Ranking The 25 best runners in the history of the NFL…
2. Walter Payton
Recovered fourth in the general classification by the Chicago Bears in 1975 by Jackson State, Payton, nicknamed “Sweetness”, overcome a slow start to become a symbol of grain and versatility in the reconstruction teams.
More than 13 seasons with the Bears, Payton established franchise records and led the league in the yards on the ground (1977: 1,852) and the Touches (1977: 14; 1979: 14). His 1977 MVP season included a record match of 275 yards against Minnesota despite the disease.
He broke the record for Jim Brown’s career in 1984 (reaching 12,312 yards) and propelled the 1985 Bears to a 15-1 file and the Victoire of Super Bowl XX (46-10 on New England), rushing for 1551 yards that year.
History continues below advertising
Payton endured the seasons of early defeats, but helped Chicago with five appearances in the playoffs, although he has not marked any touch in the playoffs. He retired after 1987, sharing races during his last year.
Payton’s career totals are 16,726 yards on the ground (leader of all retirement times, now second), 110 affected on the ground, 492 receptions for 4,538 yards and 15 affected. He holds records for most of the consecutive departures by a ball carrier (170, including the playoffs), career sites from melee (21,264) and versatile yards (21,803). It ranks among the elite in total of the affected (125) and games with more than 100 yards (77).
Payton’s outward attributes were his remarkable sustainability, strength and agility at 5 feet 10 inches and 200 pounds, allowing him to play injuries and maintain elite production. He was a powerful inner runner with a devastating steep arm, an excellent receiver and a voluntary blocker, known for his top to avoid plated and fight for additional meters.
History continues below advertising
Payton out of scope has contrasted its fierce competitiveness. Diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis in 1999, he died that year at 46.
His heritage continues thanks to the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award price.
Who ranks in Payton at No. 1 of all time on this list?
History continues below advertising
