Walter Payton was a Chicago Bears running back from 1975 to 1987 who had multiple records at the time of his retirement, including 16,726 total yards, 10 seasons with 1,000 or more yards rushing, 275 yards rushing in one game against Minnesota (1977), 77 games with more than 100 yards rushing, and 110 rushing touchdowns.
Walter Payton wasn’t just a running back he was a well rounded player he threw 8 touchdown passes. Ran for 16,726 yards, 125 touchdowns, also 53 extra points and five field goals. Payton played a ton of different positions, even kicker and he threw the ball every once and a while. But Payton wasn’t born with these talents, he was at a disadvantage in the beginning only being 5’ 10” and playing NFL was not ideal but he made it work because he worked three times as hard as everyone else. But, Payton didn’t brag about his skills and keep all of his money to himself. He used his celebrity to launch a children’s literacy program and made other generous donations to charity. Walter Payton wasn’t just a good running back he was also a good person.The work he did off the field was so great that the NFL made the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award which rewards the top NFL player for all of their charity work and gives them a $50,000 dollar reward to give to a charity of their choice.
Walter Payton wasn’t just a great player he was a great person he was also a hero to many people. Payton is also considered a role model for young African Americans starting a career in the NFL. Due to his success on the field, his kind personality and his efforts to help others, he pushed others to strive for greatness like him.
Walter Payton’s motto was never to die easy and he did that throughout his life he would push through the tackles until his body fell down to the ground. Even when he was hit hard he could have left the game and sat down but no he got back up every time and ran the ball again. He always said, “Tough times go away, tough people do not.” So he pushed through the hard times even when he wanted to give up but he didn’t because he was not going to die easily. Payton always said that he wanted to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field. Payton always pushed through and gave it his best effort by putting his body on the line to score for his team.
