Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Walter Payton

How Walter Payton built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Walter Payton, nicknamed "Sweetness," was a legendary NFL running back who played for the Chicago Bears for 13 seasons. He is considered one of the greatest football players ever. Payton was renowned for his remarkable agility, strength, and relentless running style. He holds numerous NFL records and is remembered for his dedication, sportsmanship, and impact on the sport.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1975: Started Professional Career with Chicago Bears

In 1975, Walter Payton began his professional football career with the Chicago Bears, after being selected as the fourth overall pick in the 1975 NFL draft.

1975: Drafted by the Chicago Bears

In 1975, Walter Payton was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the NFL draft as the fourth overall pick.

1976: Breakout Season

During the 1976 season, Walter Payton rushed for 1,390 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, showcasing his talent and potential.

1976: Top-ten player for rushing attempts

Walter Payton was among the top-ten players for rushing attempts in 1976.

1977: Pro Bowl MVP and Record-Breaking Game Against the Vikings

In 1977, Walter Payton was selected to play in the Pro Bowl and was declared the Pro Bowl MVP. He also rushed for a then-record 275 yards against the Minnesota Vikings on November 20.

1977: AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award

In 1977, Walter Payton won the AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award, solidifying his status as one of the league's top players.

1977: Led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns

In the 1977 NFL season, Walter Payton led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns.

1978: Top-ten player for rushing attempts

Walter Payton was among the top-ten players for rushing attempts in 1978.

1979: Led the league in rushing attempts

In 1979, Walter Payton led the league in rushing attempts.

1982: Mike Ditka Hired as Bears' Coach

In 1982, Mike Ditka was hired as the coach of the Chicago Bears, replacing Neill Armstrong. The Bears had a 3–6 (strike-shortened) record in 1982.

1984: Payton Passes Franco Harris and Jim Brown in Career Rushing Yards

In 1984, Walter Payton continued his success by rushing for more than 1,400 yards. On September 19, 1984, Payton passed Franco Harris as the active leader in career rushing yards. On October 7, 1984, against the New Orleans Saints, Payton broke Jim Brown's career rushing record of 12,312 yards.

1985: Super Bowl XX Victory and "The Super Bowl Shuffle"

In 1985, Walter Payton performed with his teammates in the widely released music video "The Super Bowl Shuffle". The Bears went on to win Super Bowl XX with a 46–10 victory over the New England Patriots. Payton did not score any touchdowns in the postseason.

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1985: Payton Rushes for More Than 1,500 Yards

In 1985, Walter Payton rushed for more than 1,500 yards, helping the Bears establish the league's second-best offense.

1985: Super Bowl XX Victory

Walter Payton won Super Bowl XX with the Chicago Bears in 1985, marking a significant achievement in his career.

1986: Payton Amasses 1,333 Yards

In the 1986 season, Walter Payton, a 12-year veteran, amassed 1,333 yards. The Bears won the NFC Central Division but lost to the Washington Redskins in the divisional round.

1987: Announcement of Retirement

At the end of the 1986 season, Walter Payton announced that he would retire from professional football after completing the 1987 season. During his last season, Payton split carries with Neal Anderson and rushed for a career-low 533 yards.

1987: Retirement from Football

At the end of the 1987 season, Walter Payton retired from professional football after 13 seasons in the NFL.

January 10, 1988: Final Game and Loss to the Washington Redskins

On January 10, 1988, Walter Payton's career ended with a loss to the Washington Redskins in the divisional round of the playoffs by the score of 21–17.

1993: Co-founded Walter Payton Power Equipment

In 1993, Walter Payton, along with Mike Lanigan, co-founded Walter Payton Power Equipment, a midwest crane and heavy equipment distributor.

1995: Purchase of Roundhouse in Aurora, Illinois

In 1995, Walter Payton and several partners purchased a roundhouse in Aurora, Illinois, previously owned by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. The property became known as "Walter Payton's Roundhouse."

1996: Lost rushing touchdown record to Marcus Allen

During the 1996 NFL season, Marcus Allen broke Walter Payton's rushing touchdown record.

1999: Award from National Trust for Historic Preservation

In 1999, Walter Payton's Roundhouse received an award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

1999: City sticker featuring Payton created

In 1999, the city of Chicago created a special city sticker that featured Walter Payton. Profits from the sales supported organ-donor programs across Illinois.

August 2000: Organ Donation Requests Inserted into City Mailings

In August 2000, as a result of Walter Payton's appeals for greater awareness of organ donation, the City of Chicago inserted organ donation requests into city-vehicle-registration mailings after his appeals, and, by August 2000, 13,000 people had signed on to the program.

2000: Lost single game rushing record to Corey Dillon

During the 2000 NFL season, Corey Dillon broke Walter Payton's single game rushing record.

2002: Establishment of Walter Payton Cancer Fund

In 2002, the Payton family established the Walter Payton Cancer Fund.

2002: Lost rushing yards and all-purpose yards record to Emmitt Smith

Prior to the 2002 NFL season, Emmitt Smith broke Walter Payton's record as the NFL's all-time leader in rushing yards and all-purpose yards.

September 2007: Walter Payton Liver Center Opens

In September 2007, the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center opened the Walter Payton Liver Center, following a donation from Payton's family.