Born on this day in Columbia, Mississippi, Chicago Bears great running back Walter Jerry Payton (1954–1999) earned the nickname "Sweetness" for both his warm disposition and his smooth, elegant running style.

Called "the best football player I've ever seen" by his coach Mike Ditka, No. 34 was the NFL’s all-time leading rusher when he retired, with 16,726 yards in 3,838 attempts over a phenomenal 13-year career.

“I want to set the record so high that the next person who tries for it, it's going to bust his heart,” he once said. Emmitt Smith eventually broke that record in 2002.

Payton was unselfish and a joy to watch. A high-stepping runner, he had a unique way of palming the football with one hand as he dashed into the open. If he couldn’t avoid a tackle, he initiated contact and often dragged defenders along with him.

“Of all the guys I covered over the years, he was my favorite,” said broadcaster John Madden. Payton’s legendary effort and attitude helped lead the Bears to a 15-1 season and a Super Bowl title in 1986.

Off the field, he gave back. He worked closely with inner-city youth in Chicago and co-founded the Halas/Payton Foundation in 1988. His heart for community matched his love for the game.

Diagnosed with a rare liver disease, Payton passed away in 1999. His family created The Walter Payton Cancer Fund to support research and innovative treatments.

Upon his 1993 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Payton said, “Life is short, it is oh so sweet. The things that mean the most are the friendships that you meet and take along with you.”