Walter Payton.

Walter Payton. Walter Payton (1954-1999), American professional football player, considered one of the greatest running backs ever. Payton played his entire professional career with the Chicago Bears of the National Football Conference (NFC) of the National Football League (NFL). When he retired after the 1987 season, he was the NFL's career leader in rushing attempts (3,838), rushing yards (16,726), and rushing touchdowns (110). These records were later eclipsed by running back Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys. Payton was also an excellent blocker and pass catcher, and he threw for eight touchdowns during his career. Walter Jerry Payton was born in Columbia, Mississippi. He attended Jackson State University, where he set a college football record for points scored. After Payton graduated in 1975, the Bears selected him as the fourth pick in the NFL draft. He had a good rookie season in 1975, and in 1976 he led the NFC in rushing with 1,390 yards and made the Pro Bowl team for the first of nine times. Payton ran for a career-high 1,852 rushing yards in 1977--again leading the NFC--and the Bears made the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. Payton shared player of the year honors with quarterback Bob Griese of the Miami Dolphins. For the next decade Payton was one of the top running backs in the NFL, and he rushed for more than 1,000 yards every season but 1982 and 1987. In 1984 he became the NFL's all-time rushing leader when he broke the record of 12,312 yards long held by Jim Brown. In the 1985 season Payton rushed for more than 1,500 yards as the Bears posted a win-loss record of 15-1. Following the regular season the Bears won the 1986 Super Bowl over the New England Patriots. Payton again shared player of the year honors, this time with running back Marcus Allen of the Los Angeles Raiders. Payton, who earned the nickname Sweetness for his disposition and his smooth running style, retired after the 1987 season. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. In February 1999 Payton disclosed that he was suffering from a rare, life-threatening liver disease. He died of cancer nine months later. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.