Walter Payton was the most talked about player of his time. people still today tell his stories. Like how in 1976 he was 9 yards ahead of O.J Simpson with the last game on the line. He was  playing an improved Denver bronco team along with the  bears finishing  with their best season in 7 years. O.J was playing the Baltimore colts an hour earlier and the bears bench kept informed on how close O.J was to Walter. meanwhile Walter was running against Denver's  three man front and four line backers  also they were the fourth best run defense in the league. That was the challenge Payton and his offensive line had to face. at the end of the first half Payton only had 45 yards at the end of  Simpson's game he had only gained 70 yards. Payton had already 45 and another half to play! Then Payton tried to go off the right tackle and got creamed by linebackers Randy Gradshir and Tommy Jackson. Payton hit the ground hard and this time didn't get up. finally when he got up and limped to the sidelines he had a severe sprained ankle. at that moment everyone in the stadium applauded and the band started playing, even though he lost he still was a hero. his coach helped him off the field and when everyone was applauding he covered his face to hide all the tears. he was crying because he was emotionally and physically drained. These are the kinds of stories that Walter Payton gave to us to remember forever. Everyone will always remember him as the most skillful and memorable running back ever in the history of the N.F.L