<P> Walter Jerry Payton ( July 25 , 1954 -- November 1 , 1999 ) was an American football running back who played for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League ( NFL ) for thirteen seasons . Payton was known around the NFL as `` Sweetness '' . A nine - time Pro Bowl selectee , Payton is remembered as a prolific rusher , once holding records for career rushing yards , touchdowns , carries , yards from scrimmage , all - purpose yards , and many other categories . He was also versatile , and retired with the most receptions by a non-receiver , and had eight career touchdown passes . He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996 . Hall of Fame NFL player and coach Mike Ditka described Payton as the greatest football player he had ever seen -- but even greater as a human being . </P>
<P> Walter Jerry Payton ( July 25 , 1954 -- November 1 , 1999 ) was an American football running back who played for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League ( NFL ) for thirteen seasons . Payton was known around the NFL as `` Sweetness '' . A nine - time Pro Bowl selectee , Payton is remembered as a prolific rusher , once holding records for career rushing yards , touchdowns , carries , yards from scrimmage , all - purpose yards , and many other categories . He was also versatile , and retired with the most receptions by a non-receiver , and had eight career touchdown passes . He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996 . Hall of Fame NFL player and coach Mike Ditka described Payton as the greatest football player he had ever seen -- but even greater as a human being . </P>
when was walter payton inducted into hall of fame
when was walter payton inducted into hall of fame
1993
1993