1977 was a remarkable year for the legendary running back Walter Payton. He was the NFL Most Valuable Player of the Year in 1977. He was also named the NFL Man of the Year. The Man of the Year award now carries his name.
1977 was the last year the NFL regular season was only 16 games. His season was remarkable. 1,852 yards rushing, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. He added 269 yards on only 10 receptions. He totaled 2,121 yards from scrimmage, scoring 16 touchdowns. Payton accounted for an amazing 45.6% of the total offensive yards in 1977, and scored 16 of the team’s 29 TDs.
The 4-5 Bears hosted the Minnesota Vikings on November 20th. The Vikings were sitting atop the NFC Central division with a 6-3 record. The game was played on a rain-soaked field on an overcast day with breezy conditions and the temperature in the high 40s.
Walter Payton came to the game with flu-like symptoms; A fever of 101 degrees and shivering; he laid in the locker room before the game started. Despite his health, he was in the lineup and started the game with a 28-yard run. On the day, his stats were mind-boggling.
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40 Carries
275 yards
6.9 yards per carry
Longest run of 58 yards
1 touchdown
With just under four minutes left in the game, Payton had 211 yards rushing and broke off a 58-yard run, giving the Bears a first and goal inside the Vikings 10-yard line. The run put him at 269 yards for the day, four yards away from the record for the most yards rushing in a single game, set by O. J. Simpson one year earlier.
On 4th down, Pardee called Payton’s number one last time. Payton was stopped at the 2-yard line, but the play pushed Payton past Simpson for the rushing record. His 275-yard game was a record that stood for 23 years.
Details
40 Carries
275 yards
6.9 yards per carry
Longest run of 58 yards
1 touchdown
With just under four minutes left in the game, Payton had 211 yards rushing and broke off a 58-yard run, giving the Bears a first and goal inside the Vikings 10-yard line. The run put him at 269 yards for the day, four yards away from the record for the most yards rushing in a single game, set by O. J. Simpson one year earlier.
Details
With just under four minutes left in the game, Payton had 211 yards rushing and broke off a 58-yard run, giving the Bears a first and goal inside the Vikings 10-yard line. The run put him at 269 yards for the day, four yards away from the record for the most yards rushing in a single game, set by O. J. Simpson one year earlier.
On 4th down, Pardee called Payton’s number one last time. Payton was stopped at the 2-yard line, but the play pushed Payton past Simpson for the rushing record. His 275 yard game was a record that stood for 23 years.
