Lasting Legacy of Walter Payton: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of Walter Payton continue to shape the world today.

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

1987: Induction into The Lincoln Academy of Illinois

In 1987, Walter Payton was inducted as a laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois and awarded the Order of Lincoln by the governor of Illinois for his achievements in sports.

1988: Golden Plate Award

In 1988, Walter Payton received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

2002: Establishment of Walter Payton Cancer Fund

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

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.

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.

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.