Fansided

10 NFL players who would dominate in any era

By Russell S. Baxter

Pro Football Hall of Fame and Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) breaking tackles in the Bears 45-10 victory over the Washington Redskins on 9/29/1985 at Soldier Field in Chicago Illinois. (Photo by James V. Biever/Getty Images)
Pro Football Hall of Fame and Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) breaking tackles in the Bears 45-10 victory over the Washington Redskins on 9/29/1985 at Soldier Field in Chicago Illinois. (Photo by James V. Biever/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1984 NFC Championship Game, a 23-0 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on January 6, 1985, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Rob Brown/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1984 NFC Championship Game, a 23-0 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on January 6, 1985, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Rob Brown/Getty Images) /

1. RB Walter Payton

He is the second-leading rusher in NFL history, trailing only fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer. He is also the Chicago Bears’ leading pass catcher for which 492 career receptions during the regular season.

In 1975, the franchise from the Windy City used the fourth overall pick on Jackson State running back Walter Payton. He would spend the majority of his rookie season returning kickoffs. But it wasn’t long before he found a permanent place in the backfield and his amazing career would unfold.

Besides the rushing yards and his prowess as a pass-catcher, “Sweetness” also had quite the touch when it came to throwing the ball as well. For example, when injuries ravaged the team’s quarterback depth chart in a 1984 tilt vs. the Packers, he filled in briefly behind center. He connected on just one of his four throws but that completion was for a touchdown in what wound up being a 20-14 home loss.

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In 190 regular-season outings with the Bears, Payton amassed 21,264 yards from scrimmage and 125 touchdowns. There were eight TD tosses, to go along with six interceptions. And he was one of the most physical players in league history, a description usually reserved for the defensive side of the football. What a gift he was to the game.

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