Those who know about Walter Payton’s net worth and biography will know that he is a successful athlete and has been able to earn a considerable amount of money. Whether it’s through endorsements or the fact that he is a highly-paid professional football player, he has made millions of dollars. Read this article for more information.
Walter Payton's Appearance (Height, Hair, Eyes & More)
| Height | 5 ft 10 in / 178 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 201 lb / 91 kg |
| Hair Color | Dark brown |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Facts About Walter Payton
| Nationality | American |
|---|---|
| Estimate Net Worth | $3 million |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Birthday | July 25, 1954 |
Walter Payton's Net Worth
As of 2023, Walter Payton had a net worth of $3 million. Known as “Sweetness” to his teammates, Walter Payton’s career spanned ten seasons and more than 3,000 rushing attempts. He broke several NFL records during his tenure with the Chicago Bears. He was a Hall of Famer and earned nine Pro Bowl selections. (1)
Aside from his football skills, Payton had a great passion for music. He took an interest in various rhythm and blues groups in his free time. He also played the drums in a marching band. He was named MVP of the 1985 Super Bowl.
After retiring from active play, Payton pursued business opportunities. He was also a co-owner of Dale Coyne Racing in the CART IndyCar World Series. He even appeared in commercials that urged others to become organ donors.
Aside from his sports career, Walter Payton had a charitable organization that focused on helping veterans and needy children. His wife, Connie, led the effort. Eventually, the charitable organization renamed itself the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation.
Walter Payton was born in Columbia, MS. He attended Jackson State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in communications. He started his professional career in 1975 with the Chicago Bears. In 1988, he joined the team’s board of directors.
See the net worth of other famous football players here.
Walter Payton's Wife and Family
During Walter Payton’s Hall of Fame induction, he was accompanied by his girlfriend and now his wife, Connie. When the ceremony was over, they separated. (2)
He told them about a brain scan, which showed a 70 percent blockage in the artery leading to his brain. He said a liver transplant would solve the problem. But his family was unimpressed.
Instead, Walter spent the last months of his life advocating organ transplants. He also appeared in commercials encouraging people to donate their organs. The NFL named its Man of the Year award after him.
He was diagnosed with a rare form of liver disease. The illness eventually led to bile duct cancer. He died on November 1, 1999.
He had two children with Connie. But the relationship between the two was rocky. When he threatened suicide, the threats came after fights with Connie.
He also had several extramarital affairs. Before retiring, he used nitrous oxide, a drug approved for mild pain. He also popped painkillers like candy.
Walter Payton's Contract and Salary
During his NFL career, Walter Payton set several records. He was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1977 and 1985 and won Super Bowl XX. He also holds the league’s record for career rushing yards. He led the NFL in rushing in each of his first five seasons.
During his time with the Bears, Payton rushed for more than 1,000 yards in eight of his ten seasons. He also was named to the Pro Bowl in nine of his twelve years with the team. He played in nine games in 1982 because of a players’ strike.
In 1979, he earned $450,000. In his sophomore year, he rushed for 1,390 yards. He also broke Jim Brown’s career record with 12,312 rushing yards. In 1984, he accounted for more than a third of the Bear’s offense. In 1985, he won Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots. (3)
Walter Payton was the NFL’s youngest MVP. He also rushed for more than 100 game yards on 77 occasions.
Walter Payton's Journey As An NFL Player
Throughout his career, Walter Payton had several achievements. He was a star in the Chicago Bears football team and was the first player to lead the NFL in rushing yards, receiving yards, and total offense. He was also the youngest MVP in history. He also held the record for career rushing touchdowns. He was a nine-time Pro Bowl player and received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 1999. (4)
In a single game in 1977, Payton set the record for the most rushing yards in the NFL. He finished the season with 1,852 yards, the third-best total in history. He also led the league in kickoff returns.
After a poor start in his rookie year, Payton made up for it in his second year. He ran for more than 1,000 yards and was named the Bears’ first choice in the draft. He also led the NFL in rushing yards, kickoff returns, and touchdowns. He ended his career with a total of 16,726 yards.
You may also be interested in: Emmit Smith’s net worth
References
- Walter Payton Net Worth, Celebrity Net Worth, https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/nfl/walter-payton-net-worth/#:~:text=Walter%20Payton%20net%20worth%3A%20Walter,net%20worth%20of%20%243%20million.
- Inside Late NFL Player Walter Payton’s Relationship with His Only Wife Connie Payton, Comfort Omovre, https://news.amomama.com/210433-inside-nfl-player-walter-paytons-relatio.html
- Walter Payton, Your Dictionary, https://biography.yourdictionary.com/walter-payton
- ‘A Football Life’: The heart of Walter Payton, A Football Life, https://www.nfl.com/videos/a-football-life-the-heart-of-walter-613741