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Walter Payton's Birth
Walter Payton was born on July 25, 1954, in Columbia MS.
He was one of three children to Edward and Alyne Payton. -
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High School
Walter Payton went to high school in 1967. He played drums, was a part of a track and field team and made new friends. Walter Payton then became a valuable member, and soon became a full-time athlete. (The date he joined college is unknown, so I put 9/25/1967 and June 15, 1971.) -
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College
Payton goes to Jackson State for college. He became one of the top-scoring college football players by his junior year! Payton receives the nickname "Sweetness" during this time because of his sweet moves. He graduates in 1975 with a bachelor's degree (Once again, put these dates because they are unknown.) -
NFL draft pick
The National Football League holds its nationwide draft for new team members in January 1975. Payton was the 4th player chosen overall, and the first choice for the Chicago Bears. His signing bonus is $126,000, the highest amount of money offered to a college player at that time. (This time only says January 1975, so I will put a random date again.) -
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Walter Payton's First Season
Payton became the new running back for the Chicago Bears, wearing number 34 on his uniform. At 5'10" and 200 pounds, he is not very big, but he is fast. In his first season, he rushes 679 yards, scores 7 touchdowns, and is the NFL kickoff return champ for the year. Payton then gets married to Connie Norwood on July 7, 1976 (Another random date, for the start, and the ending point is when he gets married.) -
MVP! Most Valuable Player!
In a game against the Minnesota Vikings in 1977, Payton rushes 275 yards, the highest rush for a single game. He wins the Most Valuable Player award for that season and was the youngest player to achieve it. During this season he averages 5.5 yards each time he gets the football. (Random dates, again.) -
No more football...
When Payton is 33, he retires from the Chicago Bears. Some of his achievements in his 13 year career include catching passes 492 times for 4,538 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also passes the ball 34 times. He has played 186 continuous games, missing only one game as a rookie. (Another random date, but a correct year.) -
Retirement Years. 1988 - 1999
Payton isn't idle after his retirement. He became a board member for the Chicago Bears, pursues business ventures in travel, real estate, restaurants, and clubs, and he endorses several products. He also co-owns a business about cars. He even sets up a foundation to help needy children. -
Death.
Walter Payton realized he had health problems, and consulted a doctor in 1998. He had a disease in the liver and needed a transplant, but his condition was so bad, a transplant wouldn't help.
Walter Payton then dies at age 45 on November 1, 1999. His funeral is well attended and his memorial was on T.V. Walter Payton is well remembered as an incredible athlete who gave it all to football.
