Hall of Fame

Walter Payton

  • Class
  • Induction
    1994
  • Sport(s)
  • Jackson State
Early Life & College at Jackson State University
  • Walter Jerry Payton was born July 25, 1953 (or 1954 in some sources) in Columbia, Mississippi.  
  • He attended Columbia High School and then enrolled at Jackson State University (an HBCU) where he played football from 1971 to 1974.
  • At Jackson State, Payton excelled:
    • He rushed for approximately 3,600 yards and averaged about 6.1 yards per carry over his collegiate career.
    • He scored 65 rushing touchdowns in college and amassed 464 points, a record for the NCAA colleges at the time.  
    • Notably, he set a single-game SWAC record by rushing for 7 touchdowns in one game.
  • Because of his performance at Jackson State, he earned multiple honors: All-SWAC first team (1972-74), SWAC Offensive MVP, Black College Player of the Year, etc.
  • Though he played in a smaller division (NAIA/Division II level at the time), his college achievements drew national attention.  
Professional Career in the NFL
  • Payton was selected in the first round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears (4th overall pick).
  • He played his entire 13-season NFL career (1975-1987) with the Bears.
  • Key career highlights:
    • At retirement he held the NFL all-time rushing yards record: 16,726 yards.
    • Nine-time Pro Bowl selection.
    • Won the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1977 after a dominant season.
    • Helped the Bears win Super Bowl XX (1985 season).