Walter Payton's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Walter Payton.

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

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.

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.

1976: Breakout Season

During the 1976 season, Walter Payton rushed for 1,390 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, showcasing his talent and potential.

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.

1979: Led the league in rushing attempts

In 1979, Walter Payton led the league in rushing attempts.

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: 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.

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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.

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: 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.

1999: Award from National Trust for Historic Preservation

In 1999, Walter Payton's Roundhouse received an award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.