Remembering Walter Payton on What Would be His 65th Birthday

Chicago Bears legend and Pro Football Hall of fame running back Walter Payton would have been 65 years old on Thursday. He was an unbelievable football player and an even better man, but he tragically died at the age of 45 on this day in 1999. Now, 20 years later, let's take a closer look at what made "Sweetness" so special.

Walter Payton Stats

Payton was one of the greatest running backs of all time, and the numbers prove it. He was an absolute workhorse for the Bears for 13 seasons, averaging a remarkable 333 touches per year over that timeframe.

Payton is still second on the all-time rushing, list, racking up 16,726 yards while playing two full seasons fewer than career rushing leader Emmitt Smith. As for rushing touchdowns, Payton is just ahead of Jim Brown and Adrian Peterson, checkin in at fourth all-time with 110 TD carries.

Over the course of his career, Payton worked hard to become a great receiving back as well. He retired with 492 catches for 4538 yards, good for a terrific 9.2 yards per reception and 15 TDs.

Payton's unbelievable ability garnered no shortage of accolades. He was named to the Pro Bowl nine times, as well as receiving five First Team All-Pro nods and a league MVP award in 1977. He finally won his lone championship in his 11th year, as the Bears defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl XX to cap their famed 1985 season.

Walter Payton Quotes

Along with his all-world talent, Payton gained recognition as one of the most outspoken and eloquent athletes both during and after his football career. Here are some of his best quotes.

“When you're good at something, you'll tell everyone. When you're great at something, they'll tell you.” 

“Never Die Easy." (Also the title of his autobiography)

"I want to be remembered like Pete Rose. 'Charlie Hustle.' I want people to say, 'Wherever he was, he was always giving it his all.'"

"I am happy to say that everyone that I have met in my life, I have gained something from them; be it negative or positive, it has enforced and reinforced my life in some aspect."

Payton's infectious spirit and positive attitude were evident nearly every time he spoke, and that's exactly why the NFL ultimately named the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in his honor.

How did Walter Payton Die?

The iconic running back tragically passed away in 1999 after a battle with cholangiocarcinoma. He spent his final months as an outspoken advocate for organ donation.

What is Cholangiocarcinoma?

Cholangiocarcinoma is a debilitating bile duct cancer. In Payton's case, it may have developed from a rare liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis.

While Payton lost his battle with the disease, he will forever be remembered for his class off the field and his grace on it.

Happy birthday, Sweetness.