He consistently went above and beyond expectations, and his positive attitude inspired millions. Si.com is going over the top for a touchdown. Walter Payton, a brilliant football player and even better guy, is a true hero who inspires millions to be modest and driven.
Walter Payton was not just one of the best NFL running backs of all time, but his work off the field was equally amazing. Throughout his NFL career, Payton leveraged his popularity to start a children's literacy program and make several charitable contributions. He also sponsored a dance contest called the "Sweetest Swing Dance" that raised money for multiple charities including the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Payton began his career with the Chicago Bears in 1983 and led them in rushing every year except for his first season when he was sidelined by injury. At the end of his career with the Bears, he had more than 12,000 yards from scrimmage and over 100 touchdowns.
After retiring from football, Payton started a foundation called The Walter Payton Award that gives scholarships to underprivileged high school athletes. He also contributed to many other charities including AIDS research and prevention efforts, supporting military personnel, and helping victims of natural disasters. In 2004, he was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Looking back at his life, it's clear that there wasn't much time for fun or frivolity. However, despite his intense career as a player, coach, and manager, Payton never failed to give back to the community that made him famous. Today, his legacy lives on through the programs he created while playing in Chicago.
Walter Payton was a Chicago Bears great who played with the team from 1975 until 1987. He is well-known for his fast and powerful running style. He is also well-known for his charity efforts. In 1988, he and his wife founded the Walter Payton Foundation to assist impoverished youngsters on Chicago's streets. He returned to Chicago in 1990 after serving as the mayor of Camden, New Jersey for a year to help the foundation start up.
Payton died at the age of 38 after suffering a heart attack during the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. The Chicago Tribune reports that he had finished his workout and was about to go home when he collapsed. He is still considered one of the greatest running backs of all time.
After graduating from high school, Payton went to prison for three years for robbery. When he came out, he decided to make something of himself by becoming a model railroad builder. He also spent several years playing football for the University of Louisiana Monroe before being drafted by the Chicago Bears.
During his career with the Bears, Payton became one of the most popular players in the league. He led the Bears to the Super Bowl in 1985, where they lost to the Los Angeles Raiders. After retiring as a player, Payton managed some successful business ventures including a fried chicken chain called Kwick Kakes.
Mr. Walter Payton Many believe him to be one of the best players of all time. According to Bleacher Report, when he retired, he owned the record for single-game rushing with 275 yards. And he tallied 1,000 yards or more ten times in his career. Following that, this running back contributed to back-to-back Super Bowl triumphs. With him on the field, your team was likely to win.
Now, let's take a look at some of the facts about Walter Payton's life and career that may not be known by everyone.
He once said that if it wasn't for basketball, he would have gone to college to play football. During his junior year, he began to feel pain while playing basketball and went to see a doctor, who told him he had a stress fracture and should stop playing sports. After recovering from this injury, Mr. Payton decided to continue with basketball instead of going back to football. He only played two more seasons of high school ball before becoming a full-time athlete at Southwestern Illinois College.
At SIU, he led the nation in scoring his freshman season with 42 points per game. Then the following season, he set an OVC record with 612 points scored. This is more than anyone else in history. He also led the team in rebounding both years as well. In addition, he set the school record for most consecutive games played with 168 straight appearances. This is still standing today!
Because Payton is one of the top humanitarians in NFL history, the NFL Man of the Year award was renamed after him. Today, Walter Payton motivates others to compete for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, and many athletes are interested in charitable activity.
In 1988, he and his wife founded the Walter Payton Foundation to assist impoverished youngsters on Chicago's streets. He was one of the finest players in NFL history, with 9 Pro Bowl selections, 1 MVP title, 1 Super Bowl ring, and 16,726 total career running yards. Walter Payton was a Chicago Bears great who played with the team from 1975 until 1987. He is well-known for his quickness and strong running technique. He is also well-known for his charity efforts. In 1988, he and his wife founded the Walter Payton Foundation to assist impoverished youngsters on Chicago's streets.
Walter Payton, one of the finest players in NFL history, was named to nine Pro Bowls and established several rushing records during his 13-year career with the Chicago Bears. The last season of his career saw him lead the league in yards from scrimmage while playing through numerous injuries.
Payton's 9 Pro Bowls are a record for most by a player who never played in an official game. The only other players who have been selected in every year of their career are Frank Gifford (New York Giants) and Roger Staubach (Dallas Cowboys).
During his career, Payton averaged more than 100 yards per game and scored 15 or more points seven times. He is still the leading rusher of all time without ever having led the league in attempts or carries. His career average of 5.5 yards per carry remains the highest of all time.
The Bears released Payton after the 1987 season and he immediately signed with the New Orleans Saints as they tried to repeat as Super Bowl champions. However, Payton again suffered through injury problems and was limited to just six games before being shut down for the season. He announced his retirement at the end of that season but changed his mind and returned for one final season with the Bears in 1990. He died in April 1993 at the age of 38 after suffering heart damage during a workout routine.
Copyright © 2020 - 2023 Sportsmanist Inc.
