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 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

September 23, 1972: Record-Setting Performance Against Lane College

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 against Lane College. He also set a school record with 279 rushing yards in the game.

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.

1976: Breakthrough Season and Pro Bowl Selection

In 1976, Walter Payton had a breakthrough season, rushing for 1,390 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. After the season, he was selected to play in the 1977 Pro Bowl.

1976: Top-Ten Player for Rushing Attempts

Walter Payton was among the top-ten players for rushing attempts during the 1976 NFL season.

1977: League's Leading Non-Kicker and MVP Awards

In 1977, Walter Payton rushed for 1,852 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, becoming the league's leading non-kicker for the season. He earned numerous awards that season, including the Associated Press and Pro Football Writers of America's Most Valuable Player awards.

1977: AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award

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

1977: Led League in Rushing Yards and Touchdowns

Walter Payton led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns in the 1977 NFL season.

1978: Top-Ten Player for Rushing Attempts

Walter Payton was among the top-ten players for rushing attempts during the 1978 NFL season.

1979: Led in Rushing Attempts

Walter Payton led the league in rushing attempts in 1979.

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

On September 19, 1984, Walter Payton passed Franco Harris as the active leader in career rushing yards, marking a significant achievement in his career.

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

On October 7, 1984, against the New Orleans Saints, Walter Payton broke Jim Brown's career rushing record of 12,312 yards, establishing a new milestone in NFL history.

1984: Payton Passes Franco Harris and Breaks Jim Brown's Rushing Record

In 1984, Walter Payton achieved two significant milestones: 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 in the music video "The Super Bowl Shuffle". The Bears achieved a 15-1 record, culminating in a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.

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1985: Super Bowl XX Win

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.

1988: Receives Golden Plate Award

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

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

In 1993, Walter Payton was elected to both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy in football.

1993: Induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame

In 1993, Walter Payton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his accomplishments and contributions to the sport.

1994: Named to the 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 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, recognizing his achievements in college football.

1996: Induction into the College Football Hall of Fame

In 1996, Walter Payton was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his college football career.

1996: Asteroid Discovered and Named in Payton's Memory

The asteroid 85386 Payton was discovered by the Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing observatory in 1996 and 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, recognizing its historical significance.

1999: City Sticker Created in Payton's Honor

In 1999, the city of Chicago created a special city sticker that featured Walter Payton. Proceeds supported organ-donor programs.

October 22, 2000: Corey Dillon Breaks Payton's Rushing Record

On October 22, 2000, Corey Dillon of the Cincinnati Bengals broke Walter Payton's single-game rushing record with 278 yards.

2000: Single Game Rushing Record Broken

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

2002: Rushing Yards Record Broken

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 names Payton as a mentor

During the 2006 NFL season, LaDainian Tomlinson, named Payton as one of his foremost mentors and inspirations.

September 2007: Walter Payton Liver Center Opened

In September 2007, the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center opened the Walter Payton Liver Center.

2007: Adrian Peterson Sets New Rushing Record

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

May 20, 2008: Official Naming Citation Published for Asteroid Payton

On May 20, 2008, the official naming citation for the asteroid 85386 Payton was published by the Minor Planet Center.

November 1, 2009: Special Tribute Video Aired

On November 1, 2009, the Chicago Bears honored Walter Payton's career and life by airing a special tribute video during halftime, featuring highlight clips and interviews.