It was on this date in 1975 when the trajectory of the Chicago Bears franchise was changed forever.
On January 28, 1975, the Chicago Bears selected Walter Payton with the No. 4 overall selection in the NFL Draft. The Jackson State University running back was a two-time first-team All-American who received down-ballot Heisman Trophy votes despite playing at a small school.
This is what it looked like when it happened:
50 years ago today, Sweetness became a Bear ?
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 28, 2025The voiceover accompanying the clip above is tremendous:
“As their No. 1 draft choice, the Bears feel running back Walter Payton brings superstar potential to Chicago’s offense. During his years at Jackson State, Payton averaged 6.1 yards per carry and scored 66 touchdowns to become the leading scorer in NCAA history. It has been 10 years since the Bears drafted a runner of such promise. That was in 1965. The man’s name was Gale Sayers.”
What a trip down memory lane that turned out to be!
Sweetness is one of the most impactful and iconic athletes to ever grace Chicago. I am not old enough to have seen Walter Payton at the peak of his powers. And, frankly, it bums me out to think about it because every time I get a glimpse at a sizzle reel I am equal parts enamored and entertained by what I see. Payton moved with grace in one moment, then would be seen trucking a would-be defender into the next zip code in the next. Who else did that? Walter was truly a one-of-one talent.
Walter Payton career accolades and highlights
The résumé is legit. Here’s just part of it:
Pro Football Hall of Fame (1993) College Football Hall of Fame (1996) Super Bowl XX champion Nine-time Pro Bowler Five-time first-team All-Pro (three-time second-team) Member of the 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Team Member of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary and 100th Anniversary All-Time Team No. 1 on the list of greatest Bears of all timeWalter Payton is regarded s one of the greatest football players of all time, if not the greatest. That he joined the Bears on this date 50 years ago makes today a day worth celebrating. And what better way to do that than by sharing some highlights?
Please enjoy!
Celebrating 3/4 with some Sweetness.? : @NFL pic.twitter.com/KZqkXEzJbH
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) March 4, 2022Sweetness would have turned 67 today. @walterpayton pic.twitter.com/EFPTCT9wjG
— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) July 25, 2021Today would’ve been Walter Payton’s 6️⃣8️⃣th birthday.We’ll never forget Sweetness. pic.twitter.com/AbOrOuOgRN
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) July 25, 2022Sweetness had a CANNON for an arm.36 years ago today, Walter Payton became the first and only RB since the 1970 merger to throw for 2 touchdowns in a game! Payton threw 56-yard and 21-yard TDs against the Saints. (Sept. 18, 1983) pic.twitter.com/GZ8Cb196xH
— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) September 18, 2019 Read More Details
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