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 celebrated American professional football running back for the Chicago Bears for 13 seasons. He is widely considered one of the greatest football players in history. His remarkable career was defined by his exceptional athleticism, durability, and dedication, establishing him as a legendary figure in the NFL.

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 career with the Chicago Bears after being selected as the fourth overall pick in the NFL draft.

1975: Drafted by Chicago Bears and First Season in the NFL

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

1976: Breakthrough Season and Pro Bowl Selection

In 1976, Walter Payton had a breakthrough season, rushing for 1,390 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. After the season, he was selected to play in the 1977 Pro Bowl.

1976: Top-Ten Player for Rushing Attempts

Walter Payton was among the top-ten players for rushing attempts during the 1976 NFL season.

1977: League's Leading Non-Kicker and MVP Awards

In 1977, Walter Payton rushed for 1,852 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, becoming the league's leading non-kicker for the season. He earned numerous awards that season, including the Associated Press and Pro Football Writers of America's Most Valuable Player awards.

1977: AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award

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

1977: Led League in Rushing Yards and Touchdowns

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

1978: Top-Ten Player for Rushing Attempts

Walter Payton was among the top-ten players for rushing attempts during the 1978 NFL season.

1979: Led in Rushing Attempts

Walter Payton led the league in rushing attempts in 1979.

1982: Mike Ditka Hired as Head Coach

In 1982, Mike Ditka was hired to replace Neill Armstrong as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. The Bears finished the strike-shortened season with a 3–6 record.

September 19, 1984: Payton Becomes Active Leader in Career Rushing Yards

On September 19, 1984, Walter Payton passed Franco Harris as the active leader in career rushing yards, marking a significant achievement in his career.

October 7, 1984: Payton Breaks Jim Brown's Career Rushing Record

On October 7, 1984, against the New Orleans Saints, Walter Payton broke Jim Brown's career rushing record of 12,312 yards, establishing a new milestone in NFL history.

1984: Payton Passes Franco Harris and Breaks Jim Brown's Rushing Record

In 1984, Walter Payton achieved two significant milestones: 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 in the music video "The Super Bowl Shuffle". The Bears achieved a 15-1 record, culminating in a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.

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1985: Payton Rushes for Over 1,500 Yards

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

1985: Super Bowl XX Win

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

1986: Final Seasons and Retirement Announcement

In 1986, Walter Payton amassed 1,333 yards. At the end of the 1986 season, he announced his retirement from professional football after completing the 1987 season.

1987: Retirement from Football

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

1987: Last Season with the Bears

During his last season in 1987 with the Bears, Walter Payton split carries with Neal Anderson and rushed for a career-low 533 yards along with four touchdowns.

January 10, 1988: End of Career with Loss to Redskins

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

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 goal of becoming the first minority owner in NFL history. However, due to internal dissension among the investment group, the NFL awarded franchises to Jacksonville and Charlotte instead.

1993: Co-founded Walter Payton Power Equipment

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

1995: Purchase of Roundhouse in Aurora, Illinois

In 1995, Walter Payton and several partners purchased a roundhouse in Aurora, Illinois, formerly owned by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. The property was transformed into "Walter Payton's Roundhouse."

1996: Rushing Touchdown Record Broken

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

1999: City Sticker Created in Payton's Honor

In 1999, the city of Chicago created a special city sticker that featured Walter Payton. Proceeds supported organ-donor programs.

August 2000: Organ Donation Requests Added to City Vehicle Registration

In response to Payton's appeals, the City of Chicago in August 2000 inserted organ donation requests into city-vehicle-registration mailings; by August 2000, 13,000 people had signed on to the program.