Back in Columbia, Boston had advised Walter to run with raised knees— to lift them as high as possible in a chopping motion. Hill, the old Jackson State workhorse back, hated the style.

It was called NFL Man of the Year Award from 1970 until 1999, when it was renamed for Hall of Famer Walter Payton after his death in 1999. Payton was the recipient of the honor in 1977.

Payton spent 13 seasons in the NFL breaking records. According to his Hall of Fame stats, at the time of his retirement, Payton ranked No. 1 in NFL history in carries (3,838), rushing yards (16,726), ...

When Walter Payton hung up his cleats in 1988, he did so as the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Sadly just 11 years later, he passed away at the age of 45. Today, however, his name lives on as part ...

NEW ORLEANS (NEXSTAR) – When Walter Payton hung up his cleats in 1988, he did so as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. Sadly just 11 years later, he passed away at the age of 45.