Chicago Bears: Highlighting the Walter Payton Era
The Chicago Bears' Walter Payton Era lasted for 13 seasons as fans witnessed one of the greatest running backs to ever grace a football field.
Heading into the 1975 NFL Draft, the Bears had a 12-year postseason drought and needed a future superstar to build around. For this, they used the fourth overall pick, Payton, who was coming off an astounding career at Jackson State, where he rushed for 3,600 yards and 63 touchdowns.
Today in 1975, the Bears select Jackson State's Walter Payton with the 4th overall pick in the NFL Draft. I'd say that worked out. https://t.co/PqS0mr1p8c
Payton's first game with the Bears wasn't exactly earth-shattering as he was held to zero rushing yards on only eight attempts. He later had a memorable performance in the final game of the year, posting 134 yards against the New Orleans Saints.
As a rookie, Payton recorded just 679 yards and seven touchdowns and the Bears finished with a 4-10 record under new head coach Jack Pardee.
In 1976, he rushed for 1,390 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning the first of his nine career Pro Bowl selections. The Bears improved in the win column, going 7-7, but failed to reach the postseason.
The 1977 campaign proved to be the best of Payton's career. "Sweetness" rushed for a career-high 1,852 yards and 14 touchdowns, picking up the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards. Meanwhile, Chicago went 9-5 and ended its 14-year postseason drought.
Payton continued to serve as an elite running back over the following years, but the Bears struggled to consistently make the playoffs.
During the 1982 offseason, the team hired former Bears tight end Mike Ditka as head coach and drafted BYU quarterback Jim McMahon. Both would emerge as pieces who later helped Chicago win its first-ever Super Bowl.
The legendary 1985 Chicago Bears squad
1985 was undoubtedly the best year of the Walter Payton Era. During the regular season, the Bears went 15-1 with their only loss coming against Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins.
The team went on to win Super Bowl XX, knocking off the New England Patriots 46-10.
Ready to turn the pregame up to 11? Watch 4 minutes of domination from the 1985 Bears defense 🐻 https://t.co/5fOjNxBU9X
While Payton was the franchise player, the '85 Bears featured perhaps the greatest defense ever. Buddy Ryan's famous unit was powered by guys like Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael and William "The Refrigerator" Perry.
'The Payton Era' lasted two more seasons. Chicago went 14-2 in 1986 and 11-4 the following year, but never returned to the Super Bowl. Peyton retired after the 1987 campaign.