Is your surname Payton?

Research the Payton family

Share your family tree and photos with the people you know and love

  • Build your family tree online
  • Share photos and videos
  • Smart Matching™ technology
  • Free!

Walter Jerry Payton

Also Known As: "Sweetness"
Birthdate:
Birthplace: Columbia, Marion County, Mississippi, United States
Death: November 01, 1999 (45)
South Barrington, Cook County, Illinois, United States
Immediate Family:

Son of Peter Payton and Alyne Payton
Husband of Private
Father of Jarrett Payton and Private
Brother of Eddie Payton and Private

Occupation: running back for the Chicago Bears and an Open wheel race car owner
Managed by: Alex Bickle
Last Updated:
view all

Immediate Family

About Walter Payton

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Payton

Walter Jerry Payton (July 25, 1954 – November 1, 1999) was an American football running back who played for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons. Payton was known around the NFL as "Sweetness". He is remembered as one of the most prolific running backs in the history of the NFL. Payton, a nine-time Pro Bowl selectee, once held the league's records for most career rushing yards, touchdowns, carries, yards from scrimmage, all-purpose yards, and many other categories. His eight career touchdown passes are just second to Frank Gifford an NFL record for non-quarterbacks. He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. Hall of Fame NFL player and coach Mike Ditka described Payton as the greatest football player he had ever seen—but even greater as a human being.

Payton began his football career in Mississippi, and went on to have an outstanding collegiate football career at Jackson State University where he was an All-American. He started his professional career with the Chicago Bears in 1975, who selected him as the 1975 Draft's fourth overall pick. Payton proceeded to win two NFL Most Valuable Player Awards and won Super Bowl XX with the 1985 Chicago Bears. After struggling with the rare liver disease primary sclerosing cholangitis for several months, Payton died on November 1, 1999, aged 45, from cholangiocarcinoma. His legacy includes the Walter Payton Award, the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, and a heightened awareness of the need for organ donations.

view all

Walter Payton's Timeline

1954
July 25, 1954
Columbia, Marion County, Mississippi, United States
1980
December 26, 1980
Arlington Heights, Cook County, Illinois, United States
1999
November 1, 1999
Age 45
South Barrington, Cook County, Illinois, United States