The United States Athletics Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame Honorees

Celebrating the athletes, coaches, contributors and commentators whose achievements have shaped American sport.

Walter Payton

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A Chicago Bear for his entire professional playing career, Walter Payton would be the one to eclipse Jim Brown’s rushing record, and he for a time, he was the all-time leader in rushing yards (16,726) and all-purpose yards (21,264).

Payton would rush for at least 1,200 yards nine times, making both the 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Teams. A beloved player, Payton was always giving back to the community, winning the Man of the Year Award in 1977, which was the same season as his MVP.

He died young at 45, falling victim to a rare liver disease. The NFL would rename an accolade he once won, the Man of the Year Award, the Walter Payton Man of the Year.

Perhaps the best way to describe Payton is a quote from his former coach, Mike Ditka, who told him as "the greatest player he had ever seen, but even greater as a human being."

Additional Info

  • Sport: Football
  • Statistics:

    1 Super Bowl (XX)
    1 MVP (1977)
    1 Bert Bell Award (1985)
    1 Offensive Player of the Year (1977)
    1 Man of the Year Award (1977)
    5 First Team All-Pro Selections (1976, 1977, 1980, 1984 & 1985)
    9 Pro Bowls (1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985 & 1986)
    1 Rushing Title (1977)
    1-Time Rushing Touchdowns Leader (1977)
    16,726 NFL Rushing Yards
    4,538 NFL Receiving Yards
    125 NFL Touchdowns
    Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
    Member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
    Number retired by the Chicago Bears
    Named to the 1970s All-Decade Team
    Named to the 1980s All-Decade Team
    Named to the NFL 75th Anniversary Team
    Named to the NFL 100th Anniversary Team
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Published in Athletes
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