American professional football player, a versatile running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football Conference (NFC) of the National Football League (NFL), who was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. When he retired after the 1987 season, he was the NFL's career leader in rushing attempts (3838), rushing yards (16,726), and rushing touchdowns (110). Payton—nicknamed Sweetness—was also an excellent blocker.
Born in Columbia, Mississippi, Payton attended Jackson State University, where he set a college football record for points scored. After graduation in 1975, he was first choice in the pro football draft, and the Bears signed him to a record contract for a rookie. He had a good rookie season in 1975 and in 1976 led the NFC in rushing and made the Pro Bowl team for the first of nine times. Payton ran for a career-high 1852 rushing yards in 1977, and the Bears made the playoffs for the first time in 14 years.
In 1984 Payton became the NFL's all-time rushing leader when he broke Jim Brown's long-standing record. In the 1985-86 season Payton rushed for more than 1500 yards, and the Bears won the 1986 Super Bowl after posting a regular-season record of 15 wins and 1 loss. Payton's other individual honors include winning the NFL's most valuable player award in 1977 and 1985.