Walter Payton earned the nickname “Sweetness” during his 13 year NFL career, because of his seamless running style and amazing talent. There was not a better NFL running back during the 1980s and Payton helped the  Chicago Bears become one of the NFL’s top offenses.  In 1984, Payton’s long career of hard work payed off as he broke one of the most prestigious records for an NFL running back.

On this day, October 7th, in 1984, Walter Payton gained his 12,313th rushing yard, breaking the record set by NFL great Jim Brown.  Payton’s record breaking total came late in his career, but the future hall of fame running back was still as dominant as he had ever been.  Payton finished the season with more than 1,500 rushing yards.  The Chicago Bears also went on to win the Super Bowl that year.

Walter Payton retired with the Chicago Bears as one of the greatest football players of all-time.  In honor of his great career, Payton’s legacy lives on through two awards, the Walter Payton Award, which is given to the top offensive player in college football, and the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which is given to an NFL player annually who demonstrates a strong volunteer presence, as well as on the field excellence.