Walter Payton's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 14, 2026

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

Walter Payton, nicknamed "Sweetness," was a legendary NFL running back who played 13 seasons for the Chicago Bears. Widely considered one of the greatest football players ever, Payton was known for his remarkable versatility, durability, and graceful running style. He set numerous NFL records during his career, including the all-time rushing record, and led the Bears to a Super Bowl XX victory. Payton's impact extended beyond the field through his charitable work and beloved personality.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

September 23, 1972: Sets SWAC Single-Game Scoring Record

On September 23, 1972, Walter Payton set a 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.

1973: Named Black College Player of the Year

In 1973, Payton was named Black College Player of the Year and had a school record of 24 rushing touchdowns as a member of the Jackson State Tigers.

1974: Wins Black College Player of the Year Again and Selected for All-American Team

In 1974, Payton won the Black College Player of the Year award again and was selected for the All-American Team while playing for Jackson State.

1977: Record-Setting Game Against the Vikings

During the 1977 season, in a game against the Minnesota Vikings, Walter Payton rushed for a then-record 275 yards while battling a 101-degree fever.

1977: Payton Wins AP NFL MVP Award

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

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

On September 19, 1984, Walter Payton surpassed Franco Harris to become the active leader in career rushing yards.

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

On October 7, 1984, Walter Payton broke Jim Brown's career rushing record of 12,312 yards against the New Orleans Saints.

1984: Payton's Record-Breaking Season

In 1984, Payton rushed for more than 1,400 yards. 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 with his teammates in "The Super Bowl Shuffle" music video. The Chicago Bears won Super Bowl XX with a 46–10 victory over the New England Patriots.

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1985: Payton Wins Super Bowl XX

In 1985, Walter Payton won Super Bowl XX with the Chicago Bears, a major triumph in his NFL 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: Receives Golden Plate Award

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

1993: Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame

In 1993, Payton was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding career achievements.

1993: Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

In 1993, Walter Payton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, marking his legacy as one of the greatest players in NFL history. His jersey number was also retired by the Chicago Bears.

1994: Named to NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team

In 1994, Walter Payton was named to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, honoring him as one of the greatest players in NFL history.

1996: Rushing Touchdown Record Broken

During the 1996 NFL season, Marcus Allen surpassed Walter Payton's record for rushing touchdowns.

1996: Elected to College Football Hall of Fame

In 1996, Payton was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, adding to his list of accolades.

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: Payton's Record Broken by Corey Dillon

On October 22, 2000, Corey Dillon of the Cincinnati Bengals broke Walter Payton's 23-year-old record by rushing for 278 yards.

2000: Single Game Rushing Record Broken

During the 2000 NFL season, Corey Dillon broke Walter Payton's single game rushing record.

2002: Payton's Rushing Yards Record Broken

Prior to the 2002 NFL season, Walter Payton was the NFL's all-time leader in rushing yards and all-purpose yards, but Emmitt Smith broke his record that year.

2007: Adrian Peterson Sets Current Rushing Record

In 2007, Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings set the current record for rushing yards in a single game with 296 yards.

May 20, 2008: Asteroid Named in Payton's Memory

On May 20, 2008, the Minor Planet Center officially published the naming citation for the asteroid 85386 Payton, which was discovered in 1996. The asteroid was named in Walter Payton's memory.

November 1, 2009: Special Tribute Video Aired by Chicago Bears

On November 1, 2009, the Chicago Bears honored Walter Payton's career and life by airing a special tribute video during halftime, featuring highlights from his career and interviews with key figures. Payton's family was present to watch the video on Soldier Field's Jumbotron.

2010: Named Greatest Player in NFL History

In 2010, Neil Hornsby, the founder of Pro Football Focus, named Walter Payton as the greatest player in NFL history.

2010: Posthumously Inducted 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.

September 2019: Named Greatest Bears Player of All Time

In September 2019, the Chicago Tribune declared Walter Payton as the greatest Bears player of all time, solidifying his legacy within the team's history.