Brief History of NFL in USA

Walter Payton, full name Walter Jerry Payton, nicknamed Sweetness, was an American professional gridiron football player who was one of the game's best running backs. He was born July 25, 1954, in Columbia, Mississippi, and died November 1, 1999, in Barrington, Illinois. He retired in 1987 as the all-time leading rusher in the National Football League (NFL), a title he held until Emmitt Smith overtook him in 2002.

Who was Pyton?

Payton was a football player in high school and at Mississippi's Jackson State University. Don’t miss out to watch nfl network online free in USA. For his pleasant attitude and exquisite agility, he earned the nickname "Sweetness" throughout his undergraduate years. He was a regular kicker at Jackson State in addition to being a starting running back, and his four-year total of 464 points was a National Collegiate Athletic Association record. The Chicago Bears selected him with the fourth overall pick in the 1975 NFL Draft.

In his second season, Payton was selected to his first of nine Pro Bowl appearances, and in 1977, he was awarded the league's Most Valuable Player after leading the NFL in running yards (1,852; a team record) and rushing touchdowns (14). He led the Bears to a 15–1 record in 1985 and the franchise's first Super Bowl victory the following January. After the 1987 season, he announced his retirement.

In addition to being a great rusher, Payton was a capable blocker, pass receiver, and even thrower. His most well-known characteristic was his pinball running technique, in which he bounced off would-be tacklers. His off-season conditioning regimen enhanced his durability; he started more than 180 consecutive games during his career.

Achievements

He set NFL records for total career rushing yards (16,726 yards), combined career yards from scrimmage (rushing and pass receiving, 21,264 yards), most seasons with 1,000 or more yards rushing (10), most yards gained in a single game (275 yards), most nfl games in USA with 100 or more yards gained in a career (77), and most career touchdowns scored by rushing (all of which have since been broken) (110).

Payton was chosen to the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1994 after being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. Since 1987, the Walter Payton Award has been given to the best player in college football's Football Championship Subdivision. Payton is credited with rekindling public enthusiasm in organ donation during his final year of life, despite suffering from a rare liver ailment.