Walter Payton: Career retrospective
Walter Payton remains one of the most beloved players in NFL history. The Bears running back retired with nearly every record there was and set an off-field example that carries on to this day. So with that in mind, here is a look back at the career of one of the league’s all-time greats.
countless sprints up a hill near a landfill in Arlington Heights, Illinois. While Jerry Rice used a hill as the centerpiece of his climb to football’s mountaintop, Payton’s training made him one of the most fearsome tackling assignments in NFL history.
Payton non-touchdown odyssey in 1977 best showcases what NFL defenders were tasked with stopping. The Bears’ generational talent showed his elusiveness and vision on his famous run against the Chiefs, sure. But the punishing style — seen through the bulldozing of Hall of Famer Emmitt Thomas and Pro Bowler Gary Barbaro (after eluding Hall of Famer Willie Lanier) — allowed Payton to take on nearly an entire defense. It was only an 18-yard run, but it’s one of the NFL’s signature plays.
His first carry of the second half halted that October game at Soldier Field (and included one of history’s signature high-fives). It took Payton 18 more games to get there than it took Brown (136), but none of his contemporaries finished even close to his career total.
initially skittish about the idea. The Bears’ two stars did contribute lines at a later date for what was easily the most memorable video during an era featuring several NFL rap forays. Payton’s verse led off the track.
north of all of them.
far more than Brown’s lead on his competition when he left the game 22 years earlier.
not revealed until after Payton’s death he was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. An outpouring of respect came for one of the most revered players in NFL history that week, with leaguewide tributes taking place. Payton’s family, friends, teammates and tens of thousands of fans came to a Soldier Field ceremony held the day before a Bears road trip to Green Bay. The Bears then upset the Packers thanks to what became a celebrated blocked 28-yard field goal.
