Walter Payton played 190 games over 13 National Football League years. Although it may seem like too many games, the fact is his journey was cut short, and he took early retirement.
Walter Payton was not any ordinary football player; he was a force of nature who made sure he left the audience gasping at every single game. Every game Payton played was a memorable one but a few of them shined brighter than others.
Let’s dig into how many games Walter Payton played throughout his career, along with his best games, and what made them stand out from the rest.
How many games did Walter Payton suit up for?
Walter Payton left a remarkable impact on the history of football. His perfect accolades highlight his illustrious career of 13 years. Walter Payton played 190 staggering games.
Which is nearly two decades of tackling, electrifying runs, and an overall great offensive weapon.
“When I see him out there, it gives me goosebumps. Not the speediest, not the quickest, but he was [always] throwing his body at somebody. I think God looked down and said, ‘Walter, you’re going to play for 13 years, and you’re going to miss one game. And they’re going to beat you up and knock you down, and you’re still going to get up and play,”
-says Chicago Bears’ Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers about Walter Payton on ESPN Classic’s SportsCentury series.
In one of his interviews, when Payton was asked about his strategies while playing, although he could not reveal much, he said,
“If I’m going to get hit,” Payton said, “why let the guy who’s going to hit me get the easiest and best shot? I explode into the guy who’s trying to tackle me.”
How many games did Walter Payton miss in his career?
Walter Payton was not scared of getting injured or hurt in any one of his games. He made sure to hit harder in a game of football then he was getting hit. Sweetness was just a nickname for him that did not apply in the ground.
In his 13 years of career, Walter Payton only missed one of his games. Not at all bad for a guy who believed he would last for only 5 years in the National Football League.
However, in the Games, Payton was unable to play because of his ankle injury. He had fractured his ankle playing a game. Despite the pain, Payton insisted on playing as he knew he was unstoppable on the playing field; he wanted to go and give his best.
However, because of a fractured ankle, his coach ensured that he wouldn’t play as it could have been a health risk for him.
After that, Payton played 168 consecutive games. It reflected his dedication and his passion for the sport. He made sure to not skip a single game after that, especially in his rookie years.
Had it not been for this one game, Walter Payton would have retired with a 200-game score when he retired.
Payton’s dedication to football
Walter Payton, although nicknamed Sweetness, was also known for his toughness. He was one of the toughest players in the history of football.
There had been many instances when Payton pushed through despite having health issues, personal issues, or some other problems. Payton always put his passion above all.
It was evident in the game of 1976, Chicago Bears vs Vikings, where Payton, despite having flu, temperature, and viral infection, played the game.
Payton not only won the game, he shattered the records of O.J. Simpon’s for the most rushing yards in a single game, gaining 275 yards.
Sadly, it can be seen as a negative impact on his health. Regardless of his physical condition, Payton popped a few pills and went playing his game, which is rumored to have caused his addictions as well as liver issues.
Walter Payton’s achievements throughout the games:
Now that we know how many games Walter Payton played let’s look at the achievements he had in all these 190 games.
- NFL Rushing Yards Leader (10 Seasons): Payton changed history by rewriting the rushing record book, leading the league in rushing yards a staggering 10 times. This speaks volumes about his consistency and dominance as a running back.
- NFL All-Pro (9 Selections): Payton was Recognized by his peers and coaches which earned Payton the prestigious All-Pro distinction a remarkable 9 times, which was a testament to his exceptional talent and leadership skills.
- Super Bowl Appearance (Super Bowl XX): Though Payton never secured a Super Bowl ring, he did lead the Chicago Bears to Super Bowl XX, highlighting his leadership skills and his ability to achieve and aim higher, especially for his team.
- Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1993): In 1993, Payton received the ultimate recognition by being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which solidified his place among the NFL’s all-time greats.
Walter Payton’s statistics for 13 years of NFL
Walter Payton played 190 games throughout his 13 years in the National Football League. So let’s look at the statistical record of Walter Payton throughout these years.
Rushing Receiving
| Year | Team | G | Att | yds | Avg | TD | rec | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 1975 | chicago | 13 | 196 | 679 | 3.5 | 7 | 33 | 213 | 6.5 | 0 |
| 1976 | chicago | 14 | 311 | 1390 | 4.5 | 14 | 15 | 149 | 9.9 | 0 |
| 1977 | chicago | 14 | 339 | 1852 | 5.5 | 13 | 27 | 269 | 10.0 | 2 |
| 1978 | chicago | 16 | 333 | 1395 | 4.2 | 11 | 50 | 480 | 9.6 | 0 |
| 1979 | chicago | 16 | 369 | 1610 | 4.4 | 14 | 31 | 313 | 10.1 | 2 |
| 1980 | chicago | 16 | 317 | 1460 | 4.6 | 6 | 46 | 367 | 8.0 | 1 |
| 1981 | chicago | 16 | 339 | 1222 | 3.6 | 6 | 41 | 379 | 9.2 | 2 |
| 1982 | chicago | 9 | 148 | 596 | 4.0 | 1 | 32 | 311 | 9.7 | 0 |
| 1983 | chicago | 16 | 314 | 1421 | 4.5 | 6 | 53 | 607 | 11.5 | 2 |
| 1984 | chicago | 16 | 381 | 1684 | 4.4 | 11 | 45 | 368 | 8.2 | 0 |
| 1985 | chicago | 16 | 324 | 1551 | 4.8 | 9 | 49 | 483 | 9.9 | 2 |
| 1986 | chicago | 16 | 321 | 1333 | 4.2 | 8 | 37 | 382 | 10.3 | 3 |
| 1987 | chicago | 12 | 146 | 533 | 3.7 | 4 | 33 | 217 | 6.6 | 1 |
| Career total | 190 | 3838 | 16,726 | 4.4 | 110 | 492 | 4538 | 9.2 | 15 |
Source: https://www.profootballhof.com/players/walter-payton/
Walter Payton’s most iconic games:
Although there are multiple games that Walter Payton was famous for. However, there was one particular game that was etched in the history of Waler Payton. On December 7th, 1977. Let’s break down this legendary performance:
- Rushing Yards: A staggering 275 yards, the most rushing yards by a single player in a single game at the time (since surpassed by Adrian Peterson in 2009).
- Touchdowns: 3 rushing touchdowns, adding even more weight to his dominant display.
- Impact on the Game: Payton’s relentless running fueled the Bears’ offense, keeping them in the game despite trailing by double digits at halftime. Although the Bears ultimately lost, Payton’s brilliance captivated fans and solidified his reputation as a once-in-a-generation talent.
Conclusion for how many games did Walter Payton play:
Walter Payton wasn’t just a football player; he was an icon amongst his peers. His nickname “Sweetness” captured his on-field accomplishments and his genuine personality. For 13 seasons, he dominated the NFL, etching his name in the record books and capturing the hearts of fans.
Payton’s legacy extends far beyond statistics. He encompasses the spirit of hard work, dedication, and generosity. His relentless pursuit of excellence on the field was matched by his compassion and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Walter Payton’s impact on the game is undeniable. He inspired generations of running backs, redefined the position, and showed the world the true meaning of “Sweetness.” There is no doubt as to his inspiration to the generations to come, as players give their best to have their names linked to Walter Paytons.