Childhood and Education Journey of Walter Payton in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Walter Payton. A timeline of key moments.

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

July 25, 1953: Walter Payton's Birth

On July 25, 1953, Walter Jerry Payton was born. He later became a professional football running back known as "Sweetness".

1953: Walter Payton's Year of Birth

Walter Payton was born in Columbia, Mississippi in 1953, though some sources later stated his birth year as 1954.

July 25, 1954: Claimed Date of Birth

Throughout his life, Walter Payton claimed his date of birth to be July 25, 1954. This date was used in many of his early biographies. However, his actual date of birth was July 25, 1953.

1954: Disputed Year of Birth

Throughout Walter Payton's life, many sources cited his birth year as 1954, though his actual birth year was 1953.

1972: Retirement of Gale Sayers

In 1972, the iconic Gale Sayers retired, after which The Bears endured several losing seasons until Payton joined the team.

1973: School Record 24 Rushing Touchdowns and Black College Player of the Year

In 1973, Walter Payton had a school record of 24 rushing touchdowns, and was named Black College Player of the Year.

1974: All-American Team Selection

In 1974, Walter Payton was selected for the All-American Team and also won the Black College Player of the Year award for the second time.

1975: Graduation from Jackson State

In 1975, Walter Payton graduated from Jackson State with a bachelor's degree in communications.

1978: Death of Walter Payton's Father

In 1978, Walter Payton's father died in jail shortly after being wrongfully accused of driving under the influence. He had experienced a stroke.

1983: Arthroscopic Surgery on Both Knees

In 1983, Walter Payton underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees, which he humorously referred to as an 11,000-yard checkup.

1987: Accidental Shooting at Nightclub

In 1987, Walter Payton accidentally shot a manager at a nightclub he owned in Schaumburg, Illinois. The 9 mm French-made Manurhin Pistolet, which Payton had recently acquired, discharged while being handed to him, injuring Elmer Ray Hutson Jr.

1987: Appearance on Saturday Night Live and Charity Television Special

In 1987, Walter Payton appeared on an episode of "Saturday Night Live" and participated in Prince Edward of the United Kingdom's charity television special, "The Grand Knockout Tournament".

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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.

1993: Trans-Am Series Accident

In 1993, Walter Payton participated in a Trans-Am Series race at Road America. His car overturned and caught fire, resulting in burns but no serious injury.

1994: Appearance at WWF SummerSlam

In 1994, Walter Payton made an appearance at the World Wrestling Federation's SummerSlam event in the corner of Razor Ramon.

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."

1995: Los Angeles Rams Move to St. Louis

In 1995, the Los Angeles Rams relocated to St. Louis, eventually bringing an NFL team to the city after Walter Payton's prior effort to establish an expansion team.