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Walter Payton




  position Half Back
  number 34
  debutyear 1975
  finalyear 1987
  draftyear 1975
  draftround 1
  draftpick 4
  college Jackson State
  teams <nowiki></nowiki>
  stat1label Rushing Yards
  stat1value 16,726
  stat2label Average
  stat2value 47
  stat3label Touchdowns
  stat3value 110
  pfr PaytWa00
  highlights <nowiki></nowiki>
  HOF 1993
  CollegeHOF 70028


Walter Jerry Payton ( July 25 , 1954November 1 , 1999 ) was an American Football Running Back for the Chicago Bears . Payton, a Pro Football Hall Of Fame member, distinguished himself as one of the National Football League’s most productive and memorable players. He also set many rushing records during his professional and collegiate career.

After a standout career at caliber performer, and won the league's Most Valuable Player Award in just his third season. He continued to play for the Bears until his retirement in 1988 and was a member of the Bears team that won Super Bowl XX . After struggling with a rare Liver disease for several months, Payton died in 1999 at the age of 45.


EARLY LIFE

Walter Payton was born to Peter and Alyne Payton in , 2007 .

Payton and his classmates were forced to attend , 2007 .


COLLEGE CAREER

Although Payton had established himself as one of the state’s top running back prospects, many colleges shunned him on account of his , 2007 .

While attending Jackson State, Payton played along side many future professional football players, including , 2007 .


PROFESSIONAL CAREER


Beginning

On , 2007 . 1

Payton was eager to improve his performance. During the , 2007 . 2


"Da Coach" arrives


Despite Payton’s success on the field, the Bears struggled to assemble consecutive winning seasons, landing only two playoff berths since his arrival. The lack of success prompted the Bears’ management to replace Neill Armstrong with Mike Ditka . Ditka, a legendary Tight End , immediately propelled the Bears’ to an 8-8 finish and later 10-6 finish in 1984 . Payton continued his success by rushing for over 1,400 yards in both seasons. Additionally, on October 7 , 1984, Payton broke Jim Brown 's career rushing record.