American football legend, Walter Payton (1954-1999), earned a place in history with his career rushing record of 16,726 yards--an all-time high in the National Football League. The Hall-of-Fame running back played his entire 13-year career with the Chicago Bears. He was a tough competitor who refused to "go down" easily. Where other players would run for the sidelines to avoid a crushing tackle, Payton faced defensive blockers squarely head-on; he made them "earn" the down for a tackle.

Walter Jerry Payton was born in Columbia, Mississippi on July 25, 1954. He was one of three siblings--two boys and one girl--the children of Peter and Alyne Payton. In his younger years, Payton was never a competitive athlete. He stood supportively in the shadow of his older brother, Eddie, and refused to steal the limelight. Instead, Payton took an interest in music and learned to play the drums. He joined the school band...