The history of the NFL is filled with greatness, and for a time, running the football was the No. 1 objective for offenses. During that, it was the running backs who ruled the NFL world.
While there were many greats who have come and gone during the league’s rich history, none may have been better or had a bigger impact than former Chicago Bears RB Walter Payton.
Payton, who was as loved off the field as he was dynamic on it, has one of the most prestigious awards given every year in his honor. The Walter Payton Man of the Year award goes to the NFL player who most exemplifies outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. It is widely viewed as the NFL’s highest individual honor and is a testament to Payton and his impact on the league.
While his legacy will live on forever, one may wonder just when Payton played for the Bears and for how long. Let’s take a closer look at “Sweetness” and his NFL career.
Walter Payton’s Time in Chicago
The Bears drafted Payton in the first round of the 1975 NFL Draft as the fourth overall pick. Payton had attended Jackson State University and was a dominant running back at the collegiate level.
Chicago had a rich RB history before Payton, with Hall of Fame RB Gale Sayers holding down the position before him, setting up big shoes for him to fill when he joined the team. Payton did not disappoint.
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Sweetness played 13 years in the NFL — all with the Bears — and was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time All-Pro. The Associated Press voted Payton MVP of the league, and he won one Super Bowl during his career. All of his achievements and accolades earned him a gold jacket and a spot forever in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Payton finished his career playing 190 games and tallying 16,726 rushing yards and 110 touchdowns. He was the heart and soul of the Bears during his tenure and left a lasting impact on and off the field.
Payton’s Lasting Legacy
Although Payton passed away on Nov. 1, 1999, from the complications that arose from primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), his legacy continues to live on to this day. Through endless charitable work and the impact he left on the people he met along the way, Payton lived a life that continues to inspire others around the world every day.
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