Bears great Walter Payton died on Nov. 1, 1999, at age 45 of bile duct cancer and liver failure.
Payton worked his way from Columbia, Miss., and Jackson State College (known today as Jackson State University) to become one of the greatest players in NFL history, playing 13 seasons, all with the Bears.
Here’s a look back at his extraordinary life.
July 25, 1954
Walter Jerry Payton is born in Columbia, Miss.
1968
While a student at the all-black John J. Jefferson School, which he attended since first grade, Payton becomes a star for the Green Wave football team.
Sept. 3, 1970
After integration, Payton transfers to Columbia High School. He scores two touchdowns — from 72 yards and 87 yards — in his first game as a Wildcat. In addition to football, Payton excels in his classes, track and baseball and is a member of the band.
Nov. 19, 1970
After recording 74 points during the season, Payton is named the scoring leader for the Little Dixie Conference.
1971
Payton joins his brother, Eddie, at Jackson State College (now Jackson State University), where both brothers play football.
1973
During his junior season, Payton distinguishes himself as a versatile player. In a shutout victory against Nebraska-Omaha on Sept. 8, 1973, he scores a touchdown and kicks a field goal and an extra point — ultimately scoring 10 of Jackson State’s 17 points.
Oct. 20, 1973
Mississippi Gov. Bill Waller proclaims it “Walter Payton and Tiger Day” in tribute to Jackson State’s star running back and his teammates before they face Grambling State University.
More Top Picks Best Portable Monitors For Students
1974
Payton graduates from Jackson State in 3 1/2 years with a bachelor’s degree in special education. He leaves as the leading scorer in NCAA history after scoring 65 career touchdowns and rushing for 3,563 yards.
Jan. 28, 1975
The Bears make the running back their first pick in the NFL draft and fourth overall.
“I’d prefer playing in the NFL, all things being equal,” Payton said after being drafted by the Bears. “But I’m going to consider all opportunities … You just can’t rule out the World Football League or the Canadian Football League without hearing what they have to say.”
April 19, 1975
During a day named in his honor in his hometown of Columbia, Miss., Payton is given a copy of the Holy Bible by his church and offered a key to the city by its mayor. Bears general manager and vice president Jim Finks joins in the festivities.
“If you ever let your head swell to forget your feet, you’re a blown up duck,” said George Newman, Columbia, Miss. mayor, during his speech on Walter Payton Day.
June 3, 1975
Payton becomes the highest-paid rookie in Bears history, signing a three-year contract that will pay him at least $150,000 per year (roughly $719,000 per year in today’s dollars). The Bears’ first-round pick decided to sign with the team while fishing on property in Hattiesburg, Miss., owned by his attorney, Bud Holmes.
Sept. 21, 1975
After missing most of training camp with an elbow infection, Payton makes his Bears debut in a game against the Baltimore Colts. He’s limited to eight carries and zero net yards in the Bears 35-7 loss to the Colts. Payton would miss one game his rookie season then go on to play in 186 consecutive NFL games.
1976
Payton is voted to the first of nine Pro Bowls after his second season.
Dec. 12, 1976
Payton loses the NFL rushing title to Buffalo Bills running back O.J. Simpson after being sidelined in the third quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos with an ankle injury. His season concludes with 1,390 yards.
“I accept it. It was God’s will,” Payton said. Whatever was going to happen had already been planned out.”
Nov. 20, 1977
Payton sets the NFL single-game rushing record with 275 yards against the Minnesota Vikings, a mark that now ranks fifth.
1977
At 23, Payton becomes the youngest player to be voted NFL’s most valuable player after leading the league with 1,852 rushing yards — the third most in history at that time.
Sept. 20, 1983
Payton opens Studebakers in Schaumburg, the first of several nightclubs he would own.
Oct. 7, 1984
Payton breaks Jim Brown’s career rushing record of 12,312 yards with a 6-yard run against the New Orleans Saints.
Jan. 26, 1986
The Bears beat the New England Patriots 46-10 to win Super Bowl XX, the Bears’ only Super Bowl victory. Payton rushes for 61 yards on 22 carries but does not score.
“Yes, I was surprised. Yes, I was disappointed,” Payton said.
March 1987
Payton expresses interest in buying a professional football team — to possibly be based in Great Britain — but says he would play one more season before pursuing his ambition. The Bears defeated the Dallas Cowboys in a sold-out exhibition game played at Wembley Stadium in London on Aug. 3, 1986.
” … I think the time is coming when a British team could compete in the NFL,” Payton said of his desire to become an NFL team owner.
July 28, 1987
Payton signs a one-year, $1 million contract for his final season with Bears.
“Nothing is final, but at this point, that’s what my thinking is,” Payton said about his decision to retire after one more season with the Bears.
Dec. 17, 1987
The inaugural Walter Payton Award is given to Kenny Gamble of Colgate University, then the NCAA’s all-purpose career yardage leader. The award is given annually to the most outstanding player in the Football Championship Subdivision. Starting in 1995, it recognizes the top offensive player. Recent winners of the award include Jimmy Garoppolo (Eastern Illinois, 2013), Tony Romo (Eastern Illinois, 2002) and Steve McNair (Alcorn State, 1994).
More Top Picks Best Tablets For Note Taking For Students
Dec. 20, 1987
Payton plays in his final regular-season game, in which the Bears lose to the Seattle Seahawks, 34-21. His jersey No. 34 is retired. Payton leaves the NFL as the league’s all-time leading rusher with 16,726 yards. He is now second on the all-time list behind Emmitt Smith.
“Personal accomplishments don’t mean much when you don’t win,” Payton said following the loss.
Jan. 10, 1988
Payton plays in final game, a 21-17 playoff loss to the Washington Redskins.
1989
Payton establishes the Walter Payton Foundation to help abused and neglected children.
Nov. 16, 1989
Payton becomes a partner in a group bidding to bring a new NFL franchise to St. Louis. The bid eventually fails in 1993.
Jan. 30, 1993
Payton is elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and inducted on July 31, 1993. The next year, he was named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team and to the All-Decade teams of the 1970s and ’80s.
“I am going to close by saying life is short, it is oh so sweet. There are a lot of people that we meet as we walk through these hallowed halls, but the things that mean the most are the friendships that you meet and take along with you. I am happy to say that everyone that I have met in my life I have gained something from them be it negative or positive it has enforced and reinforced my life in some aspect,” Payton said during his Hall of Fame induction speech.
Dec. 7, 1994
Reflecting a longtime passion for auto racing, Payton becomes co-owner of an Indy-car team, Payton/Coyne Racing.
March 21, 1996
He and three partners open Walter Payton’s Roundhouse Complex, housing a brewery, restaurants and a museum, in Aurora.
July 1998
Payton begins to feel fatigued, though he does not reveal this until later.
Jan. 29, 1999
Payton’s son, St. Viator High School football standout Jarrett, holds a press conference to announce he will attend the University of Miami and plans to play tailback and wide receiver for the Hurricanes. Walter Payton attends his son’s announcement and rumors begin to swirl about the Bears star’s noticeable weight loss.
“It’ll be great to get him out of the house — he eats everything,” Payton said of his son’s decision to attend the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla.
Feb. 2, 1999
Payton announces that he has primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare, life-threatening liver disease.
“The people that really care about me, if you could continue to pray. And to those who want to say what they say, God be with you also,” he said.
Feb. 5, 1999
He is placed on a transplant list at the Mayo Clinic.
Feb. 12, 1999
Payton’s disease is progressing faster than expected, a spokeswoman says.
April 12, 1999
Payton makes first public appearance since his announcement, throwing the first pitch at the Cubs’ home opener. Fatigue forces him to cancel a scheduled appearance the next day.
“When you are throwing the ball to Sammy Sosa, that’s pumping you up. Tell all of the people I appreciate their prayers. Without their prayers, I wouldn’t be walking around now. Keep ’em going,” he said.
Oct. 22, 1999
Family members attend a special tribute honoring Payton, who has not appeared in public in several months.
Nov. 1, 1999
Payton dies of bile duct cancer and liver failure at age 45.
“The last 12 months have been extremely tough on me and my family … Our greatest thanks goes out to the people of Chicago. You adopted my dad and made him yours. He loved you all,” Jarrett Payton said.
More Top Picks Best Math Manipulatives For Special Education
Nov. 5, 1999
Eighty-eight former teammates and 1,000 other mourners attend Payton’s funeral at a church in Barrington.
“Walter Payton was the greatest. If you wanted yards, you’d want Walter Payton. Who do you want to block? Walter Payton. If you wanted someone to catch, Walter Payton,” said John Madden, eulogizing Payton during a private, two-hour memorial service.
Nov. 6, 1999
An estimated 20,000 people attend a public memorial, joining Payton’s family and friends, Bears players past and present and public officials for a 90-minute celebration of his life at Soldier Field.
2000
Shortly after his death, the NFL Man of the Year Award — which Payton, himself, won in 1977 — is renamed in his honor. Bears defensive tackle Jim Flanigan was a co-recipient of the award in 2000 and Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman won it in 2013.
Sept. 3, 2019
A 12-foot, 3,000-pound bronze statue of Payton is unveiled at Soldier Field outside Gate O, the entrance on the stadium’s south side.
Sources: baiduhai archives and reporting; National Football League; Pro Football Hall of Fame; NCAA
Subscribe to the free Vintage baiduhai newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago’s past.