highlight film "Pure Payton" before each game.<ref>[http://www.packers.com/team/players/green_ahman/ Green Bay Packers Player Profile, Ahman Green]</ref> Walter's son, [[Jarrett Payton]], was a running back for the [[Tennessee Titans]], [[NFL Europe]]'s [[Amsterdam Admirals]] and [[Canadian Football League|CFL]]'s [[Montreal Alouettes]]. During his tenure at the [[Miami Hurricanes football|University of Miami]], Jarrett wore a #34 jersey to honor his father's memory.<ref name="Payton_Bio21"/> In 1999 he was ranked #8 in the [[The Sporting News - Football's 100 Greatest Players|Sporting News 100 greatest NFL players of all time]].
+
Many modern NFL running backs have cited Payton as a source of inspiration. [[Emmitt Smith]] tearfully paid homage to Payton after breaking Payton’s rushing record.<ref>[http://static.espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/Smith_Emmitt.html Emmitt Smith]. [[ESPN]], 2007.</ref> [[LaDainian Tomlinson]], who set numerous records during the [[2006 NFL season]], named Payton as one of his foremost mentors and inspirations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=neel/061214|title=IS LT the best ever?}}</ref> [[Ahman Green]], a former player for the Bears' rival [[Green Bay Packers]], is said to have idolized Payton, viewing the highlight film "Pure Payton" before each game.<ref>[http://www.packers.com/team/players/green_ahman Green Bay Packers Player Profile: Ahman Green]{{dead link|date=August 2012}}</ref> Walter's son, [[Jarrett Payton]], was a running back for the [[Tennessee Titans]], [[NFL Europe]]'s [[Amsterdam Admirals]], [[Canadian Football League|CFL]]'s [[Montreal Alouettes]] and [[Indoor Football League|IFL]]'s [[Chicago Slaughter]]. During his tenure at the [[Miami Hurricanes football|University of Miami]], Jarrett wore a #34 jersey to honor his father's memory.<ref name="Payton_Bio21"/> In 2009, Jarrett married on March 4, which was intentionally set to coincide with Payton's jersey number.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-06-21/sports/0906200434_1_jarrett-payton-walter-payton-orange-bowl |title=Jarrett Payton on his dad, Walter: 'He would be so proud' - Chicago Tribune |publisher=Articles.chicagotribune.com |date=2009-06-21 |accessdate=2012-08-04}}</ref>
   
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The city of [[Chicago]] has honored Payton’s memory in several ways. In 1999, the city created a special city sticker that featured Payton. The profits from the sales of these stickers along with the special license plate created by the State of Illinois are given to support organ-donor programs across Illinois.<ref>[http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/press/2004/august/040825d1.html Secretary of State White Joins City Clerk Laski to Increase Organ Donor Participation Illinois]</ref> Also, the city named a high school, [[Walter Payton College Prep]], in his honor. In September 2007, the [[University of Illinois at Chicago]] Medical Center opened the Walter Payton Liver Center.<ref>[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=5638568 Walter Payton Liver Center opens at UIC]. [[American Broadcasting Network]] (ABC7Chicago.com), September 5, 2007.</ref> Chicago [[Metra]] commuters have long been witness to a simple "#34 Sweetness", painted on a bridge piling of the Air Line on the south end of the Chicago Union Station yards.
 +
The city of [[Chicago]] has honored Payton’s memory in several ways. In 1999, the city created a special city sticker that featured Payton. The profits from the sales of these stickers along with the special license plate created by the State of Illinois are given to support organ-donor programs across Illinois.<ref>[http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/press/2004/august/040825d1.html Secretary of State White Joins City Clerk Laski to Increase Organ Donor Participation Illinois]{{dead link|date=August 2012}}</ref> Also, the city named a high school, [[Walter Payton College Prep]], in his honor. In September 2007, the [[University of Illinois at Chicago]] Medical Center opened the Walter Payton Liver Center after a generous donation from Payton's family, who were pleased with the care he received there.<ref>[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=5638568 "Walter Payton Liver Center opens at UIC"]. ABC7Chicago.com, September 5, 2007</ref> Chicago [[Metra]] commuters have long been witness to a simple "#34 Sweetness", painted on a bridge piling of the Air Line on the south end of the Chicago Union Station yards. The CBS sitcom ''Mike and Molly'' honored Payton in 2011 with "The Walter Payton Elementary School".
   
−
His Walter Payton's Roundhouse continues to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to the Aurora, Illinois site. There are two athletic awards named after Payton. The [[NCAA]] gives the "[[Walter Payton Award]]" to the best offensive player from a [[Division I (NCAA)#Football Championship Subdivision|Division I FCS]] (still often known by its former designation of Division I-AA) football team. The NFL hands out the "[[Walter Payton Man of the Year]]" award for player achievements in community service during a particular season.
 +
Until its sale to [[Two Brothers Brewing]] in 2011, Walter Payton's Roundhouse continued to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to the Aurora, Illinois site. There are two athletic awards named after Payton. The [[NCAA]] gives the "[[Walter Payton Award]]" to the best offensive player from a [[Division I FCS]] (still often known by its former designation of Division I-AA) football team. The NFL hands out the "[[Walter Payton Man of the Year]]" award for player achievements in community service during a particular season.
   
−
The Chicago Bears honored Payton's career and life on November 1, 2009 by airing a special tribute video during halftime. The video consisted of highlight clips from Payton's career and interview segments from [[Mike Ditka]], [[Virginia McCaskey]], [[Richard Dent]], and many other members of the Bears organization. Payton's wife, daughter, son, and mother were present to watch the video, which aired on [[Soldier Field]]'s Jumbotron.<ref>{{cite news | first=Larry | last=Mayer | coauthors= |authorlink= | title=Emotional video tribute highlights Payton ceremony | date=2009-11-02 | publisher=''chicagobears.com'' | url =http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6263 | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2009-11-02 | language = }}</ref>
 +
The Chicago Bears honored Payton's career and life on November 1, 2009 by airing a special tribute video during halftime. The video consisted of highlight clips from Payton's career and interview segments from [[Mike Ditka]], [[Virginia McCaskey]], [[Richard Dent]], and many other members of the Bears organization. Payton's wife, daughter, son, and mother were present to watch the video, which aired on [[Soldier Field]]'s Jumbotron.<ref>{{cite news|first=Larry|last=Mayer|title=Emotional video tribute highlights Payton ceremony|date=2009-11-02|publisher=chicagobears.com|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6263|accessdate=2009-11-02}}</ref>
   
−
After Walter Payton's death, Nickol Knoll Hill, an old landfill site turned Golf Course in Arlington Heights, IL was renamed "Payton's Hill". There are two plaques on the hill to remind visitors of the hill that it was where Payton used to train in 1970s and 80s. Pictures and memorabilia of Payton cover the walls of the golf course club house.
 +
After Payton's death, Nickol Knoll Hill, an old landfill site turned into a golf course in [[Arlington Heights, Illinois]], was renamed "Payton's Hill". There are two plaques on the hill to remind visitors of the hill that it was where Payton used to train in 1970s/80s. Payton did his morning run at the hill everyday. Pictures and memorabilia of Payton cover the walls of the golf course club house.
   
 
==Career statistics==
  
==Career statistics==
−
Payton was the NFL's all-time leader in rushing yards and all-purpose yards prior to the [[2002 NFL season]], when [[Emmitt Smith]] broke his record. He also held the single game rushing record until the [[2000 NFL season]], when it was broken by [[Corey Dillon]]. Payton led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns in the [[1977 NFL season]]. Also, he was among the top-ten players for rushing attempts during his entire career, including 1976, 1977, and 1978, leading the category in 1979. As of 2006, he was the NFL's second all-time rusher, and he ranked third in rushing touchdowns scored.<ref>[http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/indiv/rushing NFL Rushing Records]. [[NFL]] Record and Fact Book, Updated Through 2006 Season.</ref> Payton, along with [[Frank Gifford]], has thrown more interceptions (6) than any other non-quarterback position in NFL history.<ref>[http://www.pro-football-reference.com/friv/nonqb.htm]</ref>
 +
Payton was the NFL's all-time leader in rushing yards and all-purpose yards prior to the [[2002 NFL season]], when [[Emmitt Smith]] broke his record. He also held the single game rushing record until the [[2000 NFL season]], when it was broken by [[Corey Dillon]]. Payton led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns in the [[1977 NFL season]]. Also, he was among the top-ten players for rushing attempts during his entire career, including 1976, 1977, and 1978, leading the category in 1979. As of 2006, he was the NFL's second all-time rusher, and he ranked third in rushing touchdowns scored.<ref>[http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/indiv/rushing NFL Rushing Records]. [[NFL]] Record and Fact Book, Updated Through 2006 Season.</ref> Along with [[Frank Gifford]], Payton threw six interceptions, more than any other non-quarterback position in NFL history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/friv/nonqb.htm |title=Payton's interception record |publisher=Pro-football-reference.com |date= |accessdate=2012-08-04}}</ref> He also passed for eight touchdowns.
   
−
===Regular season===
 +
===Career totals===
  +
{| class="wikitable"2
−
* Rushing Yards: 16,726*
  
  +
|-
−
* Rushing Touchdowns: 110*
  
  +
| style="background:orange; width:6em;"|*
−
* Rushing Attempts: 3,838*
  
  +
|'''Former NFL record'''
−
* Receiving Yards: 4,538
  
  +
|}
−
* Receiving Touchdowns: 15
  
−
* Receptions: 492
  
−
* Yards from scrimmage: 21,264*
  
−
* All-purpose yards: 21,803*
  
−
* Passing Touchdowns: 8<ref>ChicagoBears.com, [http://www.chicagobears.com/news/ChalkTalkStory.asp?STORY_ID=4878 How did Kevin Jones fare against the Bears?]. Retrieved on July 21, 2008.</ref>
  
   
  +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
===Post-season===
  
  +
|-
−
* Rushing Yards: 632
  
  +
! Stat
−
* Rushing Touchdowns: 2
  
  +
! Regular season
−
* Rushing Attempts: 180
  
  +
! Postseason
−
* Receiving Yards: 178
  
  +
|-
−
* Receptions: 22
  
  +
| Rushing Yards
  +
| style="background:orange;"|16,726*
  +
| 632
  +
|-
  +
| Rushing Touchdowns
  +
| style="background:orange;"|110*
  +
| 2
  +
|-
  +
| Rushing Attempts
  +
| style="background:orange;"|3,838*
  +
| 180
  +
|-
  +
| Receiving Yards
  +
| 4,538
  +
| 178
  +
|-
  +
| Receiving Touchdowns
  +
| 15
  +
| 0
  +
|-
  +
| Receptions
  +
| 492
  +
| 22
  +
|-
  +
| Yards from Scrimmage
  +
| style="background:orange;"|21,264*
  +
| 810
  +
|-
  +
| All-purpose Yards <br> {{small|(does not include passing yards)}}
  +
| style="background:orange;"|21,803*
  +
| 867
  +
|-
  +
| Passing Yards
  +
| 331
  +
| 19
  +
|-
  +
| Passing Touchdowns
  +
|8
  +
| 1
  +
|-
  +
| Games Played
  +
| 190
  +
| 9
  +
|}
   
  +
===Statistics by season===
−
<nowiki>*</nowiki> Former NFL record
  
  +
{|class=wikitable style="text-align:center"
  +
|-
  +
!|
  +
! colspan="6" style="background:#e7e3e7;"| Rushing
  +
! colspan="5" style="background:#e7e3e7;"| Receiving
  +
|-
  +
!|YEAR
  +
!|TEAM
  +
!|ATT
  +
!|YDS
  +
!|AVG
  +
!|LP
  +
!|TD
  +
!|NO.
  +
!|YDS
  +
!|AVG
  +
!|LP
  +
!|TD
  +
|-
  +
|1975||CHI||196||679||3.5||54t||7||33||213||6.5||40||0
  +
|-
  +
|1976||CHI||311||1,390||4.5||60||13||15||149||9.9||34||0
  +
|-
  +
|1977||CHI||339||1,852||5.5||73||14||27||269||10.0||75t||2
  +
|-
  +
|1978||CHI||333||1,395||4.2||76||11||50||480||9.6||61||0
  +
|-
  +
|1979||CHI||369||1,610||4.4||43t||14||31||313||10.1||65t||2
  +
|-
  +
|1980||CHI||317||1,460||4.6||69t||6||46||367||8.0||54t||1
  +
|-
  +
|1981||CHI||339||1,222||3.6||39||6||41||379||9.2||30||2
  +
|-
  +
|1982||CHI||148||596||4.0||26||1||32||311||9.7||40||0
  +
|-
  +
|1983||CHI||314||1,421||4.5||49t||6||53||607||11.5||74t||2
  +
|-
  +
|1984||CHI||381||1,684||4.4||72t||11||45||368||8.2||31||0
  +
|-
  +
|1985||CHI||324||1,551||4.8||40t||9||49||483||9.9||65||2
  +
|-
  +
|1986||CHI||321||1,333||4.2||41||8||37||382||10.3||57||3
  +
|-
  +
|1987||CHI||146||533||3.7||17||4||33||217||6.6||16||1
  +
|}
   
 
==NFL records==
  
==NFL records==
  +
===Service===
  +
'''[[Most consecutive starts (NFL)#Offensive skilled|Consecutive regular season starts by a running back]]''': 170,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eddiegeorge.com/about.html |title=George Enterprises: Legendary Football Career |publisher=Eddiegeorge.com |date= |accessdate=2012-08-04}}</ref> from {{Dts|1975|December|7}} to {{Dts|1987|September|20}}
  +
*Payton missed only one game in his career due to a coach's decision, despite being eligible.
  +
 
===Rushing attempts===
  
===Rushing attempts===
−
'''Consecutive seasons leading the league in rushing attempts''': 4 ([[nfly|1976]]-[[nfly|1979]])
 +
'''Consecutive seasons leading the league in rushing attempts''': 4 ({{nfly|1976}}–{{nfly|1979}})
   
 
===Rushing yards gained===
  
===Rushing yards gained===
 
'''Rushing yards gained, career''': 16,726
  
'''Rushing yards gained, career''': 16,726
−
*Broken by Emmitt Smith
 +
*Broken by [[Emmitt Smith]]
   
−
'''Seasons with 1,000 or more yards rushing''': 10 ([[nfly|1976]]-[[nfly|1981]], [[nfly|1983]]-[[nfly|1986]])
 +
'''Seasons with 1,000 or more yards rushing''': 10 ({{nfly|1976}}–{{nfly|1981}}, {{nfly|1983}}–{{nfly|1986}})
  +
*Payton played in only nine games during the {{nfly|1982}} season due to the player's strike.
 
*Broken by Emmitt Smith
  
*Broken by Emmitt Smith
   
−
'''Rushing yards gained, game''': 275, Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings, {{Dts|1977|11|20}}
 +
'''Rushing yards gained, game''': 275, Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings, {{Dts|1977|November|20}}
−
*Broken by [[Corey Dillon]] on {{Dts|2000|10|22}}
 +
*Record first broken by [[Corey Dillon]] on {{Dts|2000|October|22}}
   
 
'''Games with 100 or more yards rushing, career''': 77
  
'''Games with 100 or more yards rushing, career''': 77
−
*Broken by Emmitt Smith
  
   
−
'''Consecutive games with 100 or more yards rushing''': 9, {{Dts|1985|10|13}} to {{Dts|1985|12|8}}
 +
'''Consecutive games with 100 or more yards rushing''': 9, from {{Dts|1985|October|13}} to {{Dts|1985|December|8}}
−
*Broken by Chris Johnson
 +
*Broken by [[Barry Sanders]]
   
 
===Rushing touchdowns===
  
===Rushing touchdowns===
 
'''Rushing touchdowns, career''': 110
  
'''Rushing touchdowns, career''': 110
−
*Broken by Marcus Allen
 +
*First broken by [[Marcus Allen]]; record now held by Emmitt Smith
   
 
===Yards from scrimmage gained===
  
===Yards from scrimmage gained===
Line 140: Line 297:
 
===All-purpose yards gained===
  
===All-purpose yards gained===
 
'''All-purpose yards gained, career''': 21,803
  
'''All-purpose yards gained, career''': 21,803
−
*Broken by Jerry Rice
  
   
 
'''Games with 150 or more all-purpose yards gained, career''': 46
  
'''Games with 150 or more all-purpose yards gained, career''': 46
 
*Tied by [[Barry Sanders]]
  
*Tied by [[Barry Sanders]]
   
  +
===Touchdown passes===
−
===[[Most consecutive starts (NFL)|Most consecutive starts]]===
  
  +
'''Touchdown passes, non-quarterback, career''': 8<ref>{{cite news|last=Reiss|first=Mike|title=ETC.|date=September 16, 2007|newspaper=The Boston Globe|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-7601089.html|accessdate=November 13, 2012|quote=Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson has thrown seven career touchdown passes, leaving him one shy of tying Walter Payton's NFL record for non-quarterbacks.}}{{subscription required|via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dudley|first=John|title=The throwback running back|date=November 2, 2005|work=coldhardfootballfacts.com|url=http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com/content/the-throwback-running-back/4934/|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6C9YkzppS|archivedate=November 13, 2012|deadurl=no}}</ref>
−
'''Consecutive regular season starts by a running back''': 170<ref>[http://www.eddiegeorge.com/about.html George Enterprises: Legendary Football Career]</ref>
  
  +
  +
==Further reading==
  +
* {{cite news|last=Telander|first=Rick|url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/16085444-606/13-years-later-walter-paytons-legend-lives-on.html|title=13 years later, Walter Payton’s legend lives on|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=2012-11-01|accessdate=2012-11-01}}
   
 
==References==
  
==References==
Line 152: Line 311:
   
 
==External links==
  
==External links==
−
*[http://www.payton34.com/ Payton34.com] - The Walter and Connie Payton Foundation
 +
*[http://www.payton34.com/ Payton34.com], the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation
−
*[http://www.walterpaytonsroundhouse.com/ Walter Payton's Roundhouse]
  
 
*[http://www.walterpaytoncancerfund.org/ Walter Payton Cancer Fund]
  
*[http://www.walterpaytoncancerfund.org/ Walter Payton Cancer Fund]
−
*[http://www.walterpaytonlivercenter.org/ Walter Payton Liver Center]
 +
*[http://www.walterpaytonlivercenter.org/ Walter Payton Liver Center] at the [[University of Illinois Medical Center]] at Chicago
−
*[http://www.chicagobears.com/WalterPayton.asp Official Chicago Bears Tribute Page]
 +
*[http://www.chicagobears.com/WalterPayton.asp Walter Payton] tribute page at the [[Chicago Bears]]
−
*[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/1999/02/02/payton_liver/ Sports Illustrated] - Walter Payton
 +
*[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/1999/02/02/payton_liver/ Payton needs liver transplant], ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'', February 2, 1999
−
*[http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/walterpayton.aspx Biography at Bearshistory.com] - Walter Payton Biography from
 +
*[http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/walterpayton.aspx Biography] at Bearshistory.com
  +
*{{IMDb name|0668533}}
−
[[Category:American football running backs]]
  
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*{{Worldcat id|lccn-n78-18923}}
−
[[Category:Jackson State Tigers football players]]
  
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*{{NYTtopic|people/p/walter_payton}}
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[[Category:Chicago Bears players]]
  
  +
*[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/topic/cover/Walter_Payton/1900-01-01/2100-12-31/dd/index.htm Walter Payton] on the cover of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' (issues in 1976, 1977, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1999, and 2011)
−
[[Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players]]
  
  +
−
[[Category:NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team]]
  
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{{s-start}}
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[[Category:National Football League 10,000 yard rushers]]
  
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{{s-ach}}
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[[Category:College Football Hall of Fame inductees]]
  
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{{succession box |title=[[NFL Most Valuable Player Award|AP NFL Most Valuable Player]] |before=[[Bert Jones]] |years={{NFL Year|1977}} season |after=[[Terry Bradshaw]] }}
−
[[Category:Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees]]
  
  +
{{s-ach|rec}}
−
[[Category:People from Marion County, Mississippi]]
  
  +
{{succession box |title=[[NFL|NFL Career Rushing Yards Leader]] |before=[[Jim Brown]] |years=1984–2002 |after=[[Emmitt Smith]] }}
−
[[Category:National Football League players with retired numbers]]
  
  +
{{succession box |before=[[O. J. Simpson]] |title=NFL single-game rushing record |years=November 20, 1977 – October 22, 2000 |after=[[Corey Dillon]] }}
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[[Category:People from Chicago, Illinois]]
  
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{{s-end}}
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[[Category:People from Barrington, Illinois]]
  
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−
[[Category:Deaths from liver cancer]]
  
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{{Navboxes|
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|list1=
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{{1975 NFL Draft}}
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{{BearsFirstPick}}
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{{NFL75}}
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{{Walter Payton Man of the Year Award}}
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{{NFL rushing yards leaders}}
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{{AP Offensive Players of the Year}}
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{{AP NFL MVPs}}
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{{NFL1970s}}
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{{NFL1980s}}
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{{Bert Bell Award}}
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{{10,000 rushing yards club}}
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{{Super Bowl XX}}
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{{Chicago Bears}}
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{{Bears Retired Numbers}}
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{{1993 Football HOF}}
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}}
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{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
  +
| NAME = Payton, Walter
  +
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
  +
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American football player
  +
| DATE OF BIRTH = July 25, 1954
  +
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Columbia, Mississippi]], U.S.
  +
| DATE OF DEATH = November 1, 1999 (aged 45)
  +
| PLACE OF DEATH = [[South Barrington, Illinois]], U.S.
  +
}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Payton, Walter}}
 
[[Category:1954 births]]
  
[[Category:1954 births]]
 
[[Category:1999 deaths]]
  
[[Category:1999 deaths]]
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[[Category:African-American players of American football]]
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[[Category:American football running backs]]
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[[Category:American racing drivers]]
 
[[Category:Cancer deaths in Illinois]]
  
[[Category:Cancer deaths in Illinois]]
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[[Category:African American players of American football]]
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[[Category:College Football Hall of Fame inductees]]
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[[Category:American football running backs]]
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[[Category:Chicago Bears players]]
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[[Category:Deaths from cholangiocarcinoma]]
 
[[Category:Jackson State Tigers football players]]
  
[[Category:Jackson State Tigers football players]]
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[[Category:Chicago Bears players]]
  
 
[[Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players]]
  
[[Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players]]
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[[Category:NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team]]
  
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[[Category:National Football League 10,000 yard rushers]]
  
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[[Category:College Football Hall of Fame inductees]]
  
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[[Category:Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees]]
  
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[[Category:People from Marion County, Mississippi]]
  
 
[[Category:National Football League players with retired numbers]]
  
[[Category:National Football League players with retired numbers]]
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[[Category:People from Chicago, Illinois]]
  
 
[[Category:People from Barrington, Illinois]]
  
[[Category:People from Barrington, Illinois]]
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[[Category:Deaths from liver cancer]]
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[[Category:People from Marion County, Mississippi]]
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[[Category:American racecar drivers]]
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[[Category:Players of American football from Mississippi]]
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[[Category:Trans-Am drivers]]
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[[Category:Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees]]
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[[Category:1954 births]]
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[[Category:Racing drivers from Mississippi]]
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[[Category:1999 deaths]]
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[[Category:Trans-Am Series drivers]]
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[[Category:Cancer deaths in Illinois]]
  

Latest revision as of 22:00, 3 April 2014

This article is about the American football running back. For the musician, see Walter Payton (musician).
Walter Payton
Walter-payton-1-sized
No. 34     
Running back
Personal information
Date of birth: (1954-07-25)July 25, 1954, Columbia, Mississippi, U.S.
Date of death: November 1, 1999(1999-11-01) (aged 45), South Barrington, Illinois, U.S.
Weight: 200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
College: Jackson State
NFL Draft: 1975 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4
Debuted in 1975 for the Chicago Bears
Last played in 1987 for the Chicago Bears
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Rushing Yards     16,726
Average     4.4
Touchdowns     110
Stats at NFL.com
Pro Football Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame

Walter Jerry Payton[1] (July 25, 1954 – November 1, 1999) was an American football running back who played for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons. Walter Payton was known around the NFL as "Sweetness". He is remembered as one of the most prolific running backs in the history of American football. Payton, a nine-time Pro Bowl selectee, once held the league's record for most career rushing yards, touchdowns, carries, yards from scrimmage, all-purpose yards, and many other categories. His eight career touchdown passes are an NFL record for non-quarterbacks. He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. Hall of Fame NFL player and coach Mike Ditka described Payton as the greatest football player he had ever seen—but even greater as a human being.[2]

Payton began his football career in Mississippi, and went on to have an outstanding collegiate football career at Jackson State University where he was an All-American. He started his professional career with the Bears in 1975, who selected him as the 1975 Draft's fourth overall pick. Payton proceeded to win two NFL Most Valuable Player Awards and won Super Bowl XX with the 1985 Chicago Bears. After struggling with the rare liver disease primary sclerosing cholangitis for several months, Payton died on November 1, 1999, aged 45, from cholangiocarcinoma. His legacy includes the Walter Payton Award, the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, and a heightened awareness of the need for organ donations.

Early life

Payton was one of three children born to Edward and Alyne Payton in Columbia, Mississippi. His father was a factory worker who had played semi-professional baseball.[3] Payton was an active member of the Boy Scouts, Little League, and his local church. At John J. Jefferson High School, Payton played drums in the marching band, participated in the track team and sang in the school choir.[4][5] Outside of school, he played drums in jazz-rock groups.[5]

During his first few years at high school, his older brother Eddie was on the football team, and Payton did not play partly to avoid competing with him. After Eddie graduated, the football coach asked Payton to try out for the team, and he agreed on condition that he be allowed to continue playing in the band.[5] Once he began to play football, as a junior, he achieved instant success as a running back.[5] At 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), he was not especially large, but his speed and strength made him one of the team's featured players. Jefferson High School was integrated with neighboring Columbia High School that year; Payton and his teammates were upset that their head coach, Charles L. Boston, had become an assistant and Payton boycotted some of the spring practices in protest, but returned during the fall season.[6][7] He then earned state-wide honors as a member of Mississippi's all-state team, leading Columbia to an unexpected 8-2 season.[7][8] His performance helped ease the local tensions surrounding desegregation.[4][9]

College career

Though Payton had established himself as one of the state’s best running back prospects, he received no invitations from Southeastern Conference colleges or universities, which were accepting only a few black players at the time.[10] After originally committing to Kansas State University, he decided to pursue his collegiate career at the historically black, Jackson State University, where his older brother Eddie played football (he also declined a scholarship offer from the University of Kansas, where fellow Chicago Bears running back legend Gale Sayers had played).[6][7]

While attending Jackson State, Payton played alongside many future professional football players, including Jerome Barkum, Robert Brazile, and Jackie Slater. As a member of the Jackson State Tigers, Payton rushed for more than 3,500 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Also, he broke the NCAA's scoring record by rushing for 65 touchdowns during his college career. In 1973, Payton was selected for the All-American Team. The following year he was named Black College Player of the Year.[11] Payton graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor's degree in Communications.[6][7]

He acquired the nickname "Sweetness" in college. The nickname's origin is ambiguous: it is variously said to have stemmed from his personality, from his athletic grace, or as a sarcastic description of his aggressive playing style.[12] In 1996, Payton was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.[7] On January 18, 2010, it was announced that Payton would be one of eleven members of the inaugural class inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame on February 20, 2010.[13]

Breakout performance

On October 1, 1972 during Walter Payton’s sophomore year, he set a then-best SWAC scoring record by scoring 7 touchdowns and running to points after for 46 points as Jackson State crushed Lane College, 72-0. Payton scored on TD runs of 6, 8, 2, 3, 1, 2, and 31 yards in the blowout win.[14]

Statistics

Rushing Kicking
YEAR ATT YDS AVG TD XPM FGM
1971 94 651 6.9 5 13 3
1972 124 781 6.3 15 21 0
1973 205 1,139 5.6 24 13 1
1974 175 1,029 5.9 19 6 1
Totals 598 3,600 6.0 63 53 5

Professional career

1975–1982

The Chicago Bears drafted Payton in the first round of the 1975 NFL Draft, as the fourth overall pick. The Bears had endured several losing seasons after the retirement of the iconic Gale Sayers in 1972. Payton's first game was not particularly successful; he was held to zero net rushing yards on eight attempts. His best performance of the season was the final game against the New Orleans Saints, where he rushed for 134 yards on 20 carries. Payton finished the season with only 679 yards and seven touchdowns.[6][7][15] However, Payton led the league in yards per kickoff returns.[16]

Payton was eager to improve his performance. During the 1976 NFL season, Payton rushed for more than 1,000 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. After the season, he was selected to play in the 1977 Pro Bowl, where he was declared the Pro Bowl MVP. The next year, he rushed for 1,852 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, becoming the league’s leading scorer for the season. He earned numerous awards that season, including the Associated Press and Pro Football Writers of America's Most Valuable Player awards. A memorable game of the 1977 NFL season was against the Minnesota Vikings on November 20. He rushed for a then-record 275 yards, breaking the previous record of 273 yards held by O. J. Simpson.[17] In that record-setting game against the Vikings, Payton was suffering with a 101-degree fever and intense flu. His longest run was for 58 yards, and he caught one pass for 6 yards. His record stood for 23 years until Corey Dillon of the Cincinnati Bengals ran for 278 yards in 2000. By the end of the decade, Payton had received additional accolades for his exploits as a blocker, receiver, emergency punter, and quarterback.[6][7][18]

1983–1986

The Bears struggled to assemble consecutive winning seasons, landing only two playoff berths since his arrival. The lack of success prompted the Bears' management to replace Neill Armstrong with Mike Ditka for the season that began in the Fall of 1982. Ditka, a tight end during the 1960s and 1970s who would also join the Pro Football Hall of Fame, led the Bears to a 3–6 (strike-shortened) record in 1982. He led the Bears to an 8–8 finish in 1983 and to a 10–6 finish in 1984. Payton continued his success by rushing for more than 1,400 yards in both seasons. On October 7, 1984, Payton broke Jim Brown's career rushing record of 12,312 yards. In 1985, Payton rushed for more than 1,500 yards, helping the Bears establish the league's second-best offense. The Bears' 46 defense of that season would go on to become one of the best in NFL history, setting a record for fewest points allowed.[19]

Payton performed with his teammates in the widely released 1985 music video The Super Bowl Shuffle. The Bears went on to a 15–1 record that culminated in a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. Although Payton's offensive prowess had assisted the Bears throughout the 1985 season, the New England Patriots prevented him from reaching the end zone. According to quarterback Jim McMahon, he was targeted by two or three defenders on every play.[20] In a later interview, Ditka stated that Payton's lack of a touchdown in this game was one of his major regrets.[6][7][21]

1986−1987

Payton, who was a 12-year veteran, amassed 1,333 yards in the 1986 NFL season. The Bears won the NFC Central Division, but lost to the Washington Redskins 27–13 in the divisional round. At the end of the 1986 season, he announced that he would retire after completing the 1987 NFL season. During his last season with the Bears, Payton split carries with his successor, Neal Anderson, and rushed for only 533 yards. Payton's career ended with another loss to the Washington Redskins in the divisional round of the playoffs by the score of 21–17 on January 10, 1988. Over his entire career, Payton rushed for 16,726 yards, which broke the record for most rushing yards by any NFL player in history, and scored 110 touchdowns. He caught 492 passes for 4,538 yards and 15 touchdowns. Payton set several team records, including most career rushing yards, receptions, touchdowns, and touchdown passes by a running back. His jersey number was retired by the Bears, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.[6][7] The only game he missed in his 13-year career was in his rookie season of 1975.

Playing style

Payton's motto was "Never Die Easy", which is also the title of his posthumously published autobiography. Payton attributed this motto to Bob Hill, his coach at Jackson State. In practice, this meant that Payton refused to deliberately run out-of-bounds and always delivered some punishment to his tacklers before being forced off the field or forced down.[10]

One of Payton's signature maneuvers was the "stutter-step", a high-stepping, irregularly paced run. He developed this as a way to distract his pursuers during long runs, saying that it startled them into thinking and gave him some advantage over players who were actually faster runners.[10] In his autobiography, he likened the stutter step to a kind of "option play": when he was stutter-stepping, defenders would have to commit to a pursuit angle based upon whether they thought he would accelerate after the stutter-step, or cut — he would read this angle and do the opposite of what the defender had committed to.[2]

He re-invented the practice of stiff-arming his tacklers, which had gone out of favor among running backs in the 1970s.[22] At times, he used his high school experience as a long jumper to leap over his opponents, landing on his head in the end zone to gain a touchdown in a game against the Buffalo Bills.[23] His running gait was somewhat unusual, as his knees were minimally bent, and the motion was largely powered from the hip.[24] This may have given his knees, a football player's most vulnerable joints, some protection, although he underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees in 1983. He referred to this procedure as an 11,000-yard checkup.[24]

After scoring touchdowns, Payton declined to celebrate; instead, he would often hand the ball to his teammates or the official. He disapproved of the growing practice of touchdown celebrations; he preferred post-game antics such as rushing into the locker room and locking his teammates out in the cold while taking a long shower.[10] Although Payton would have won the respect of his peers and coaches by his running alone, he made 492 receptions and over 4,000 yards over his career and was a consistent threat in the passing game.[25]

Personal life

Payton married Connie Norwood in 1976. During his rookie years he resided in a home on the north side of Arlington Heights, Illinois. The couple had two children, Jarrett Payton (born 1980) and Brittney (born December 26, 1985)[26] and resided in South Barrington, Illinois.

Investments

In 1995, Payton, along with many other investors, sought to bring an NFL expansion team to St. Louis, Missouri, and Payton expressed his interest in becoming the first minority owner in NFL history.[16] Although the NFL strongly favored a franchise in St. Louis, their efforts were thwarted because of internal dissension among the investment group members[2] leading the NFL to award franchises to investment groups in Jacksonville, Florida (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Charlotte, North Carolina (Carolina Panthers).[27]

Payton pursued various business ventures in retirement, including becoming co-owner of Dale Coyne Racing in the CART IndyCar World Series. He also drove in several Trans-Am Series events, including a 1993 race at Road America in which his car overturned and caught fire. He suffered burns but escaped serious injury.[28]

In 1995, he and several partners purchased a Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad roundhouse in Aurora, Illinois. The property became known as "Walter Payton's Roundhouse", hosting a restaurant, brewery, banquet and meeting facility, and museum. In 1999 the property received an award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.[29] The beers brewed at the Roundhouse received awards in the 2000s.[30] Payton appeared on a 1987 episode of Saturday Night Live (co-hosting with fellow football player Joe Montana).[31]

Illness and death

In February 1999, Payton announced that he had a rare autoimmune liver disease known as primary sclerosing cholangitis, which may have led to his cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).[32] He spent his final months as an advocate for organ transplants, appearing in many commercials to encourage others to donate organs, although by the time his first appeal was recorded, his illness was already too far advanced for transplantation to have been a viable option.[10] In April of that year, Payton made a final public appearance at a Chicago Cubs game with Mike Ditka, where he threw the game's ceremonial first pitch.[33][34] Author Don Yaeger worked with him during the last weeks of his life to create his autobiography, Never Die Easy.[5]

On November 1, 1999, Payton died from the complications that arose from his illness. He was 45 years old. During the same week, the NFL held special ceremonies in each game to commemorate his career and legacy. In addition, the Chicago Bears wore special #34 patches on their jerseys to honor Payton.[33] His body was cremated after his death.[35]

Speakers at Payton's public funeral service, held in Soldier Field, included Jesse Jackson; former National Football League Commissioner Paul Tagliabue; former teammate Dan Hampton; his widow Connie Payton; and his children, Jarrett and Brittney.[36] Among the 1,000 mourners at the private service were John Madden; Illinois Governor George Ryan; Chicago's mayor Richard M. Daley; former teammates Matt Suhey, Mike Singletary, Roland Harper, and Jim McMahon; the Bears' equipment manager and building superintendent; and many other people representing a wide social, political, and economic spectrum.[37]

Legacy

Payton's legacy continues through the charitable Walter and Connie Payton Foundation. His own appeals—and after his death, his foundation's—for greater awareness of the need for organ donations are widely credited with bringing national attention to the problem.[38] After his appeals, donations in Illinois skyrocketed, and the regional organ bank of Illinois was overwhelmed with calls.[39] In response, the City of Chicago inserted organ donation requests into city-vehicle-registration mailings in early 2000, and, by August 2000, 13,000 people had signed on to the program.[40] The foundation continues to run a program that Payton organized to donate toys to underprivileged children across the Chicago area each Christmas.[41] The family established the Walter Payton Cancer Fund in 2002.[42]

Many modern NFL running backs have cited Payton as a source of inspiration. Emmitt Smith tearfully paid homage to Payton after breaking Payton’s rushing record.[43] LaDainian Tomlinson, who set numerous records during the 2006 NFL season, named Payton as one of his foremost mentors and inspirations.[44] Ahman Green, a former player for the Bears' rival Green Bay Packers, is said to have idolized Payton, viewing the highlight film "Pure Payton" before each game.[45] Walter's son, Jarrett Payton, was a running back for the Tennessee Titans, NFL Europe's Amsterdam Admirals, CFL's Montreal Alouettes and IFL's Chicago Slaughter. During his tenure at the University of Miami, Jarrett wore a #34 jersey to honor his father's memory.[41] In 2009, Jarrett married on March 4, which was intentionally set to coincide with Payton's jersey number.[46]

The city of Chicago has honored Payton’s memory in several ways. In 1999, the city created a special city sticker that featured Payton. The profits from the sales of these stickers along with the special license plate created by the State of Illinois are given to support organ-donor programs across Illinois.[47] Also, the city named a high school, Walter Payton College Prep, in his honor. In September 2007, the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center opened the Walter Payton Liver Center after a generous donation from Payton's family, who were pleased with the care he received there.[48] Chicago Metra commuters have long been witness to a simple "#34 Sweetness", painted on a bridge piling of the Air Line on the south end of the Chicago Union Station yards. The CBS sitcom Mike and Molly honored Payton in 2011 with "The Walter Payton Elementary School".

Until its sale to Two Brothers Brewing in 2011, Walter Payton's Roundhouse continued to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to the Aurora, Illinois site. There are two athletic awards named after Payton. The NCAA gives the "Walter Payton Award" to the best offensive player from a Division I FCS (still often known by its former designation of Division I-AA) football team. The NFL hands out the "Walter Payton Man of the Year" award for player achievements in community service during a particular season.

The Chicago Bears honored Payton's career and life on November 1, 2009 by airing a special tribute video during halftime. The video consisted of highlight clips from Payton's career and interview segments from Mike Ditka, Virginia McCaskey, Richard Dent, and many other members of the Bears organization. Payton's wife, daughter, son, and mother were present to watch the video, which aired on Soldier Field's Jumbotron.[49]

After Payton's death, Nickol Knoll Hill, an old landfill site turned into a golf course in Arlington Heights, Illinois, was renamed "Payton's Hill". There are two plaques on the hill to remind visitors of the hill that it was where Payton used to train in 1970s/80s. Payton did his morning run at the hill everyday. Pictures and memorabilia of Payton cover the walls of the golf course club house.

Career statistics

Payton was the NFL's all-time leader in rushing yards and all-purpose yards prior to the 2002 NFL season, when Emmitt Smith broke his record. He also held the single game rushing record until the 2000 NFL season, when it was broken by Corey Dillon. Payton led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns in the 1977 NFL season. Also, he was among the top-ten players for rushing attempts during his entire career, including 1976, 1977, and 1978, leading the category in 1979. As of 2006, he was the NFL's second all-time rusher, and he ranked third in rushing touchdowns scored.[50] Along with Frank Gifford, Payton threw six interceptions, more than any other non-quarterback position in NFL history.[51] He also passed for eight touchdowns.

Career totals

* Former NFL record
Stat Regular season Postseason
Rushing Yards 16,726* 632
Rushing Touchdowns 110* 2
Rushing Attempts 3,838* 180
Receiving Yards 4,538 178
Receiving Touchdowns 15 0
Receptions 492 22
Yards from Scrimmage 21,264* 810
All-purpose Yards
(does not include passing yards) 		21,803* 867
Passing Yards 331 19
Passing Touchdowns 8 1
Games Played 190 9

Statistics by season

Rushing Receiving
YEAR TEAM ATT YDS AVG LP TD NO. YDS AVG LP TD
1975 CHI 196 679 3.5 54t 7 33 213 6.5 40 0
1976 CHI 311 1,390 4.5 60 13 15 149 9.9 34 0
1977 CHI 339 1,852 5.5 73 14 27 269 10.0 75t 2
1978 CHI 333 1,395 4.2 76 11 50 480 9.6 61 0
1979 CHI 369 1,610 4.4 43t 14 31 313 10.1 65t 2
1980 CHI 317 1,460 4.6 69t 6 46 367 8.0 54t 1
1981 CHI 339 1,222 3.6 39 6 41 379 9.2 30 2
1982 CHI 148 596 4.0 26 1 32 311 9.7 40 0
1983 CHI 314 1,421 4.5 49t 6 53 607 11.5 74t 2
1984 CHI 381 1,684 4.4 72t 11 45 368 8.2 31 0
1985 CHI 324 1,551 4.8 40t 9 49 483 9.9 65 2
1986 CHI 321 1,333 4.2 41 8 37 382 10.3 57 3
1987 CHI 146 533 3.7 17 4 33 217 6.6 16 1

NFL records

Service

Consecutive regular season starts by a running back: 170,[52] from 01975-12-07 7, 1975 to 01987-09-20 20, 1987

  • Payton missed only one game in his career due to a coach's decision, despite being eligible.

Rushing attempts

Consecutive seasons leading the league in rushing attempts: 4 (1976–1979)

Rushing yards gained

Rushing yards gained, career: 16,726

Seasons with 1,000 or more yards rushing: 10 (1976–1981, 1983–1986)

  • Payton played in only nine games during the 1982 season due to the player's strike.
  • Broken by Emmitt Smith

Rushing yards gained, game: 275, Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings, 01977-11-20 20, 1977

Games with 100 or more yards rushing, career: 77

Consecutive games with 100 or more yards rushing: 9, from 01985-10-13 13, 1985 to 01985-12-08 8, 1985

Rushing touchdowns

Rushing touchdowns, career: 110

  • First broken by Marcus Allen; record now held by Emmitt Smith

Yards from scrimmage gained

Yards from scrimmage gained, career: 21,264

Games with 100 or more yards from scrimmage gained, career: 108

All-purpose attempts

All-purpose attempts, career: 4,368

  • Broken by Emmitt Smith

All-purpose attempts, season: 400 (1979)

All-purpose yards gained

All-purpose yards gained, career: 21,803

Games with 150 or more all-purpose yards gained, career: 46

Touchdown passes

Touchdown passes, non-quarterback, career: 8[53][54]

Further reading

References

  1. ↑ "Walter Payton NFL Football Statistics". Pro-Football-Reference.com. http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PaytWa00.htm. Retrieved 2012-08-04.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton. New York Times review of Never Die Easy (by Michael Lichtenstein), 2000
  3. ↑ Walter Payton profile.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "AT A GLANCE - Payton, Walter". Oxford African American Studies Center. http://www.oxfordaasc.com/article/aag/896. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "Walter Payton, Extraordinary Running Back for Chicago Bears, Dies at 45". New York Times, November 2, 1999. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "nytimes2" defined multiple times with different content
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Payton34.com, Walter Payton Biography, Retrieved on May 16, 2007.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 BearsHistory.com, Walter Payton, Bears RB, 1975–1987, retrieved May 16, 2007. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "CBH" defined multiple times with different content
  8. ↑ Walter Payton Biography, retrieved May 16, 2007.
  9. ↑ "Walter Payton always at home in bronze sculpture". Chicago Tribune. 2009-11-01. http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2009/nov/01/sports/chi-01-haugh-bears-payton-nov01. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Walter Payton; Don Yaeger (2001). Never Die Easy. Random House. ISBN 0-375-75821-6.
  11. ↑ www.biography.com
  12. ↑ Walter Payton bio. PBS, 2002
  13. ↑ "Payton, Rice among 11 set for Black Hall". ESPN. January 18, 2010. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4836017. Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  14. ↑ Natchez News Leader (Natchez, Miss.): p. 3B. Oct. 1, 1972. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=S7JlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mY0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=2164,5504731&dq=walter+payton+lane+college&hl=en. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
  15. ↑ "1970's Chicago Bears: Peaks & Valleys". http://www.bearshistory.com/seasons/1970schicagobears.aspx.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 A Football Life, "Walter Payton." Premiered on NFL Network, Oct. 13, 2011
  17. ↑ "Payton Runs All Over The Place". Sports Illustrated. 1977-11-28. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1093068/index.htm. Retrieved 2010-01-07.
  18. ↑ "34 Walter Payton". http://www.chicagobears.com/tradition/hof-payton.asp.
  19. ↑ "R. Ryan Takes Baltimore Defense Back to '86 With the 46". Washington Post, June 14, 2005.
  20. ↑ Walter Payton; Don Yaeger (2001). Never Die Easy. Random House. p. 124. ISBN 0-375-75821-6.
  21. ↑ "1985 Chicago Bears–World Champions Again". http://www.bearshistory.com/seasons/1985chicagobears.aspx.
  22. ↑ "Brown, Payton delivered the pain". Pro Football Weekly, 2007
  23. ↑ "Sweetness, Till the Bitter End". Washington Post, November 2, 1999
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Main ingredient in 'Sweetness' was heart Pro Football Weekly, August 1, 1993.
  25. ↑ "Walter Payton entry into the Pro-Football Hall of Fame in 2007". Profootballhof.com. http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=174. Retrieved 2012-08-04.
  26. ↑ "Jarrett Payton". National Football League. http://www.nfl.com/players/jarrettpayton/profile?id=PAY601397. Retrieved 2009-11-02.
  27. ↑ "Q&A: Hall of Fame eve". http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/payton/article1.html.
  28. ↑ "SPORTS PEOPLE: AUTO RACING; Payton Escapes Serious Injury in Crash". New York Times. 1993-08-21. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE4DA123DF932A1575BC0A965958260. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  29. ↑ Robin Shepard. The Best Breweries and Brewpubs of Illinois: Searching for the Perfect Pint. University of Wisconsin Press. p. 3. ISBN 978-0-299-18894-8. http://books.google.com/books?id=xyF1wp70jp4C&pg=PA3&lpg=PA3&dq=payton+roundhouse+historic+preservation&source=bl&ots=_aKn1Y1bSL&sig=9xTNsPzr2O47t3rDYRy_v1AT724&hl=en&ei=sY0uS431BpL6nAeQx633CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CCoQ6AEwCTgK#v=onepage&q=payton%20roundhouse%20historic%20preservation&f=false.
  30. ↑ "America's Brewing Company -World Beer Cup and GABF Medal Winning Brewpub". Walter Payton's Roundhouse. http://www.walterpaytonsroundhouse.com/content/5.html. Retrieved 2009-12-20.
  31. ↑ Saturday Night Live – Walter Peyton/Joe Montana guest hosts
  32. ↑ "Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer". Johns Hopkins University Pathology. http://pathology2.jhu.edu/gbbd/types_ca.cfm. Retrieved 2009-11-03.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 "Payton dead at 45". http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/payton/article6.html.
  34. ↑ "NFL's all-time leading rusher dies at 45". http://static.espn.go.com/nfl/news/1999/1031/144491.html.
  35. ↑ "Walter Payton (1954 - 1999) - Find A Grave Memorial". Findagrave.com. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6885. Retrieved 2012-08-04.
  36. ↑ Chicagoans Bid Payton Fond Farewell At Soldier Field. New York Times, November 7, 1999
  37. ↑ Walter Payton, 1954 - 1999. Daily Herald, 1999
  38. ↑ "Levin Joins Senate Colleagues, NFL Players to Promote Organ and Tissue Donation". United States Senate, 2000
  39. ↑ "Jennings death puts lung cancer in the public eye". ABC, 2005
  40. ↑ Jesse White Unveils New Organ Donor License Plate. Illinois Secretary of State, August 2000
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 "Walter Payton, Bears RB, 1975–1987". http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/walterpayton.aspx.
  42. ↑ Walter Payton Cancer Fund: Research[dead link]
  43. ↑ Emmitt Smith. ESPN, 2007.
  44. ↑ "IS LT the best ever?". http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=neel/061214.
  45. ↑ Green Bay Packers Player Profile: Ahman Green[dead link]
  46. ↑ "Jarrett Payton on his dad, Walter: 'He would be so proud' - Chicago Tribune". Articles.chicagotribune.com. 2009-06-21. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-06-21/sports/0906200434_1_jarrett-payton-walter-payton-orange-bowl. Retrieved 2012-08-04.
  47. ↑ Secretary of State White Joins City Clerk Laski to Increase Organ Donor Participation Illinois[dead link]
  48. ↑ "Walter Payton Liver Center opens at UIC". ABC7Chicago.com, September 5, 2007
  49. ↑ Mayer, Larry (2009-11-02). "Emotional video tribute highlights Payton ceremony". chicagobears.com. http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6263. Retrieved 2009-11-02.
  50. ↑ NFL Rushing Records. NFL Record and Fact Book, Updated Through 2006 Season.
  51. ↑ "Payton's interception record". Pro-football-reference.com. http://www.pro-football-reference.com/friv/nonqb.htm. Retrieved 2012-08-04.
  52. ↑ "George Enterprises: Legendary Football Career". Eddiegeorge.com. http://www.eddiegeorge.com/about.html. Retrieved 2012-08-04.
  53. ↑ Reiss, Mike (September 16, 2007). "ETC.". The Boston Globe. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-7601089.html. Retrieved November 13, 2012. "Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson has thrown seven career touchdown passes, leaving him one shy of tying Walter Payton's NFL record for non-quarterbacks."(subscription required)
  54. ↑ Dudley, John (November 2, 2005). "The throwback running back". coldhardfootballfacts.com. Archived from the original on November 13, 2012. http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com/content/the-throwback-running-back/4934/.

External links

Awards and achievements
Preceded by
Bert Jones 		AP NFL Most Valuable Player
1977 season 		Succeeded by
Terry Bradshaw
Records
Preceded by
Jim Brown 		NFL Career Rushing Yards Leader
1984–2002 		Succeeded by
Emmitt Smith
Preceded by
O. J. Simpson 		NFL single-game rushing record
November 20, 1977 – October 22, 2000 		Succeeded by
Corey Dillon
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