Walter Payton

Walter Payton, the Chicago Bears’ first-round selection and the fourth player taken overall in the 1975 NFL Draft, developed into a pro football phenom during his 13-season NFL career from 1975 to 1987.

The 5-10, 200-pound running back who rushed for 3,563 yards in four seasons at Jackson State went on to rewrite the NFL record book with numbers that stood long after his professional career ended.

Payton’s durability was unprecedented. He started 178 consecutive games, including the postseason, from 1975 to 1987, the most ever by a running back.

At the time of his retirement, Payton ranked No. 1 in NFL history in carries (3,838), rushing yards (16,726), rushing touchdowns (110), receptions by a running back (492), receiving yards by a running back (4,538) and total yards from scrimmage (21,264).

From 1976 to 1980, Payton led the NFC in rushing yards every year. Over the course of his career, he produced 10 seasons with 1,500 or more yards from scrimmage and eight seasons with 10 or more touchdowns. His 275 rushing yards vs. the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 20, 1977, set an NFL record that lasted for over 22 years.

Considered by many to be one of the most versatile players in NFL history, Payton produced 133 total touchdowns: 110 rushing, 15 receiving and eight passing.

In 1985, Payton totaled 2,034 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns, helping the Bears to a 15-1 regular-season record and a 46-10 win over the Patriots in Super Bowl XX.

Payton finished his career as a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, a seven-time All-NFC selection and a seven-time All-Pro. He was named NFL MVP and NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1977. Elected to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of both the 1970s and 1980s, Payton also is a member of the NFL 100 All-Time Team.