Chicago Bears: Top 25 players in franchise history

1. RB Walter Payton

Walter Payton is without a doubt the greatest running back to ever play the game of football — go ahead, try and convince me otherwise.

Not only was he an exceptional football player, but Payton was a man of integrity and was always a class act off the field. It’s no wonder why the NFL now honors the “Man of the Year” in his name.

Payton is most famously remembered for his unique running style — unorthodox, really. He ran wild, like an animal recklessly and aggressively bursting down the field. Many times, you saw Payton carry the ball out in front of him in only one hand — yes, this is frowned upon today and probably always has been.

The man was in a class of his own. Although he played unapologetically, Payton rarely fumbled the ball and never attempted to avoid contact. He worked for every single inch he gained. In fact, the reason you see many players stretch the ball out at the end of a play in today’s game is due to Payton implementing that habit during his days on the field.

At one point the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, Payton’s list of achievements is one that may never be duplicated again. Without highlighting the dozens of awards and records, here are just a few:

*9-time Pro Bowl selection

*7-time First Team All-Pro

*1977 NFL MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Man of the Year, Rushing Title, Rushing Touchdowns Leader

*2-time NFC Offensive Player of the Year

*16,726 career rushing yards

*110 career rushing touchdowns

*College Football Hall of Fame

*Pro Football Hall of Fame

*Millions of lives impacted

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“Sweetness” passed away almost 20 years ago now, but he will forever be remembered in the hearts of Bears fans for the rest of time.