The Retired Numbers of the Chicago Bears and the Men Behind Them

Walter Payton

Walter Payton is probably the most well-known player in Chicago Bears history. Number 34 has been ranked, by many, as the number one player in Chicago Bears football. And it’s hard to deny that.

Payton broke and held, for a time, the NFL’s rushing record as well as several other records, most of which have now been broken. He’s also famous for his ability to stay healthy, having missed just one game in his entire career. Fans will always remember his running style and ability to power through would-be tacklers on his way to the end zone.

He ended his NFL career with 16,726 rushing yards along with 110 rushing touchdowns. Payton also caught 492 passes 4538 yards and 15 touchdowns. He holds the Bears record in almost every rushing category.

Payton is remembered as being a force on the field, but he was just as much of a force off it. He gave his time, his energy and his money to projects outside of football. These projects touched many lives.

After being diagnosed with liver disease, he succumbed to his ailment on November 1, 1999.