The extraordinary backrunner in the Chicago Bears’, Walter Payton play for 13 years with the NFL.
In his 13 seasons with the NFL (National Football League), Walter gained tons of success and set numerous records.
He was selected four times in the NFL draft and was an exceptional back runner in the history of the Chicago Bears. No one knows 200 pounds and 5 feet 10’’ taller Walter Payton who wore a white headband under his helmet became the iconic player of Chicago.
Due to his low-pitched voice and easy-to-approach attitude, Payton had many nicknames including spiderman, monk, sugarcane, and sweetness. Sweetness is one of the famous nicknames.
Despite all in today’s guide, we will also discuss Payton’s life struggles and achievements. So, let’s dig in to know more about how many years did Walter Payton play in the NFL and what did he achieved during this journey.
Who was Payton Walter:
Walter Jerry Payton was a professional American Football player born on 25 July 1953. He was a native of Mississippi, Columbia. His father was a factory worker and played pretty much baseball. Walter’s father died in 1978 in jail after a few hours of arrest in the false case of driving. He suffered from a stroke which was most probably due to an overdose of alcohol.
Payton starts playing football in high school and then in Jackson State University of Mississippi.
Being of good back runner he was also a passer, blocker, and even pass receiver.
Payton was first time noticed by National attention at Jackson State University as a Halfback. In 1973 and 74 he was entitled Black College Player of the Year by All American Team. In the last year of his University, Payton rushed more than 3500 yards and scored points more than 450. Through his performance, he showed opponents how strong, versatile, and hard-to-compete player he was.
Walter Payton 13 Years Journey With Chicago Bears:
In 1975 Walter Payton was selected in the overall fourth selection of the National Football League draft. He was not as tall but known for his speed and power in his team. In his second season, Payton was named in the first nine career Pro Bowl.
Payton played for 13 years in nfl and during this he won many leagues, awards and set various records. For instance, he won league most valuable player award in 1852. Later he achieved rushing touchdowns 14 and a franchise record too.
Besides his game in his free time, Payton loved to help people. He was a caring and easy-to-approach person. Fellow Hall of Famer Jim Brown once said of him – Payton was just as revered off the field, where he was known as caring and approachable
Walter Payton Awards & Records:
When walter Payton was playing in NFL he had set many records all of which since have been broken.
For instance;
- In 1993 he was introduced into the Hall of Fame.
- In 1994 he was named to the National Football League 75th anniversary All-Time Team.
- 1977 was his beast season in which he made a franchise record by 1852 yards.
- Payton won the NFC rushing title for onward five years from 1976 to 1980
- In 1977 he led NFC by 96 points and won the National Foundation League Kickoff return championship in 1975.
- In 1987 Walter Payton Award was entrenched which is given to the top players of college football.
- He was also honored with NFL man of the year award in 1977.
Back Emmit Smith broke Walter Payton’s record of all-time NFL leading rusher in 2002 by running 18,355.
Post–Playing Career and Payton’s Death:
Walter Payton retired from the NFL in 1987 with the title of leading rusher in history till 2002. After retirement, he explored different businesses that include car racing, real estate, and restaurants.
As a man with a golden heart, Payton continues to help people and retired soldiers through his Walter Payton Foundation. In 1999 he announced that he was suffering from a major disease of primary sclerosing cholangitis (a disease which blocks the bile ducts). But at the end of the year on 1 November he died from cholangiocarcinoma (duct cancer).
After Walter’s death, his wife Connie and children Britteny and Jarrett take over the foundation. Now his family continues his legacy by helping community people and veterans.
Walter Payton Statistics of Rushing:
| Team | Year | G | Att | Yd | Avg | Td |
| 1975 | Chicago | 13 | 196 | 679 | 3.5 | 7 |
| 1976 | Chicago | 14 | 311 | 1390 | 4.5 | 13 |
| 1977 | Chicago | 14 | 339 | 1852 | 5.5 | 14 |
| 1978 | Chicago | 16 | 333 | 1395 | 4.2 | 11 |
| 1979 | Chicago | 16 | 369 | 1610 | 4.4 | 14 |
| 1980 | Chicago | 16 | 317339 | 1560 | 4.6 | 6 |
| 1981 | Chicago | 16 | 339 | 1222 | 3.6 | 6 |
| 1982 | Chicago | 9 | 148 | 596 | 4.0 | 1 |
| 1983 | Chicago | 16 | 314 | 1421 | 4.5 | 6 |
| 1984 | Chicago | 16 | 381 | 1684 | 4.4 | 11 |
| 1985 | Chicago | 16 | 324 | 1551 | 4.8 | 9 |
| 1986 | Chicago | 16 | 321 | 1333 | 4.2 | 8 |
| 1987 | Chicago | 12 | 146 | 533 | 3.7 | 4 |
| Career Total | 190 | 3838 | 16726 | 4.4 | 110 |
Final Verdict:
Walter Payton a renowned professional footballer for whom honor NFL changed the award name to Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
From his remarkable journey, we can conclude that your height and weight do not matter in front of your passion. If you are passionate about your goals, then you can achieve or fulfill your dreams without taking care of the World.
You can accomplish your goals if you are going through resistance and consistency. And in our good times, we always need to remember and help other people.