Walter Payton, One Time Leading NFL Rusher, His Career and His Foundation

Walter Payton will always be remembered by NFL football fans as one of the best running backs in football. In his quiet way, he will be remembered off the field by many children through the legacy of giving he leaves behind.

Walter Payton was born on July 25, 1954 in Columbia, Mississippi. He will be remembered as the "Sweetness", the best running back in the Chicago Bears History. He was incredibly strong and resilient as he set many records that some of the "great" running backs today are still trying to catch. Regarding his resilience, Walter Payton only missed one game in his 13 years and that missing that game was the trainer's decision (which was against his choosing). In Walter's 13-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears, he went to the Pro Bowl 9 times and led the Chicago Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX over the New England Patriots.

On October 7, 1984, a monumental event happened. On this day, in Chicago, Walter Payton surpassed Jim Brown's rushing record. Jim Brown is considered by many sports enthusiasts as the greatest running back in the history of football. Although others have passed his record, Jim Brown only played 9 seasons. Jim Brown was Walter Payton's hero and inspiration just as Walter Payton was Emmett Smith's hero and inspiration. And it was Emmett Smith that would take Walter Payton's yardage record away 18 years later in 2002.

Walter Payton is 5th in all time scoring with 125 career touchdowns. He also had one particular game where he scored touchdowns by passing for one, running for one and scoring another on a pass reception. He also rushed for 275 yards in a single game on November 20, 1977. This record held until Corey Dillion took it in 2001.

We will always remember Walter Payton for his accomplishments on the field. What he would have us remember is his dedication to children and they were all his family. As long as the Walter & Connie Payton Foundation loves children, we will love Payton 34.

Credit: Walter & Connie Payton Foundation

Copyright: Walter & Connie Payton Foundation