He wasn't the fastest of his time. Nor the biggest.
Yet he was easily the most determined and intelligent running back we have ever seen. Equally capable of running, catching and throwing touchdowns, Payton was by far the most impactful player of his generation.
Payton at one time simultaneously held the league career records for rushing yards , TDs, carries, yards from scrimmage, all-purpose yards, and many other categories.
Payton is remembered as perhaps the toughest running back to ever play pro football. Payton missed ONE GAME in a 13 year career which stretched from the mid 70's to the late 80s when the physical dominant linebackers appeared, thus making his games played count even remarkable. He was actually a FEARED blocker often flattening blitzers who would then be leery of streaking into the Bears backfield.
He was elusive, strong and punished tacklers. He eseentially could run over, around or through tacklers. Payton also was a viable QB option, throwing 12 career TD passes.
He averaged 4.4 yards per carry playing for some of the worst offenses in history against defenses totally geared to stop him. He was often the ONLY highlight of many Bears games and the main attraction to many who ambled into cold Soldier Field to see many mediocre Bears teams.
He is easily the most beloved Chicago Bear and the hero to the greats after him including Emmit Smith, Ladanian Tomlinson and Adrian Peterson.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETNESS!
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