Payton, Walter

Payton, Walter

▪ American athlete
in full  Walter Jerry Payton , byname  Sweetness 
born July 25, 1954, Columbia, Mississippi, U.S.
died November 1, 1999, Barrington, Illinois
 American professional gridiron football player whose productivity and durability made him one of the game's greatest running backs. He retired in 1987 as the leading rusher in the history of the National Football League (NFL), a title he held until 2002 when he was surpassed by Emmitt Smith.

      Payton played football in high school and at Jackson State University in Mississippi. It was during his college years that he gained the sobriquet “Sweetness” for his affable personality and graceful athleticism. In 1975 he was drafted by the NFL Chicago Bears. Payton played his entire career (12 seasons) with the Bears, filling the position of halfback for most of that time. He set NFL records for total career rushing yardage (16,726 yards), most combined career yards gained (rushing and pass receiving, 21,803 yards), most seasons with 1,000 or more yards rushing (10), most yards gained in a single game (275 yards), most games with 100 or more yards gained in a career (77), and most career touchdowns earned by rushing (110).

      Besides being an outstanding rusher, Payton was a capable blocker, pass receiver, and even passer. He was best known, however, for his pinball running style, in which he often bounced off would-be tacklers. His rigorous off-season training regimen contributed to his durability; he started in more than 180 consecutive games in his career.

      Payton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. Established in 1987, the Walter Payton Award is presented annually to the top player in Division I-AA college football. During his final year of life, while suffering from a rare liver disease, Payton was credited with awakening national interest in organ donation.

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • Payton,Walter — Pay·ton (pātʹn), Walter. 1954 1999. American football player. A running back for the Chicago Bears (1975 1987), he set a National Football League record for career rushing yards (16,726). * * * …   Universalium

  • Payton, Walter Jerry — ▪ 2000       American football player (b. July 25, 1954, Columbia, Miss. d. Nov. 1, 1999, South Barrington, Ill.), was a phenomenal running back who set the National Football League (NFL) record for most career yards rushing (16,726) and in… …   Universalium

  • Payton, Walter (Jerry) — born July 25, 1954, Columbia, Miss., U.S. died Nov. 1, 1999, Barrington, Ill. U.S. football player. He played football at Jackson State University and from 1975 to 1987 was a member of the NFL Chicago Bears. He retired as the all time leader for… …   Universalium

  • Payton, Walter (Jerry) — (25 jul. 1954, Columbia, Miss., EE.UU.–1 nov. 1999, Barrington, Ill.). Jugador estadounidense de fútbol americano. Jugó en la Jackson State University y, entre 1975 y 1987, en los Chicago Bears, de la NFL. Se retiró como líder de todos los… …   Enciclopedia Universal

  • Walter Peyton — Walter Payton Walter Payton Nom complet Walter Jerry Payton Nationalité  États Unis Date de naissance …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Walter — Walter, Bruno Walter, John * * * (as used in expressions) Adams, Walter S(ydney) Alvarez, Luis W(alter) Bagehot, Walter Walter Lanier Barber Beaton, Sir Cecil (Walter Hardy) Benjamin, Walter Brattain, Walter H(ouser) Richard Walter Jenkins, Jr.… …   Enciclopedia Universal

  • Walter — /vahl teuhr/ for 1; /wawl teuhr/ for 2, 3, n. 1. Bruno /brooh noh/, (Bruno Schlesinger), 1876 1962, German opera and symphony conductor, in U.S. after 1939. 2. Thomas Ustick /yooh stik/, 1804 87, U.S. architect. 3. a male given name. * * * (as… …   Universalium

  • Walter Payton College Prep — Walter Payton College Preparatory is a selective enrollment high school in Chicago, Illinois.Infobox Secondary school name = Walter Payton College Preparatory High School oversight = Chicago Public Schools established = 2000 type = Public… …   Wikipedia

  • Walter Payton — Données générales Nom complet Walter Jerry Payton Nationalité  États Unis Date de naissance …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Walter Payton — Position(en): Halfback Trikotnummer(n): 34 geboren am 25. Juli 1954 in Columbia, Mississippi gestorben am 1. November 1999 in South Barrington, Illinois Karriereinformationen …   Deutsch Wikipedia

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