Walter Payton, also known as "Sweetness," is considered one of the greatest running backs in the history of the NFL. During his career with the Chicago Bears, he set numerous records and accomplished many achievements, including:
Most career rushing yards: Payton is the NFL's all-time leader in career rushing yards with 16,726. He broke the previous record held by Jim Brown in 1984 and held the record until 2002 when Emmitt Smith broke it.
Most career carries: Payton also holds the record for most career carries with 3,838.
Most career rushing touchdowns: Payton is tied for third place in NFL history with 110 career rushing touchdowns.
Most career all-purpose yards: Payton is also the NFL's all-time leader in career all-purpose yards with 21,803.
Most rushing yards in a season: Payton set the record for most rushing yards in a season with 1,852 in 1977, which stood for 20 years.
Most consecutive games with a rushing touchdown: Payton set the record for most consecutive games with a rushing touchdown with 18 games in 1977.
Most career 100-yard rushing games: Payton holds the record for most career 100-yard rushing games with 77.
Payton was also a 9-time Pro Bowler, a six-time first-team All-Pro, and was named the 1977 NFL Most Valuable Player. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, his first year of eligibility.
In addition to his on-field achievements, Payton was known for his sportsmanship, humility and philanthropy. He was a role model both on and off the field, and his legacy continues to inspire people to this day.