Walter Payton was one of the greatest NFL football players of all time. He was born on July 25, 1954 in Columbia Mississippi. As a child he was involved in Boy Scouts, Little League and was active in the local church. By the time he reached high school he played drums in the marching band, was on the track team and sang in the school choir. Walter also played drums outside of school in his jazz rock bands. But he wasn't interested in playing football at the time. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The reason he started playing football wasn't because he wanted to. It's because his high school coach asked him to. As it happens, he was fantastic at the running back position in his junior and senior years. So good that he attended college on a football scholarship at Jackson State University. At Jackson State University he set several school records and was a member of the American football team. He also earned a bachelor's degree in communications before being drafted into the NFL. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 1975 NFL Draft with the fourth overall pick. As a Bear he set multiple team records and NFL records. He set the single-game rushing record and also a single-season rushing record with over 1800 rushing yards. During his ninth season in the NFL he became the NFL's all-time leading rusher. This record will last for another 18 years. When he retired in 1988 he rushed for over 16,700 yards and scored 110 touchdowns. Walter Payton missed just one game in 13 seasons and that earned him No. 1 of the year. He was also selected as a professional bowler 9 times. However, the highlight of his career was in 1986, when he and the Chicago Bears won Super Bowl 20 and became world champions. His number was retired by the Chicago Bears in 1989 and he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1993. But perhaps Walter's best work was what he did off the field. Walter was known as a very kind and generous person to everyone. He has done many charitable activities, including supporting children and organ donation. On his couch Mike Ditka said, “Walter Payton was the greatest football player he had ever seen but even greater as a human being.” Unfortunately, Walter Payton's life ended in 1999 when he died of a rare liver disease at the age of 45. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay His legacy was so great that the NCAA recast Offensive Player of the Year with the Walter Payton Award. The NFL now gives the "Walter Payton Man of the Year" award to the player who gives the most charity that year. Walter Payton was truly a champion and a hero on and off the field.