The most repeated name in the history of football?
Yes! You guessed it right! Walter Payton.
The legendary football player Walter Payton not only made a name for himself in the football world but also left a long-lasting impact on society.
That’s why, in today’s article we will explore the journey of Walter Payton, from his Mississippi roots to his enriched career in Chicago. So, let’s dig in.
Early Life of Football Player Walter Payton:
The journey started in Columbia, Mississippi, in 1954. In a poverty-stricken neighborhood, where nobody could recognize the talent Walter Payton had to offer. Although many institutes overlooked his talent, Jackson State University is where Walter Payton’s football Life started.
Under the wing of coach Robert Cat Simmons, Payton honed his skills and was ready to spread his wings. And soon, he was #34 for the Chicago Bears in 1975! Although Payton was the 4th overall pick of the tryouts, he stood his ground and secured a place with the Bears, where his loyalty stayed till the end.
A Glimpse of His Football Career:
The mark that Walter Payton left on the football community is impeccable. Multiple occasions can be brought to life when we discuss Payton’s achievements; a few of them are:
- the Super Bowl winner
- being selected for the Pro Bowl
- All-time leading rusher
- Team player
- Durability, known as “Iron Man.”
- He shattered records, holding the NFL record for most career rushing yards (16,726) for over three decades.
- He received the prestigious National Football League Most Valuable Player award twice (1977 and 1985) and led the Chicago Bears to their first Super Bowl victory in 1986 (Super Bowl XX).
- Walter Payton scored 292 touchdowns throughout his career.
1985 was a pivotal year for Payton. He achieved the pinnacle of his football career, winning the National Football League Most Valuable Player award for a second time.
Unfortunately, this year was the beginning of a personal struggle. Payton was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare and severe liver disease. Despite this challenge, his dedication to the game remained unwavering.
Attached are the games played by Walter Payton in every season. Payton Played 13 seasons of football for the Chicago Bears; here are the statistics of every game he played each season.
| Season | Games played |
| 1975 | 14 |
| 1976 | 14 |
| 1977 | 14 |
| 1978 | 16 |
| 1979 | 16 |
| 1980 | 16 |
| 1981 | 16 |
| 1982 (strike year) | 9 |
| 1983 | 16 |
TV Shows Based on Walter Payton’s Football Career:
“A Football Life: Walter Payton” is also a TV show based on Walter Payton’s life, including his achievements, career, and contribution to the football world.
Walter Payton was a force of nature, and that is depicted well in that TV show where they look at the struggles and achievements of Paytonone one episode at a time.
It is a documentary and a biography of Walter Payton’s life. “Jim Brown plays Walter Payton in this series. The National Football Production Company directed the show to raise awareness about the Person Walter Payton was and his contributions on and off the field.
The TV series also focuses on the off-field work of Walter Payton. That includes his philanthropic work, which was his way of giving back to the community. He did organ donation awareness; he also established a foundation, “Walter Payton Foundation” to help students get an education and to assist with health concerns as well.
Football Life: Walter Payton’s Toughest Struggles and Obstacles is a famous episode of the series that focuses on his health issues after he had liver cancer. And how he tried surgeries and radiation therapy, but the only solution was an organ transplant, which, sadly for him, Payton couldn’t get because of his medications.
A Renowned Award Named for Walter Payton Journey:
The Walter Payton Award was named after the legendary player.
It is an award given to the best offensive player of the year. This award holds more importance and value than being just an award for the offensive player, as it is given to the player who helped the community as well.
The question arises as to why it is named the Walter Payton Award.
- Offensive weapon: He wasn’t just a rusher; his speed, agility, and receiving ability made him a complete offensive weapon, hence the award’s focus on well-rounded offensive skills.
- Leadership and Inspiration: Payton was a leader on and off the field. The award seeks players who inspire future generations, just like Payton did by their generous acts and dedication on the field.
- Giving Back to the Community: The award emphasizes giving back to the community, which embodies Payton’s philanthropic spirit through his foundation and advocacy work.
Notable Winners:
Some of the notable winners that got the Walter Payton Award are:
- Tim Tebow (Florida)
- Barry Sanders (Oklahoma State)
- Ty Detmer (BYU)
- Ricky Watters (Notre Dame)
- Larry Fitzgerald (Pittsburgh)
Conclusion for the football life of Walter Payton:
To sum it up, there was more to Walter Payton than his achievements. He was an inspiration to the upcoming generation because of his hard work, dedication, and his motivation.
Furthermore, he is the epitome of generosity and humbleness. His charity work, donations, and love for his community speak for the person he was.
All his achievements, loyalty, and dedication to his team motivate and inspire future athletes; it empowers them to be Walter Payton. That is why the National Football League started the NFL Walter Payton Award.
Because of that, his motto, “Never die easily,” is still a common phrase in the National Football League community.