Flashback #44: Walter Payton Dies (1999)

As of 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary on January 3rd, the station has begun to reveal (in chronological order) the Top 100 Chicago Sports Stories that have occurred since they first went on the air 20 years ago. Once all 100 of these "flashbacks" have been revealed, fans will be able to vote for which stories they believe are the most significant in the 20 year history of The Score. To see all of the Flashbacks that The Score has posted so far, please visit 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary page.

November 1, 1999 - Walter Payton dies

On Nov. 1, 1999, the Chicago Bears lost their most iconic image.

Walter Payton, who spent 13 seasons with the Bears, died in his home in Barrington, Ill., after a 10-month battle with bile duct cancer.

At the time of his death, the 45-year-old Payton was the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Payton finished his career with 16,726 rushing yards on 3,838 carries, for an average of 4.4 yards per carry. During his 13-year NFL career with the Bears, Payton scored 110 touchdowns.

Payton, who was nicknamed Sweetness by his teammates, rushed for 1,551 yards and nine touchdowns during the 1985 Super Bowl run that saw the Bears finish with an NFL-record 18-1 mark. Though, Payton never scored in the Super Bowl.

While Payton's on-the-field stats speak for themselves, it was his off-the-field endeavors that made the city of Chicago fall in love with him.

Payton's charitable endeavors led to the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which is given out annually to the NFL player who displays excellence in both volunteer and charity work, as well as excellence on the field. Prior to 1999, it was called simply the NFL Man of the Year Award.

The Score will continue to release a new Flashback each weekday until they reach 100. Check back tomorrow for a new one, or check out all of the previous Flashbacks: 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary »