About Our Founder | Walter Payton

Walter Payton Power Equipment carries on the name of our founder, the legendary great Chicago Bears running back and Hall of Famer, Walter Payton (July 25, 1954 – November 1, 1999). Also known as SWEETNESS, his productivity, tenacity, and durability made him one of the greatest running backs of all time.

As an American professional football player for the Chicago Bears of the NFL for 13 seasons, he was a nine-time Pro Bowl selectee, held records for career rushing yards, touchdowns, carries, yards from scrimmages, all-purpose yards, and many more. He scored the most receptions as a non-receiver throughout his football career, and had eight career touchdown passes. SWEETNESS rushed his way into the hearts of Chicagoans for over a decade, and his legacy lives on with Walter Payton Power Equipment, the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, and the Walton Payton Award.

As one of the greatest running backs of all time, Walter Payton won the 1977 AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award and also won Super Bowl XX with the 1985 Chicago Bears. At the end of the 1987 season, Payton retired from his football career.

In addition to football, business endeavors kept Payton going as well. He was a restaurant owner, the owner of at least five dance clubs, part-owner of a CART racing car team, part-owner of an Arena Football League team, and more.

Walter Payton Power Equipment’s teal and purple brand colors represent colors from earlier business ventures of Payton himself. To this day, Walter Payton is remembered as someone who was ambitious and determined, coupled with kind-heartedness and gratefulness.