50 Greatest Bears

51 of 51

No. 1: Walter Payton

Photograph By Manny Rubio/US Presswire

"Sweetness" is one of the most beloved and respected Chicago Bears in history. The Hall of Famer played from 1975-87 and gained 16,726 yards, which stood as the most in NFL history until Emmitt Smith broke the mark in 2002. And much of Payton's success came during lean times for the Bears. Payton was a nine-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro. He was known for punishing tacklers on impact and was a major contributor on the team that won Super Bowl XX.