History of Walter Payton in Timeline
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.
July 25, 1953: Walter Payton's Birth
Walter Jerry Payton was born on July 25, 1953. He would later become a celebrated American professional football running back.
1953: Walter Payton's Year of Birth
Walter Payton was born in 1953 in Columbia, Mississippi, although his year of birth was disputed, with some sources citing 1954.
July 25, 1954: Claimed Date of Birth
Throughout his life, Walter Payton had claimed his date of birth as July 25, 1954, a date that is cited in many of his early biographies, although his actual birthdate was July 25, 1953.
September 23, 1972: SWAC Single-Game Scoring Record
On September 23, 1972, Walter Payton set a then-best 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 in the game.
1972: Gale Sayers Retires
In 1972, Gale Sayers retired, after which the Chicago Bears endured several losing seasons.
1973: Black College Player of the Year Award
In 1973, Walter Payton was named Black College Player of the Year and had a school record 24 rushing touchdowns while playing for Jackson State.
1974: All-American Team Selection and Black College Player of the Year Award
In 1974, Walter Payton was selected for the All-American Team and won the Black College Player of the Year award for the second time.
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.
1975: Graduation from Jackson State
Walter Payton graduated from Jackson State in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in communications.
1976: Breakout Season
During the 1976 season, Walter Payton rushed for 1,390 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, showcasing his talent and potential.
1976: Marriage to Connie Norwood
In 1976, Walter Payton married Connie Norwood and resided in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
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: Death of Walter Payton's Father
In 1978, Walter Payton's father passed away in jail after being wrongfully accused of driving under the influence.
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.
1980: Birth of Son, Jarrett Payton
In 1980, Walter Payton and Connie Norwood had their first child, Jarrett Payton.
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.
1983: Bears Finish with 8-8 Record
In 1983, Mike Ditka led the Chicago Bears to an 8-8 finish.
1983: Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
In 1983, Walter Payton underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees, which he referred to as an 11,000-yard checkup.
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: Birth of Daughter, Brittney Payton
In 1985, Walter Payton and Connie Norwood had their second child, Brittney Payton.
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.
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.
1987: Accidental shooting at nightclub
In 1987, Walter Payton accidentally shot Elmer Ray Hutson Jr., the manager of his nightclub in Schaumburg, Illinois. Payton was unfamiliar with his new 9 mm French-made Manurhin Pistolet and unaware that it was loaded. The gun discharged as it was being handed to Payton by a third party, causing knee damage to Hutson.
1987: Appearance on Saturday Night Live and The Grand Knockout Tournament
In 1987, Walter Payton co-hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live with Joe Montana. He also participated in Prince Edward of the United Kingdom's charity television special The Grand Knockout Tournament.
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.
1988: Golden Plate Award
In 1988, Walter Payton received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.
1993: Trans-Am Series Accident
In 1993, Walter Payton drove in several Trans-Am Series events, including a race at Road America where his car overturned and caught fire. He suffered burns but escaped serious injury.
1993: Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame
In 1993, Walter Payton was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the sport.
1993: Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
In 1993, Walter Payton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest football players of all time.
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.
1994: Appearance at WWF's SummerSlam Event
In 1994, Walter Payton made an appearance at the World Wrestling Federation's SummerSlam event in the corner of Razor Ramon.
1994: Named to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
In 1994, Walter Payton was named to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, an honor reserved for the greatest players in NFL history.
1995: Los Angeles Rams Move to St. Louis
In 1995, St. Louis finally received an NFL team when the Los Angeles Rams moved to the city.
1996: Lost rushing touchdown record to Marcus Allen
During the 1996 NFL season, Marcus Allen broke Walter Payton's rushing touchdown record.
1996: Elected to College Football Hall of Fame
In 1996, Walter Payton was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, celebrating his outstanding college career.
1996: Asteroid Named in Payton's Memory Discovered
In 1996, the asteroid 85386 Payton was discovered by the Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing observatory. This asteroid was later named in Walter Payton's memory.
February 1999: Diagnosis of rare liver disease
In February 1999, Walter Payton announced that he had primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare liver disease.
April 1999: Final Public Appearance
In April 1999, Walter Payton made his final public appearance at a Chicago Cubs game with Mike Ditka, throwing the ceremonial first pitch.
November 1, 1999: Walter Payton's Death
Walter Jerry Payton, nicknamed "Sweetness," passed away on November 1, 1999. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time.
1999: Award from National Trust for Historic Preservation
In 1999, Walter Payton's Roundhouse received an award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
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.
October 22, 2000: Corey Dillon Breaks Payton's Rushing Record
On October 22, 2000, Corey Dillon of the Cincinnati Bengals broke Walter Payton's record for rushing yards in a single game, running for 278 yards.
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.
2006: LaDainian Tomlinson Mentions Payton as Mentor
During the 2006 NFL season, LaDainian Tomlinson, who set numerous records, named Walter Payton as one of his foremost mentors and inspirations.
2007: Adrian Peterson Sets New Rushing Record
In 2007, Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings set the current record of 296 rushing yards in a single game.
May 20, 2008: Official Naming Citation Published
On May 20, 2008, the official naming citation for asteroid 85386 Payton was published by the Minor Planet Center.
November 1, 2009: Tribute Video Aired
On November 1, 2009, the Chicago Bears honored Walter Payton by airing a special tribute video during halftime, consisting of career highlights and interviews. Payton's family was present to watch the video.
2009: Jarrett Payton's wedding date
In 2009, Walter Payton's son, Jarrett Payton, married on March 4 (3/4), intentionally set to coincide with Payton's jersey number.
2010: Named Greatest Player in NFL History
In 2010, Pro Football Focus founder Neil Hornsby named Walter Payton as the greatest player in NFL history.
2010: Posthumous Induction into Black College Football Hall of Fame
In 2010, Walter Payton was posthumously inducted into the inaugural class of the Black College Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to football at historically black colleges.
2011: Walter Payton's Roundhouse Sold
In 2011, Walter Payton's Roundhouse was sold to Two Brothers Brewing, marking the end of Payton's ownership, though a plaque commemorating Payton remains on the building.
September 2019: Named Greatest Bears Player of All Time
In September 2019, the Chicago Tribune named Walter Payton the greatest Bears player of all time.
2019: Named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
In 2019, Walter Payton was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest football players of all time.
2019: Statue Dedicated at Soldier Field
In 2019, a statue of Walter Payton, accompanied by a plaque, was dedicated in front of the south entrance to Soldier Field.
2022: Second all-time leading rusher
As of 2022, Walter Payton is the NFL's second all-time leading rusher.
Mentioned in this timeline
Saturday Night Live SNL is a late-night live sketch comedy...
College football is a popular amateur sport in the United...
Jim Brown was a dominant NFL running back for the...
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based...
The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the...
Emmitt Smith is a former American professional football running back...
Trending
De'Von Achane is a professional American football running back currently playing for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL He was...
19 days ago Ben Shelton faces Kamil Majchrzak at ATP Basel after Rune's setback: Predictions.
9 minutes ago Derrick Henry supports Myles McLaughlin in chase for his high school rushing record.
TreVeyon Henderson is an American professional football running back for the New England Patriots of the NFL He played college...
Nico Collins is a professional American football wide receiver currently playing for the Houston Texans in the NFL He was...
Robert Kraft is an American billionaire businessman best known as the chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group and the...
Popular
Nancy Pelosi is a prominent American politician notably serving as...
Zohran Kwame Mamdani is an American politician currently serving as...
William Franklin Graham III commonly known as Franklin Graham is...
Chuck Schumer is the senior United States Senator from New...
Nicholas J Fuentes is a far-right political commentator and activist...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...