Walter Payton

Walter Jerry Payton (July 25, 1953 – November 1, 1999) was an American professional football running back who played 13 seasons in the National Football League for the Chicago Bears. Nicknamed "Sweetness," he began his football career in Mississippi and went on to an outstanding college career at Jackson State University, where he played for the Tigers and was named Little All-American twice.

The Bears selected Payton with the fourth overall pick of the 1975 NFL Draft, and he began his professional career that year. He won the 1977 AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award and won Super Bowl XX with the 1985 Chicago Bears. Payton retired at the end of the 1987 season, having rushed for at least 1,200 yards in 10 of his 13 seasons, two of which were lockout-shortened.

A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Payton was a prolific rusher. He held NFL records for career rushing yards, touchdowns, carries, yards from scrimmage, all-purpose yards, and many other categories, and retired with the most receptions by a non-receiver.