The Chicago Bears backfield for much of the 1980s - Walter Payton and Matt Suhey.
Walter Payton and Matt Suhey, Chicago Bears
Walter Payton behind fellow runner Matt Suhey. The two manned the Bears backfield together from 1981 till 1987 as Payton had 5 1000+ yard seasons in that time. Keep in mind the other two were strike years.
Walter Payton and Matt Suhey of the Chicago Bears
Bears great Walter Payton gets escapes from Lions defensive back James Hunter. In 13 seasons Payton rushed for over a thousand yards 10 times.
Walter Payton escapes Lion James Hunter
The Great Walter Payton - Was the NFL's All Time Leading rusher from 1984 to 2002 - 16726 yards. Also had a 4.4 lifetime rushing average and 110 rushing touchdowns.
The Great Walter Payton of the Chicago Bears
In a 1984 games against the Saints, Walter Payton broke Jim Brown's rushing record of 12,312 yards. Payton finished his career in 1987 with 16,726 yards to his credit.
Walter Payton vs the New Orleans Saints in 1984
Set the NFL's All Time Career Rushing Yardage mark in 1984 with 16,726. He held that position until it was broken in 2002 by Emmitt Smith.
Walter Payton, Chicago Bears
Walter Payton on the Wheaties Cereal Box cover
Wit Packers defensive players Johnnie Gray (#24) & Mike Butler (#77) close behind, Bears legend Walter Payton (#34) rips through the Green Bay defense in 1977.
Walter Payton carries against the Packers Johnnie Gray & Mike Butler
All Packers linebacker Brian Noble (#91) can do is look on as Walter Payton (#34) breaks outside on Green Bay's defense.
Walter Payton breaks outside against the Packers
The Bears offensive line opens up a huge hole for runner Walter Payton (#34) right through the middle of the 49ers defense.
Walter Payton runs through the 49ers defense
1983 NFL - Bears great Walter Payton (#34) makes some positive yards against the Broncos defense. Stopping him are linebacker Steve Busick (#58) and defensive back Dennis Smith (#49). Also shown is Bears lineman Kurt Becker (#79). Payton carried the ball 23 times this game for 91 yards in a 31-14 Chicago victory.
Walter Payton Dives Over Broncos Defenders in 1983
The NFL's All-Time Leading Rusher from 1984 to 2002. Finished his career with 16,726 yards.
Walter Payton of the Chicago Bears against the 49ers
Bears Great - 16,726 yards, 110 Rushing Touchdowns
Bears Running Back Walter Payton
The NFL's best rushing team of the 1980s was the Chicago Bears. Altogether they totaled 23,321 rushing yards during that decade. Over half of those yards (12,442) were accounted for by the two men here - Walter Payton (#34) and fullback Matt Suhey (#26). They were together from 1980 to 1987.
Walter Payton and Matt Suey of the Chicago Bears in the 1980s
walter-payton-chicago-bears-1976-1987
Walter Payton
Chicago Bears Runner Walter Payton
Walter Payton Bears
Getting behind the blocking of 6'-6" 280 pound Mark Bortz.
All in all he ended up with 77 100+ yard rushing games - that ranks 2nd in the NFL record books.
Walter Payton Gets Behind the Blocking of Mark Bortz
Had 10 1000+ yard seasons from 1976 to 1986. The only season he didn't was the strike shortened year of 1982.
Walter Payton Goes Over the Top Against the Steelers
Sweetness - his nickname from his college days at Jackson State.
Walter Payton Sweetness
"Sweetness" goes airborne to score on the Minnesota Vikings defense. In his 13-year NFL career he scored a total of 125 touchdowns - 110 on the ground.
Walter Payton Goes Up & Over to Score Against the Vikings
Walter Payton Chicago Bears
Walter Payton carries against Eagles
Harvey Martin leads a host of Cowboys as they try to stop Walter Payton of the Bears.
Harvey Martin and the Cowboys Close in on Walter Payton
Gaining yards against the Rams.
Walter Payton Carries Against Rams
