The Greatest Season by a Running Back in NFL History | NFL Vault Stories

2,121 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns in 14 games. Walter Payton won league MVP on a 1977 Bears team with only one other Pro Bowler. Elliot Harrison looks back at the legendary season!
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[@NFLVault]

Do you agree that Walter Payton's 1977 season is the greatest season by running back back of all time? If not, who do you think had the best season by a RB?

[@tannernightingale2982]

I'd say Ladainian Tomlinson's 2007 31 total touchdown season is better in my opinion

[@markperez3540]

Its not. OJ SIMPSON

[@jordanlevibutton]

the video is up... AND IT'S GOOD!

[@Notened69]

Adrian Peterson's mvp season in 2012 and it isn't even close

[@trexx32]

@@tannernightingale2982 dont forget his 100 reception season

[@jsj31313jj]

"When your good at something you'll tell everyone, if your great at something they'll tell you". - Mr. Walter Payton

[@jw9366]

For sure, he was the very best. Wish he got a TD against us in SB. Instead he gave it to the Fridge

[@indy_go_blue6048]

@@jw9366 I don't blame Ditka for that. When the Bears scored their 46th point, it was still the 3rd quarter. Adding to that, the Pats were keying on Walter the whole game. There was one play near the goal line where Walter went right and 5 players went with him. IIRC, either McMahon or Suhey walked into the end zone to the left. I agree, though, it is sad that he didn't score.

[@ashsnake0749]

Love this quote

[@ashsnake0749]

Love this quote

[@dajuanhackett5332]

One of the greatest quotes, from the greatest to do what he did

[@gabesoto9301]

The thing I love the most about Walter Payton is the fact that he never gave up on a run. He always kept fighting until he was down. That’s GOAT like behavior.

[@melvinshine9841]

More like bison behavior. Walter Payton wasn't a big dude, but he'd run your ass over in a heartbeat.

[@PRHILL9696]

Exactly

[@bjchit]

My dad told me a story where against the Giants he got hit in the backfield but managed to fight his way back to the line of scrimmage for no gain. The side line mikes caught Lawrence Taylor screaming "you're suppossed to fall down!"

[@walrustrent2001]

That was his secret : Never Die Easy

[@Slowhand871]

Agree always a stiff arm before going out of bounds

[@SDesWriter]

He is the only celebrity I've ever cried at during his death or funeral. There wasn't a bad thing to be said about him. Hard work, great family man, incredible talent, and one of the most tireless advocates for various charities in the Chicago area. He was offered a liver before he died and turned it down because they told him it wouldn't save his life, only give him a few more months and he wanted someone else to have it instead. There will never be another person like him.

[@curtyzzz]

Same here. When he passed, I realized even superman can die

[@bear1536]

He will always be a legend in Chicago

[@devinstucky6948]

@@bear1536 Be a legend. Period.*

[@louisfarkas1497]

God Bless Walter Payton. 🙏

[@FlamingoSoda]

😢

[@AGTsakumis]

The GOAT, no question. Best running back ever.

[@utahsilvey5930]

He wasn't better the oj oj dominating the 70s

[@AGTsakumis]

@@utahsilvey5930 You're not well. OJ over Sweetness?!? Utterly laughable.

[@utahsilvey5930]

Payton never ran for 2003 yards in a 14 game season plus oj had 4 titles to Payton 1 oj got hurt

[@dannybranigan1984]

Walter Payton is the best running back in my lifetime.

[@AGTsakumis]

@@dannybranigan1984 Absolutely no question. He remains the best running back ever. Stunning stats considering how he had to carry an entire team so many times. The only person that could've competed for best back ever would be Bo Jackson, who was, without question, the greatest pure athlete ever.

[@jamesgentry4556]

Payton was so good and yet so humble. Not only a great running back but a great role model. This is what a hero looks like.

[@rcracer8872]

I agree with you completely Walter is 1 of my 3 favorite all-time athletes and what sucks is 2 of my top 3 favorite all-time athletes have passed away

[@Kube_Dog]

All football players were like that before the NFL got ghetto.

[@judahdameron3355]

Him and Barry Sanders were the best to ever live. I'm not gonna say yr opinion is wrong, but I think Barry was the best to ever live. He holds the record for most 1,000 or more rushing yard seasons. And also played for a bad team. I love the lions but I mean still cant say they were good

[@judahdameron3355]

@@Kube_Dog*cough cough* tyreek hill, Antonio brown

[@Kube_Dog]

@@judahdameron3355 Lady Vaugh Bell. Zeke. Cleveland's gonna be ripe with it next year.

[@toddcampbell5603]

Several years ago, I went to the Hall of Fame in Canton. Hanging all alone on the building was an enormous picture of Walter Payton in stride. 'Nuff said !!!

[@seandafny]

What a guy

[@wallyjohns7312]

We were there when they had that picture up. Made the drive from Chicago worth it.

[@wallyjohns7312]

We also went there when that mural was on the wall. SWEETNESS THE GOAT!

[@nothx962]

2:09 Walter comes FLYING out of the right side of the screen and makes the tackle just a little too late on the pick 6. Look at that heart and closing speed. Absolutely. Fucking. Amazing. Even if he didnt make the play.

[@stacieorico5624]

реальная сталь real'naya stal'

[@joeseddit]

Good eye, nothx. I love plays like that. It's how I evaluate a QBs heart 'cuz really it's the QB who has the best chance to make the tackle or at least slow the returner up. A loser will just pout and lay on the ground if he got hit or slow play it if he didn't. A winner will haul his tail after the ball carrier and make an honest attempt to make the tackle. 'Course Avalini was nowhere to be found in this clip.

[@IWannaUnaliveMyself]

Never saw Barry Sanders do that

[@sergiovalenti7255]

He’s my favorite athlete of all time. I have an autographed picture of him, I’ll cherish it forever. When my mom sent me to the store for bread in the 70’s I would use the loaf as a football and ran home with it while using some of Payton’s moves. Sometimes I fumbled it and then picked it back up and ran it in for a touchdown. Let’s just say that my mom wasn’t happy when I returned home with a smashed up loaf of bread.

[@Aspectus]

Some skinny sandwiches at your house 🤣🤣🤣

[@thinkcivil1627]

As mentioned above, Payton did this during a time when there were only 14 games and no "bye week". As a Packer fan, we saw him twice a year and although everyone in the stadium knew he was getting the ball he still was incredible to watch. A class act as well.

[@allendennis7880]

GOD MUST HAVE NEEDED A RUNNING BACK GOD BLESS YOU SWEETNESS GONE WAY TO SOON WE MISS YOU !!!! #34

[@craigkelm180]

Walter Payton was the Perfect Running Back.. Rushing, Receiving, Blocking, Toughness, Team Player and Leader.. He Had it all.. Unequaled!! RIP 34!!

[@riforgiate74]

He could throw the ball too.

[@zacharyradford5552]

He also threw 8 touchdowns the most by any non QB in the Super Bowl era he could even kick. Walter Payton is the GOAT of football because he could truly do it all.

[@Kunfucious577]

If a rb ran like him today, they’d call a flag on him for being too exciting.

[@jimbackner1]

Not only the best running back to play the game, probably the best all around football player in the history of the game. He played some QB, punted and kicked, blocked like a fullback, excellent receiver and when his QB would throw an interception (which wasn't uncommon) he would make a linebacker like tackle. RIP Sweetness, loved watching you play.....

[@zacharyradford5552]

With 8 passing touchdowns he has the most of any non QB in the Super Bowl era.

[@Jeff-66]

I love Walter Payton, and he was a legend, but Barry Sanders is the greatest RB of all time. I wasn't aware until this thread that it was even debatable. Sanders utterly dominated both NCAA and NFL. Payton is probably the greatest "Ironman" RB, a king of toughness and durability.

[@maikailoa808]

Without a doubt the greatest running back to ever play the game. I believe he will hold that title for a very long time. R.I.P. walter. Ron

[@paytonaxtell]

Forever

[@The-Dom]

Sanders was the best.... Payton was the Greatest.

[@chanceharrington8474]

@ihategooglespooks what's that supposed to mean?

[@Chrispybacon06]

@@The-Dom If Barry Sanders was on a better team, maybe, but Walter is both.

[@jsj31313jj]

"When your good at something you'll tell everyone, if your great at something they'll tell you". - Mr. Walter Payton

[@rbarger71]

Payton would OWN the game if he played today.

[@matthewheywood8532]

Payton was my favorite player as a kid and still is till this day. He made me love football and I will never forget sweetness

[@frankgeisenburg9208]

He was my hero as a kid. I loved watching him run. My dad used to say, "That's how the position is meant to be played. Punish that defender!"

[@jimquain3255]

Your dad was right

[@runswithfeathers47]

Shoot he was probably their best QB too. Man could throw

[@dertylox45]

was there anything he couldn't do?

[@billbeliakoff5589]

"He was the most complete running back ever". Mike Ditka

[@drewby613]

@@dertylox45 Not really. He was always on the depth chart as a place kicker as well.

[@markfrank5937]

Most seasons he was the 3rd QB. 🤷

[@Kents1969]

He wouldve hurt some people from the Safety position.

[@MarcG7424]

The way he ran was like a symphony it was beautiful He was classy all the way to the end RIP Sweetness.

[@ricpowers1475]

As spectacular as he was as a running back, he was an even more spectacular man.

[@rogerreid5925]

Absolutely true!

[@duaneholcomb8408]

Yes these athletes to day need to use him as role model very good up standing guy

[@sarge420]

Gone to early. RIP Walter

[@areguapiri]

Watch this, young folk. Walter Payton was a MAN!! He came with his lunchbucket from game one until his last game. Arguably the toughest football player ever.

[@KingAmaniImani]

Greatest running back, and football player ever! Coldest stiff arm in the game.

[@justafanintexas7913]

We'll never know because Sayers got hurt.

[@c2itccase9]

Ask any football player and they say, without a doubt, Jim Brown.

[@VICTOR-py7hn]

#34 Walter Payton Pro Football Hall of Fame. Greatest NFL Player I'VE EVER SEEN ON TV AND IN PERSON. GOD BLESS SWEETNESS.

[@scottwolfs2418]

This video should be mandatory viewing by every HS coach ! Brought tears to my eyes - RIP SWEETNESS !

[@5000jetadam]

He's my favourite running back of all time and I'm a Packers fan. Certain player's greatness goes beyond rivalries and should be appreciated by all.

[@stevenmonkey1041]

im a bears fan i agree with that and i get mad when the bears lose to the packers cause i hate it when people say rodgers owns justin or the bears what ever but at the end of the game i think its a game to have fun no one really owns anyone

[@PeterTea]

I’m fortunate to have watched him play. Truly an amazing person.

[@sshza11]

I was lucky enough to grow up in the era and saw all the games I could with Payton. The guy was pure class on and off the field. Soft spoken but would run you over in a heartbeat. The stiff arm on #13 at 3:06 is killer. No fear and real finesse, GOAT. 'Nuff said.

[@lathankilbrand]

I remember sitting down with my grandfather to watch the bears play the Minnesota Vikings. The famed "flu" game. I had never watched a football game before and had no idea what was really going on. Yet, I watched Walter Payton with a sense of awe. I was so impacted that I became a payton and bears fan immediately and a huge fan of the game. There have been bigger and faster backs, but never has there been a more complete running back and even more importantly, he played with such heart. That's what set him apart imo, he appeared to give everything and he had a lot to give.

[@robertb4969]

Walter Payton.. all time greatest back, and I don’t think anyone will ever take that away.

[@zacharyradford5552]

Greatest football player period. He could run, catch, throw, black, and kick.

[@patwiggins6857]

You can't think of Walter Payton without also mentioning everything he did off the field as well. A true hero in and out of uniform. RIP sweetness! You are missed

[@septimuspretorius250]

Payton never gave up on a run, never ran out of bounds, never fumbled, and when his blocking ran out, he became his OWN blocker!! I loved the guy!

[@ShaunhanM]

He fumbled 11 times in 1977

[@Chrispybacon06]

@@ShaunhanM lol

[@NoName-gv6nm]

He definitely fumbled. Everyone does

[@z5445]

Payton fumbled 86 times in his career. One of many Bears records he holds. When you touch the ball as much as he did, you are going to fumble sometimes.

[@ROGER2095]

I remember one run where he bounced off the defense, side to side, back and forth, like he was in a pinball machine, but fumbled at the end. STILL one of the best runs ever.

[@bensisko4651]

He was a BEAST! He's joking dudes, trucking dudes, and breaking tackles!

[@zacharyradford5552]

Catching touchdowns, throwing touchdowns, punting, kicking. Sweetness was a player made Madden character before there was Madden.

[@RaithValek]

I remember as a kid seeing interviews with defensive players from all around the NFL who readily admitted that they were afraid to play against Walter because they knew they were going home with bruises that lasted all season. Walter was truly a sight to behold.

[@wunderxo]

Walter was the best to ever play the game 🐐

[@Bill_Woo]

That's a pretty strong claim.

[@tay2short083]

@Sean S. Who's better than ?

[@tay2short083]

@Marquis De Sade thats a good answer but I disagree on the bases that Barry Sanders retired too early

[@tay2short083]

And the same goes for jim Brown

[@tay2short083]

@Marquis De Sade i can understand that too and agree with your statement but we all know those cowboy teams had probably the oline in nfl history

[@ronaldcheatham4833]

He was one of a kind. His practice regiment in the "off" season is legendary.

[@stacieorico5624]

реальная сталь real'naya stal'

[@maureencora1]

My Favorite Chicago Bear RB, May He R.I.P.

[@matt8204]

Anyone else get goosebumps watching his highlights GOAT 🐐 wish I was old enough to have seen him play RIP

[@jonmurraymurray5512]

Still remember the 85 Bears team.

[@dmacbass]

@@jonmurraymurray5512 The all-time best Super Bowl team!

[@dmacbass]

I wish you could've seen it!

[@brianhatchett2060]

It was nice. On a highlight film, you know there are great plays coming. Watching it live, it's a surprise.

[@michaelhuertaz7867]

I had the great pleasure of meeting "Sweetness" when i was 10 yrs old. He gave me his autograph on the back of his business card. I was with my sister at a busy mall in houston. He was at the entrance waiting for his limo. I collected his football cards as a kid then seeing him was really cool. Very Nice guy!

[@comiskey2005]

Never gave up on a play. Put a beating on defenders. Best ever...period.

[@williamromero4445]

comiskey2005 hands Down the Best Ever 💯

[@chadsims9257]

The best running back .

[@williamromero4445]

Banyuaigo never...

[@mistercaptjack9577]

Barry Sanders?

[@williamromero4445]

MisterCaptJack yes berry to but remember berry had a good line most of his career Sweetness didn’t 👍

[@noelflores4389]

Sweetness was a monster. Loved watching him run.

[@williampatterson5067]

Walter was the man, the best ever as far as I am concerned.🏈🏈🏈🏉

[@andrewcarlson1867]

Mr. Payton was beautiful to watch, a humble man! RIP

[@peterk8909]

A true 'Class Act" on and off the field. RIP Sweetness

[@RedArrow2007]

Walter Payton was a beast! He made most of his yards on his own, quick, shifty, and powerful! You don't see running backs like this nowadays!

[@zacharyradford5552]

Closet one like him was Barry Sanders.

[@fifthbusiness1678]

Excellent video - thanks for uploading. As a Canadian kid born in the 60s the Bears (NFC, Pittsburg AFC) were one of my two favourite American football clubs, mainly because of this man - Walter Payton. He was my one of my heroes. From 13-23 I was able to watch close to half of their games on cable TV in Canada, and I’ve never forgotten how I would feel when he was given the ball … knowing that absolutely anything could happen. Sweetness was truly the greatest (with Barry Saunders a close second).

[@alexroyster182]

I agree 100%. Payton had not only the greatest year. But he was the greatest of all time.

[@nihilist2434]

He is. possibly the most complete football player you'll ever see in history of the sport

[@stubbsy3413]

@@nihilist2434 True best runner, blocker, receiver, passer and kicker to play RB period. Don't forget Emmitt Smith and Jim Brown said he was the best RB of all time

[@Sazkr]

Mcaffery is coming tho

[@Realdealrob]

@@stubbsy3413 emmitt is over rated. He had maybe the best o line ever.

[@paytonaxtell]

@@stubbsy3413 and emmitt smith said payton was the goat

[@patwiggins6857]

He was a Bear his whole career. In today's game he would have been on his 4th team by the time he retired. He was a class act that we may never see again

[@Jmnor60]

Pat Wiggins he didn’t have Leveons agent.

[@judahdameron3355]

Barry played for the lions for all ten of his seasons

[@edrowland4614]

The greatest running back of all times no doubt.

[@marksummers1700]

i was born and raised in chicago... got to see walter payton play... met him at the bear's training facility one year, during training camp.. he was an AMAZING athlete...!!!! arguably the greatest running back ever... punished any player who tried to tackle him... every team that played the bears had only ONE thing to do, in order to win the match-up... STOP payton... and, it really couldn't be done... very engaging and classy individual too.. it's the reason why the NFL Man of the Year award is named the Walter Payton award...

[@nepatrul6075]

Walter Payton 🐐 and honestly probably my favorite NFL player of all time. Signed, Pats fan.

[@thorl8354]

Definition of a warrior, like something out of mythology. Heart of a lion and a great man, best of all time in my book, and Jim Brown had the greatest amount of respect for him

[@georgemallory797]

I watched that 275 yd game with my dad. What a treat.

[@ccol009]

Damn! It sounds like the Bears had a tough time then. 😂 After hearing them Bears stats 😂🤦🏽‍♂️Walter Payton really was a one man band.

[@mrp1924]

They had a tough time when they went 1 and 13 even when Sayers and Butkus were on the team

[@bagofrats3464]

Bears cant pick good QBs for some strange reason

[@DaDitka]

@@bagofrats3464 And sadly, they never will. Not because they won't, but because the environment in Chicago will never allow a QB to thrive there. If Patrick Maholmes would have been drafted by the Bears, he would be on the scrapheap just like Trubisky sadly will. Asking a QB to do well in Chicago is like asking a great white shark to kill in the Sahara desert. And as long as the specter of the McCaskey family looms, they will never put together a consistent offense.

[@zacharyradford5552]

They had a good one his name was Walter Payton. He leads the league in the Super Bowl era with 8 passing touchdowns the most by any non QB.

[@HammerOn-bu7gx]

"Tough time", yes one could say that. Brutal, unbearable, stunningly bad, excruciatingly ugly are probably better descriptions having been a Bears fan since I was a child in the 60's.

[@Bodhi594]

Remember, the Bears had no passing game. Defense's always played the run. He still racked up yards. Payton and Barry Sanders the greatest ever at the position.

[@alexshayatovich8722]

Amen to that

[@mizofan]

Payton, Sanders and Brown- all with different qualities, Payton the most versatile of the three.

[@olofpalme63]

The rest of the NFC must not of had a passing game either as the Bears' James Scott was only 2 catches away from leading the conference in pass receptions in '77...plus Greg Latta caught 2 game winning receptions...without that "passing game", the Bears don't go to the playoffs in '77.

[@mikeyoungblood1642]

Payton single handily dragged a bad team into the Playoffs. Adrian Peterson did similar in 2012 for the Vikings, but they had a better O-Line & D than the 77 Bears!

[@cashking9383]

Brando Don’t forget about the best Jim Brown

[@rberka555]

Thank you, Walter Payton deserves his due. Growing up in Chicago, I watched those 1970's games of his, he was incredible.

[@alecsoran5815]

I keep coming back to this video because it proves what kind of football player Walter Payton was. Someone who will carry the team on his back. No complaints, just giving his all every Sunday. Never for his glory, but for his team.

[@nickmason2345]

Damn this was solid af! RIP Sweetness!!

[@SPTO]

I've seen some Payton games from '77 and other years. There's nothing you can say to me that will make me budge from saying Walter Payton is the greatest RB in NFL history. I particularly remember one play against the Saints where he threw a deep (probably 30ish yards) pass for a TD. The man was simply all world AND he would block which a lot of RBs don't like to do. He poured his heart and soul into that franchise. Tis a shame that when they were finally good stupid Mike Ditka wouldn't let him score a TD in the SB.

[@roscoepeterson1290]

Best all around for sure. Receiving, blocking, running, passing, even punted once.....he was great at it all.

[@SPTO]

@@roscoepeterson1290 There was a game in the early '80s where the Bears QBs were all injured and Payton had to play QB. It's where the whole "wildcat" formation basically came from. What the Dolphins did wasn't new.

[@roscoepeterson1290]

@@SPTO I remember that game! He had the plays on his wristband.

[@vinnygi]

SPTO - agreed. letting Refrigerator Perry score instead of Payton was one of the most shameful moments in NFL history.

[@timlevis3630]

@@roscoepeterson1290 Also played quaterback for 1 series against Green Bay,simply the best.

[@unrequited8200]

As a running back, i studied Payton. The guy could just could not be stopped. I like how he would just stiffarm guys bigger than him by 50lbs into the BASEMENT lol

[@bobjones9623]

Simply the best. Quibble all you want about RBs, this was the best football player we've ever seen. Heart, stamina, endurance, ability and never ran out of bounds because a cornerback was coming up to hit him.

[@zacharyradford5552]

Not to mention he could throw, catch, block, punt, kick.

[@kyledamron]

I'm a Raiders fan but I gotta give it up for #34. The fact that he had a season like this and still had a long career that remained very productive. Marcus Allen was banged up after his big 85 season

[@sealteam608]

The 150 dislikes are from the players he ran over

[@stevegoehring1610]

Seal team 6, Packer, Vikings and Lion fans 😁

[@jhhawthorne11]

😭😂😂

[@howardcosell2022]

That ticker is still going because I know he ran over more than 150 players

[@wendellwatters4450]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@wendellwatters4450]

@@howardcosell2022 IKR????!!!!

[@djbhe]

Payton had the best balance of any football player I have ever seen and it was hard to get him to the ground. I forgot one thing, he had the greatest work ethic I have ever seen also. Payton had the flu game before Jordan.

[@josefnadolni4668]

I love sweetness. But Barry has got to have the best body balance out of anyone of any sport. And that is definately not taking anything away from Walter.

[@justafanintexas7913]

He also fucked around a lot on Connie.

[@xaviervega468]

@@josefnadolni4668 Barry couldn't truck people like Walter did. I would say Walter had the edge on balance. Even hitting him straight on Walter would keep his feet.

[@josefnadolni4668]

@@xaviervega468 I agree with the head on thing, cuz I think maybe 5 times in his career Barry got hit head on. Walter was great, and Barry was great. There will never be 2 like them. They were definately 2 of the best to put on a show

[@georgeharleydavidsonrider156]

Nobody does it better than Walter Payton. God bless you brother. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 You were the greatest. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@HammerOn-bu7gx]

Is the greatest... is the greatest.

[@dainhallett5605]

Very dynamic. Truly one of the top running backs ever to play pro football. We will miss you sweetness. God bless the Walter and his family.

[@mixumup1]

275 yrd "flu game" he had a 80yrd run called back

[@melvynsngltn27]

40 carries to run for 275. It took OJ 29 to get 273. OJ was a one man team

[@fan4life34]

And he played behind a poor line in the 70's, yet still posted mind boggling numbers! 100% greatest to ever suit up!!

[@fan4life34]

@@melvynsngltn27 oj actuality had a great line, Walter's was the leagues worst

[@asleep909]

@@melvynsngltn27 OJ had 'the electric company...' Walter had the nobodies...

[@chipotleislife2325]

Melvyn Singleton AP got 296 yards on 30 carries

[@MUMSUniverse]

Sweetness... There will never be another running back like him. He was great on & off the field & one of the few players that even other team's fans have to admit that he was one of the best ever. You left to soon #34 but we're all thankful for the time you gave us. Da Bear, 🐻⬇️!

[@cademarchant1175]

I'm thinking Saquon Barkley

[@bigal8781]

Fax man

[@allgood9102]

Spoiler alert ! Stop with off the field stuff , not reported and widely known was that Walter was a serial womanizer . This guy doinked countless women , I worked at 34rs , and his home , he'd pick out women.....literally countless...... and have them escorted up to his " office " upstairs for his activities . And hate to break it to you , the guy was on roids during his playing days . Lots . Immediately after he retired he shrunk like flower , but hey , his acne finally went away . Hence the internal organ damage that led to his demise. He did a lot for the community , was a hard worker , said all the right things and stayed out of trouble .

[@justafanintexas7913]

@@allgood9102 - My ex-sister-in-law was one of the nurses that tended to him as he approached death - in an AIDS ward. When this officially comes out, and it will, it will ruin his legacy.

[@user-cq6dg6ql9j]

I was too young to remember the Sweetness Era. He retired when I was 3 years old. I remember growing up watching Barry Sanders and telling my dad he was the greatest to ever live. My dad always smirked and said, “You should have seen Jim Brown and Walter Payton play. Then you’d know what football really is.” Once I got order, I realized that my father, as with most everything, was right.

[@jessie361293]

I miss Walter Payton truely one of the greatest players on and off the field. RIP

[@jamesgoines7663]

Sweetness was greatness. My favorite NFL player. From a Patriot fan where every man do your job. He did his job!

[@cmrjc74]

Walter Payton is the greatest football player of all time !!!!! Gooooo sweetness

[@Biden_Bluh]

Jerry Rice is better. Deion Sanders. Tom Brady.

[@zacharyradford5552]

Walter Payton could do it all run, catch, throw, block, kick. The ultimate football player. The only one in your list that could have an iota of multiple threat is Deion he could run and catch.

[@paytonaxtell]

​@@Biden_Bluhyeah cuz Jerry Rice could run, block, and pass too. And Tom Brady can run, block, and catch. Prime Time is the only player you mentioned that was an all around great but he doesn't touch Sweetness. Sorry.

[@oneispispike3205]

Sweetness!!! Could one word describe a guy any better than that!!?? Grateful to have had the Pleasure of watching Him do his Thing!! Rest Peacefully #34

[@user-mb1mw6nh2p]

Rest in Peace to Walter Payton!!!! Sweetness forever#34!!!! Never die easy but die hard!!!! Gone but not forgotten!!!!! Beardown 🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻

[@allendennis7880]

THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME # 34 WALTER PAYTON HE DID IT BY HIMSELF MAY GOD BLESS YOU AGAIN. REST IN PEACE BROTHER !!!! #34

[@AF-xi4ub]

The Sweetness was the BEST EVER! He was also a phenomenal human being

[@cidiose]

The second greatest.....Jim Brown comes first.

[@Realdealrob]

@@cidiose False

[@cidiose]

@@Realdealrob Come on, even Barry Sanders dad puts Jim brown ahead of his son.

[@HDRed-cs5ym]

Not only did Sweetness have bad players around him it's the fact that much of his effort was done in a short season which makes him even greater!!!

[@zacharyradford5552]

With no bitch bye week.

[@joebondo2422]

I’ve never seen a running back fight for every yard like Payton, catch & run, block, pass & even kick! He did it ALL GREAT! Hands down, the best RB & the best football player of all time. RIP sweetness 🐻

[@danfaski8201]

Walter Payton was the best running back to ever play football. It's not a debate, it's a fact people.

[@fan4life34]

These young kids have no idea how truly special Sweetness Was! every time he ran the ball, it was so special to watch! There will NEVER EVER BE ANOTHER!!

[@fan4life34]

@AlbinoSpottedFrog only those who were to young to ever watch Walter run that ball.

[@lushuslu3802]

HELL YEAH!!

[@danfaski8201]

Sanders had more agility and speed, but Payton had more power and he fought for every yard. 1970's Bears and 1990's Lions were both bad teams overall, but my money is on the Bears being worse. Payton had to carry the team for 7 or 8 years before other talented players came along to help them win the Superbowl in '85.

[@NoName-gv6nm]

@MAZE_ SHADY you're funny. Most fans love LT. I do. He was amazing. But no, he is no Payton.

[@RB-mb1ul]

1977 was only a 14 game season. Payton's YPG would have put him at 2,117 rushing yards over 16 games, which would have been the record.

[@fan4life34]

@WHATEVER'S CLEVER Barry had 16 games, Barry was amazing just like walter!!

[@RB-mb1ul]

Jim Brown is a fair point. Barry is not. You can't just cherry pick his 2 worst games and say "look at his pace for the other 14". You could make any season look better by removing a players worst games.

[@RB-mb1ul]

@WHATEVER'S CLEVER I think the 1998 NFC champion Falcons and the all time great Tampa Bay defense he played in the 1st 2 weeks would argue that they had a little something to do with his 2.1 ypc in those games.

[@NoName-gv6nm]

And game 14 was the infamous "slush bowl" where he only got like 34 yards cuz nobody could keep their footing. Must have been nice for Barry and Peterson to play indoors.

[@UTNatlChamps]

Payton didn't have that many rushing yards. Had that many total offensive yards.

[@jamesdesch3201]

Walter Payton put up some unbelievable numbers let alone all the intangibles he brought to bare. He's the perfect running back. Could do it all. One of the best, if not the best running back ever.

[@russellnerche8789]

I was 9 years old! In 1977. Watching this AWESOME man inspired me to play football. It was so much more than just a game to me. And this man will Always be the Best!! He Helped me have a Heart of a lion!! Just watching him play. MAY HE REST IN HEAVEN!! THANKS FOR ALL OF THOSE AWESOME MEMORIES!!

[@rbabich]

Walter Payton was the greatest back of all time. No help. All Walter

[@paytonaxtell]

Imagine if he or barry sanders had emmitt smith's o line...

[@rbabich]

@@paytonaxtell 100% true. When I was a kid I read a book that had a chapter on Walter, and they said if his O lines was top notch he would be measured in miles not yards. I always remember that.

[@colecooper5836]

Balance is an underrated running back skill. Half these plays that he kept alive were due to him keeping his balance and not going down.

[@Nicky2Chains]

Best football player to play the game. Run, receive, block, and could even throw the football. GOAT

[@tristandavis9335]

I Just Cried Like A Big Ass Baby.... Rest In Paradise... Walter Was My Dad Idol And He Play Defense...When Mr.Payton Passed Away In 1999 That Was The First Time I Ever Seen Him Cry Now I See Why He Was So Sad....This Man Was Amazing On And Off The Field...

[@austin6735]

Walter Payton is the Greatest football player of all time #34 GOAT

[@rheem5794]

Fact there's not one position he couldn't play

[@runner6500]

@@rheem5794 Literally, "not one position he couldn't play". He could even long snap, and hold for kicks.

[@netanelfrankel9903]

Maybe im a softie but it felt so bad to watch someone try so hard but be hampered by a garbage team. The fact that he kept giving his all makes me want to be a better human being. thanks Walter for this lesson on life

[@Philtration]

But he got his ring in 85. That would have been a crime if he had never won a championship.

[@netanelfrankel9903]

That's nice but can you imagine if LeBron, Jordan, or Brady had only one ring?

[@michaelp5600]

You must not have watched the 1985 Chicago Bears, arguably the BEST football team to ever step onto the field

[@ikegreen3034]

Legendary legacy from Jackson State! Coach Sanders is in the right place.

[@christophertracy2807]

Not only was he THE man - he was A man. A REAL man. That is something that is sorely lacking in the NFL and in our American society as a whole

[@josephmartinez2035]

Walter Payton's also the best blocking running back I've ever seen he could do everything i have watched play quarterback for the Bears also punt

[@cuckyoldchannel]

I love how he always looks off balance and about to fall on his ass but somehow miraculously stays on his feet every time

[@lesliethompson4039]

Exactly

[@jjpesty5802]

Thats the definition of balance

[@rickrobitaille8809]

I'm a running back fanatic...and running back guru....CFL..NFL.........sweetness..the BEST R.B. EVER.....275 yards in a weather game and his greatness came forward...Walter Payton..!

[@jefferylittlejohn184]

He was an all-purpose back. He did it all! And threw a couple td's!

[@sargondp69]

Amazing highlights from '77 by Walter. The most impressive stat given all presented here is 5.5 ypc. Plus, in 1977, Elvis died and I was born. These arguments are infallible.

[@Cbhawx]

Best player on and off the field. Absolute legend. Rip Sweetness.

[@rogerreid5925]

My favorite player of all time!!! It was a shame the Bears didn’t get him a TD in 85. He was also a fantastic person on and off the field.

[@carolc963]

I met him in Aurora, IL at his bar, The Roundhouse. He was so cool. I still have his autograph. Rest in Peace Sweetness, 🌟34

[@alexray2890]

Im a Cowboys fan and Walter Payton is the best running back ever, could you imagine him behind the line Smith had?

[@warrenbfeagins]

I'm a Chicago guy in Dallas trying to explain this to Smith fans. Hell, I think Dorsett was better than Smith despite the record.

[@Realdealrob]

@@warrenbfeagins you are right. Tony was better.

[@warrenbfeagins]

@@Realdealrob The late Steve Sabol of NFL films called it. He could shift from 1st to 5th gear like no other back in NFL history. Payton was the best I've ever seen OVERALL including blocking, receiving, throwing and still gaining 1,500 yards as an 11th year back. Barry Sanders was NOT slow and way more shifty, but when Dorsett hit a hole, it was OVER. Smith didn't have it like THAT. Dorsett was a Ferrari.

[@jshgbp]

Elliot Harrison videos are the best nfl videos on youtube

[@matthewchow4991]

suck up

[@marcoscordova2370]

Huge facts my guy

[@funkyflights]

He made it look so effortless, he was just a natural ...