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NFL: Ranking every MVP winner in league history based on pro career

By Hans Themistode

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during a NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during a NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images) /
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Walter Payton
Walter Payton (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Ranking every MVP winner in NFL history: 14. Walter Payton

Stats: 

  • 16,726 rushing yards
  • 110 rushing touchdowns

Walter Payton didn’t have much size. Standing at just 5’11 and weighing approximately 200 pounds, it was easy for Payton to get around much bigger defenders. Yet, the NFL was full of players who not only towered over Payton but were also quick on their feet as well.

After back-to-back seasons at Jackson State where he went over a thousand yards, Payton was taken with the fourth overall pick in the 1975 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. It took him only one full season to get adjusted. Once he did, he dominated. Outside of his first and last year in the league and an injury-plagued 1982 season, Payton was always good for at least 1,200 yards. Not only did he rack up the yards but he proved that his diminutive body could handle the pounding as he led the league in total touches in four consecutive seasons.

Payton’s 4,330 career touches currently rank second league history. He’s also top five in all-purpose yards with 21,803, rushing touchdowns with 110, and rushing yards 16,726. Payton was also an eight-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro, one-time league MVP, and a Super Bowl Champion. All in all, he has the sort of credentials that separate him from most running backs in NFL history.

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