Walter Payton was an American footballer who played as a running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. Known as one of the best players in the history of the NFL, Payton was a nine-time Pro Bowl selectee, and held records for career rushing yards, touchdowns, carries, yards from scrimmage, and all-purpose yards. He first gained national attention as a halfback while playing for the Jackson State University. Soon he was selected for the All-American team as well. He performed brilliantly during his four years of college football and was also named the Black College Player of the Year twice. Later he joined the NFL’s Chicago Bears where he continued to display his outstanding skills in football. He was described by his coach Mike Ditka as one of the greatest football players he had ever seen. He retired in 1987 and passed away after a few years at the relatively young age of forty-five after suffering from bile duct cancer. Payton was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996. He had also founded a charitable organization named ‘Walter and Connie Payton Foundation’ along with his wife. It aims at helping children and veterans.