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 13 seasons for the Chicago Bears. Widely considered one of the greatest football players ever, Payton was known for his remarkable versatility, durability, and graceful running style. He set numerous NFL records during his career, including the all-time rushing record, and led the Bears to a Super Bowl XX victory. Payton's impact extended beyond the field through his charitable work and beloved personality.

Sections (5)

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

September 23, 1972: Sets SWAC Single-Game Scoring Record

On September 23, 1972, Walter Payton set a SWAC single-game scoring record by rushing for seven touchdowns and two 2-point conversions for 46 points as Jackson State beat Lane College, 72–0. He also set a school record with 279 rushing yards.

1975: Payton's First Season with the Bears

In 1975, Payton was drafted by the Chicago Bears and began his NFL career. He finished the season with 679 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, and led the league in yards per kickoff return.

1975: Graduation and Draft

In 1975, Walter Payton graduated from Jackson State with a bachelor's degree in communications. He was also drafted into the NFL by the Chicago Bears that year.

1975: Payton Drafted by the Chicago Bears

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

1976: Payton Rushes for 1,390 Yards

During the 1976 season, Payton rushed for 1,390 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, showing significant improvement in his performance.

1977: Record-Setting Game Against the Vikings

During the 1977 season, in a game against the Minnesota Vikings, Walter Payton rushed for a then-record 275 yards while battling a 101-degree fever.

1977: Payton Wins AP NFL MVP Award

In 1977, Payton won the AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award, marking a significant achievement in his career.

1982: Mike Ditka Becomes Bears' Coach

In 1982, Mike Ditka replaced Neill Armstrong as the coach of the Chicago Bears, leading the team to a 3–6 record in a strike-shortened season.

1984: Payton's Record-Breaking Season

In 1984, Payton rushed for more than 1,400 yards. On September 19, 1984, he passed Franco Harris as the active leader in career rushing yards, and on October 7, 1984, he broke Jim Brown's career rushing record of 12,312 yards.

1985: Super Bowl Shuffle and Super Bowl XX Victory

In 1985, Walter Payton performed with his teammates in "The Super Bowl Shuffle" music video. The Chicago Bears won Super Bowl XX with a 46–10 victory over the New England Patriots.

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1985: Payton Rushes for over 1,500 Yards; Bears Establish Strong Offense and Defense

In 1985, Walter Payton rushed for more than 1,500 yards, contributing to the Chicago Bears establishing one of the league's best offenses. The Bears' defense also became one of the best in NFL history.

1985: Payton Wins Super Bowl XX

In 1985, Walter Payton won Super Bowl XX with the Chicago Bears, a major triumph in his NFL career.

1986: 1,333 Yards and NFC Central Division Win

In the 1986 season, Payton amassed 1,333 rushing yards and helped the Bears win the NFC Central Division, although they lost in the divisional round of the playoffs.

1987: Retirement Announcement and Final Season

At the end of the 1986 season, Payton announced that he would retire after the 1987 season. In his last season, he rushed for a career-low 533 yards.

1987: Payton Retires from Football

At the end of the 1987 season, Payton retired from professional football after 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears.

January 10, 1988: Payton's Career Ends with Playoff Loss

On January 10, 1988, Walter Payton's career ended with another loss to the Washington Redskins in the divisional round of the playoffs.

1990: NFL Expansion Team Effort in St. Louis

In 1990, Walter Payton sought to bring an NFL expansion team to St. Louis, Missouri, with the aim of becoming the first minority owner in NFL history, but the efforts were thwarted.

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, which became known as "Walter Payton's Roundhouse" and hosted a restaurant, brewery, banquet facility, and museum.

1996: Rushing Touchdown Record Broken

During the 1996 NFL season, Marcus Allen surpassed Walter Payton's record for rushing touchdowns.

February 1999: Diagnosis of Rare Liver Disease

In February 1999, Walter Payton announced that he had primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare liver disease. Following the diagnosis, he became an advocate for organ transplants.

1999: City Sticker Featuring Payton Created

In 1999, the city of Chicago created a special city sticker featuring Walter Payton, with profits from sales supporting organ-donor programs across Illinois.

August 2000: Chicago Implements Organ Donation Requests in Vehicle Registration

In August 2000, the City of Chicago began including organ donation requests in city-vehicle-registration mailings, following Walter Payton's appeals for greater awareness. By this time, 13,000 people had already signed on to the program.

2000: Single Game Rushing Record Broken

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 Walter Payton family established the Walter Payton Cancer Fund to further support cancer research and treatment initiatives.

2002: Payton's Rushing Yards Record Broken

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

September 2007: Opening of Walter Payton Liver Center

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