Early Life

Walter Payton was born on July 25, 1954 in Columbia, Mississippi. His parents are Peter Payton and Alyne Payton. He loved playing sports outside with his brother, Eddie and sister, Pam.

Education

Walter Payton attended Columbia High School where he started playing football in sophomore year. He went to Jackson State University on a full-ride football scholarship. When he finished senior year at Jackson State he went to the NFL Draft.

Career

Walter Payton got drafted to the Chicago Bears in the 1975 draft. He made the Pro Bowl nine times and five times in the first six years. He won Super Bowl 20 and was a 2 time MVP. He was coined the nickname "Sweetness" because of his quick feet and agility. His jukes and spin-moves made kids around the country want to be him.

Accomplishments

Super Bowl champion (XX)

9× Pro Bowl (1976–1980, 1983–1986)

7× First-team All-Pro (1976–1980, 1984, 1985)

Second-team All-Pro (1986)

2× NFL Most Valuable Player (1977, 1985)

Bert Bell Award (1985)

NFC Player of the Year (1985)

NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1977)

NFL rushing yards leader (1977)

NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1977)

NFL 1970s All-Decade Team

NFL 1980s All-Decade Team

NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team

Chicago Bears No. 34 retired

Impact on society

Walter Payton has a high school named Walter Payton College Prep School in Chicago, Illinois. He affected the Chicago Bears so much that they retired the his number, 34, never to be worn again.