Walter Payton’s Followers (11)

Walter Payton

Born

in Columbia, Mississippi, The United States

July 25, 1953

Died

November 01, 1999

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Walter Payton, affectionately known as "Sweetness," was one of the most iconic and admired athletes in American sports history. A Hall of Fame running back for the Chicago Bears, Payton was renowned for his unmatched combination of speed, power, grace, and tenacity, as well as for his humility and commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Payton began his football journey at Jackson State University, a historically Black college, where he was a standout player and earned All-American honors. Though he did not play at a traditional football powerhouse, his dazzling performances quickly made him a top NFL prospect. He was selected fourth overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1975 NFL Draft and would go on to spend his entire 13-year c Walter Payton, affectionately known as "Sweetness," was one of the most iconic and admired athletes in American sports history. A Hall of Fame running back for the Chicago Bears, Payton was renowned for his unmatched combination of speed, power, grace, and tenacity, as well as for his humility and commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Payton began his football journey at Jackson State University, a historically Black college, where he was a standout player and earned All-American honors. Though he did not play at a traditional football powerhouse, his dazzling performances quickly made him a top NFL prospect. He was selected fourth overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1975 NFL Draft and would go on to spend his entire 13-year career with the team, becoming its heart and soul.
In 1977, Payton had a breakout season, leading the league in rushing yards and being named the NFL's Most Valuable Player. That year he rushed for 275 yards in a single game, a then-record, despite playing with a 101-degree fever. It was this kind of toughness and relentless drive that defined his career. He was not only a dominant rusher but also an exceptional receiver and blocker. Over the course of his career, he accumulated 16,726 rushing yards, 110 rushing touchdowns, and more than 21,000 all-purpose yards—making him the NFL’s all-time leading rusher at the time of his retirement.
Payton’s greatest team achievement came in the 1985 season when he helped lead the Bears to a 15–1 regular season and a victory in Super Bowl XX. Although he did not score in the championship game, his leadership and contributions throughout the season were pivotal.
Off the field, Payton was equally influential. He was devoted to community work, particularly in advocating for underprivileged children and organ donation. The NFL Man of the Year Award, which he won in 1977, was renamed in his honor after his passing. Payton died in 1999 from a rare liver disease, but his legacy endures.
Walter Payton remains a symbol of determination, grace under pressure, and selfless service. His contributions to football and to humanity continue to inspire athletes and fans alike across generations. ...more

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Walter Payton’s books

Average rating: 4.2 · 1,623 ratings · 152 reviews · 7 distinct works • Similar authors

	Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton by Walter Payton, Don Yaeger 4.23 avg rating — 1,540 ratings — published 2000 — 20 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Sweetness 3.73 avg rating — 82 ratings — published 1978 — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Bears: A Seventy-Five-Year Celebration by Richard Whittingham, Ed McCaskey, Walter Payton 4.20 avg rating — 5 ratings — published 1994 — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Winning in Life 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Sports Illustrated Magazine December 8, 1986 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	My old Scotch Home. Song, words and music by W. Payton 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Never Die Easy : The Autobiography of Walter Payton (Paperback)--by Walter Payton [2001 Edition] by Don Yaeger, Walter Payton, Unknown Author 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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Quotes by Walter Payton (?)

“When you're good at something, you'll tell everyone. When you're great at something, they'll tell you.”
― Walter Payton

tags: greatness, inspirational

131 likes

“If you ask me how I want to be remembered, it is as a winner. You know what a winner is? A winner is somebody who has given his best effort, who has tried the hardest they possibly can, who has utilized every ounce of energy and strength within them to accomplish something. It doesn't mean that they accomplished it or failed, it means that they've given it their best. That's a winner.”
― Walter Payton, Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton

tags: being-a-winner, inspirational, winning

35 likes

“We are stronger together than we are alone.”
― Walter Payton

26 likes

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Walter Payton’s Followers (11)

Walter Payton

Combine EditionsWalter Payton’s books

Combine Editions
Walter Payton’s books