Walter Jerry Payton was a professional African American football player. He played 13 thriving seasons in the National Football League (NFL) from the 1970s to the 1980s.
His extraordinary skills and endurance made him the best running back in the NFL. In the 1975 NFL draft, the Chicago Bears selected Walter fourth overall.
Due to his soft, high-pitched voice, Walter got the nickname “Sweetness.” He also had other nicknames, like Spiderman and Sugarman, yet he was famously known as Sweetness.
He started playing football in Mississippi, but his professional career began after he enrolled at Jackson State University.
Walter set several achievements and rushing records in his 13-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears.
Join us to discover how many seasons did Walter Payton play in his career and which factors made him the most famous and greatest running back in football history.
Who did Walter Payton Play for?
Walter Payton, is a superstar and the greatest football runner back of all time in football. He played 13 tremendous and remarkable NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears from 1975 to 1987.
The Chicago Bears were fortunate. Who did Walter Payton play with determination? Walter is the Bears’ secret weapon. They hold all the cards in every tournament because of Walter. His extreme resilience speaks for itself. Walter missed just one tournament out of 186 back-to-back football tournaments.
Having a running back like Walter, the Bears knew they could leave their competitors in the dust.
How Long Did Walter Payton Play in the NFL?
Walter Payton played 13-remarkable seasons with the NFL from 1975 to 1987. In 1975, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears. With his exceptional talent, work ethics and unmatched skills he became a household name.
Walter knocked out his competitors out of the park by setting high records in his NFL career. He was a hard nut to crack for his competitors. Having strong determination and agility Walter won several awards throughout his 13 year career.
Walter Payton retired from the NFL in 1987 as a great rusher. Leaving a legacy of greatest running backs in NFL history. His excellent and breathtaking performance is an inspiration for the generations.
How Many Games Did Walter Payton Play in His Career?
The surprising thing about Walter is not how many games did Walter Payton Play in his athletic career. It’s how many games he skipped throughout his professional career.
Over the course of his 13 year athletic career. Missing only a single game is something astonishing.
Walter Payton played 190 regular season games with the Chicago Bears in the NFL. Additionally, he exhibited his skills and expertise by playing 9 off season games. Walter participated in 199 games, including regular season and play off season games.
Being a talented football player, he rushed 3563 yards only in 4 seasons. His records remained unbeaten in the NFL record book for ages during and after his career.
Walter Payton’s achievements in the NFL.
Walter Payton is a top-notch and diligent football player Who has had outstanding and noteworthy achievements during his professional athletic career. He once said, “When you’re good at something, you tell everyone. When you are great at something, they will tell you.”
Listing some of Payton’s most significant achievements throughout his career.
- 1976 – Tops 100 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns for Chicago Bears for the first time.
- 1977 – NFL Offensive player of the year.
- 1977 – Rushed 275 yards VS Minnesota in a single game.
- 1977 – NFL Man of the Year
- 1977 – NFL Pro Bowl Roster
- 1977–1985 – Most Valuable Player
- 1985 – Bert Bell Award
Walter was an outstanding football rusher. After retirement from the NFL, he holds the insane record of 16726 total yards. He topped more than 1000 yards, mostly yards in single games in 10 seasons. 110 touchdowns in his career by rushing.
Walter’s net yards in his career are 21803, 750 touchdowns, and 750 stunning points. With 492 career passes, 4538 yards and 15 touchdowns gave a shot in the arm in his net yards total.
Still, it’s a vivid memory of his fans, how many seasons did Walter Payton play in his outstanding career.
From 1976 to 1980 he achieved the NFC rushing title. In 1977 in a single game, he rushed 275 against Minnesota.
In January 1986, when the Chicago Bears laid off the New England Patriots. On this victory, Payton was awarded with a Super Bowl ring.
Yet, His extensive and exceptional off-season training made him meet these awards. Through hard work and determination. Walter reached the heights of glamour and success in his NFL career. He proved himself the best with his marvellous and astonishing results.
Walter Payton’s Legacy and Impact on the NFL
Walter’s motto was “Never die easy”. He ran the circles around his competitors. He set a higher standard for his competitors which was hard to meet. No doubt, the Bears were a team of persona. With Walter Payton’s endurance and exceptional talent, they shot the stars.
Walter announced his last season in 1987. Afterward, he retired as an unparalleled and all-time high rusher in the history of the NFL.
On February 2, 1999, in a press release, Walter revealed that he is fighting rare cancer. He was diagnosed with a liver cancer known as primary sclerosing. His doctors recommended a liver transplant. Unfortunately, the disease progressed further. The liver transplant was not a possible solution at that stage of cancer.
Old habits die hard, during his 13-year magnificent career. He got injured more than once to cope with this issue, painkillers and liquors were used by him. This habit or compulsion was continued after his retirement causing health issues later on.
Unfortunately, on the dawn of 1 November 1999. Walter Payton, a legendary football player died due to chronic liver cancer. The sudden death of a football celebrity punched in the gut of his fans. At this moment of grief, the people who had the least interest in football were shocked, and curious.
However, Walter Payton left a void that can’t be filled. A famous saying is “Legends never die”. His many records and achievements for the NFL and Chicago Bears leave one’s mark. We can say he had created a ripple effect in the football industry. His performance and efforts in the NFL will always be remembered.
The Walter Payton Foundation is a non-profit organisation. It is the greatest accomplishment of Walter, illustrating his legacy. This donation helped thousands of underprivileged and needy people. Adding value addition, improving and transforming their lives.
Quick Facts About Walter Payton
Here are some quick facts about Walter Payton, one of the most iconic figures in football history.
| Name | Walter Jerry Payton |
| Date of Birth | July 25, 1953 |
| Birth Place | Mississippi, Columbia, United States of America |
| Died | November 1, 1999 |
| Age | 45 |
| Gender | Male |
| Nicknames | Sweetness, Spiderman, Sugarman |
| Wife | Connie Norwood |
| Children | Jarrett Payton and Brittney Payton |
| Height | 5ft, 10 in (1.78m) |
| Weight | 91 kg (200lb) |
| Education | Jackson State University (1971-1974) |
| Profession | Football player |
Frequently Asked Questions
Walter retired from the NFL at the age of 33 as leading rusher in 1987.
Walter attended 9 Pro Bowls in the NFL.
Throughout he played 13 seasons for the Chicago Bears.
No, he didn’t coach in the NFL as a retiring player.
In his NFL career, Walter had 16726 rushing yards.
Walter scored a total of 125 touchdowns in the NFL.
The longest run of his career was a 73-yards touchdown run.