Every NFL team’s greatest running back of all time

For the Chicago Bears, there’s only one right answer for the best running back in team history — Walter Payton.

A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Payton retired holding just about every major statistical record. While many have been knocked off, there’s no denying how great he really was and Elliott Harrison of NFL.com agrees. In fact, he even goes as far as to say Payton is easily the best back to play in the Super Bowl era.

"“This took all of one second to decide. Payton could run, block, catch and even throw. And on top of all that, “Sweetness” had longevity, to boot. There really isn’t anything missing on his résumé, other than the infamous lack of a Super Bowl touchdown. (Who cares?) Payton retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. I always felt the most impressive thing about his career was the fact that he led the NFC in rushing every year from 1976 to 1980, despite the Bears being thoroughly mediocre. Earning a Super Bowl ring in the 1985 campaign was almost obligatory, considering the grand scope of Payton’s career.” — Harrison, NFL.com"

In 13 seasons, Payton racked up 16,726 yards with 110 touchdowns. He added 492 catches for 4,538 yards and 15 more touchdowns. Throughout his impressive career, he was the face of this historic franchise and became the bar most running backs strive to achieve.

Sadly, Payton passed away far too young. A rare liver disease took him at the age of 45 in 1999. One of the best to ever play the game was gone far too early, but his contributions will never be forgotten.