Walter Payton At Number 2

by Adam T on Jul 24, 2007 11:10 AM CDT in News

If you recall I posted about Mike Singletary making USA Today's list of the top 25 players of the last 25 years. Singletary came in at #17. As you would expect the legendary Walter Payton placed high on the list at #2.

Walter Payton, the man called "Sweetness" for his soft voice and the graceful style with which he galloped to the NFL's all-time rushing record, is No. 3 on USA TODAY's list.

At the time of his retirement after the 1987 season, Payton was the NFL record-holder in career rushing yards, career yards from scrimmage, career rushing touchdowns, rushing yards in one game and most seasons with 1,000 or more rushing yards. He missed just one game to injury in his 13-year career.

Payton broke Jim Brown's 19-year-old record for rushing yards (12,312) in 1984. By the time he retired, Payton exceeded Brown's standard by more than 4,000 yards. Emmitt Smith eclipsed Payton in 2002.

The only player to rank higher than Payton is Joe Montana.

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Walter

would have been great if he was number once. No shame coming in second to Joe Cool though. At least there aren't any running backs in front of him. I would have been dissapointed if emmit smith beat him

first the Rush...now the Bears.

by mike @ Windy City Gridiron on Jul 24, 2007 11:48 AM CDT reply actions

The link...

...had Rice second.

by tyger1147 on Jul 24, 2007 11:50 AM CDT reply actions

wait a sec

I just looked at the list. He's #3.

first the Rush...now the Bears.

by mike @ Windy City Gridiron on Jul 24, 2007 11:50 AM CDT reply actions

F RICE

Rice without a great QB would never get those numbers. Don't get me wrong, Rice is the greatest WR of all time, but Walter Payton had far more effect on a game than Rice ever did. If Payton ran his whole career behind an O line like the 85 team's, he'd still be the all time leading rusher.

by Chad @ Windy City Gridiron on Jul 24, 2007 12:51 PM CDT reply actions

amen

btw there was chad on BCB today. I didn't realize that you posted over there. I assumed it was you not just because of the name, but because of the tone of the messages being left.

first the Rush...now the Bears.

by mike @ Windy City Gridiron on Jul 24, 2007 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions

the one and only

I must say that I am flattered and excited to know that people can tell me by my tone.

I am a little bastard!

by Chad @ Windy City Gridiron on Jul 25, 2007 1:23 AM CDT up reply actions

I've been quiet during the offseason

cause the Cubs have managed to keep me interested in watching baseball this summer, but I'm around enough during the season to know our Chad when I read him. you certainly have your own style.

first the Rush...now the Bears.

by mike @ Windy City Gridiron on Jul 25, 2007 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions