Was Walter Payton the best running back in NFL history??

[Hoenheim]

I'm just curious. It's sad that I just learned that he existed a few weeks ago when I was researching some nfl history. Adrian Peterson sort of reminds me of him, just amazing what ive seen through highlight videos and nfl films anyways.

And did dwill pick the number 34 because of Payton? Do you think we will ever have a running back as good as a Walter Payton?

*Note: I'm only 20 years old, so he had been retired for a few years already before I was born. I was especially wondering if any of you had a chance to see him in person.

[Penalty Flag]

I thought DeAngelo picked it because of Ricky Williams. Didn't they say that on one of those Mic'd Up segments, the last time we played the Dolphins?

I think Sanders is up there. But I kinda know more from his time than Payton, so there's some bias there.

[Grammer]

Barry Sanders was better

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Football_League_rushing_yards_leaders

Look at the total carries, Sanders was on pace to shatter Paytons rushing record with about 500 less carries, but he retired in his prime because the lions are the pootiest franchise in history

[Kettle]

I've always thought walter was the greatest I've seen. I was born around his rookie year, and watched a good bit of his games with my dad. I remember him being more versatile than sanders, but I was very young. Barry definitely had the moves though.

[TheGreatestOfAllTimeCam]

Payton was a top 5 back all time in the NFL. Had the heart of a Lion. I'm reading the book of his life right now... "Sweetness" by Jeff Pearlman

I think it's probably something like this:

1) Barry Sanders

2) Jim Brown

3) Emmitt Smith

4) Walter Payton

5) Ladanian Tomlinson

5a) Thurman Thomas

[Kettle]

Walter is better than emmitt imo. others worth putting in the conversation along with brown are sayers and dickerson.

[Mr. Scot]

Payton was absolutely the best overall.

Barry Sanders is the best speed back.

Jim Brown is the best power back.

[ed bell]

Sweetness was one of the GOATs for sure...to try and micro-rank what he did on the field compared to other GOATs is futile, IMHO. They all had their eras and their personal strengths......I can't say that there is a clear cut greatest running back of all time. Having said that, Barry Sanders was a strong contender for the overall GOAT. I remember feeling genuine sadness when he announced his retirement at a point that was far from the end of his effectiveness.

[Jangler]

Yeah, I believe Payton is the best overall back. But Sanders was going to crush Paytons rushing record and without padding it...*cough* Emmit *cough* Smith *cough*

[Mr. Scot]

What I found sad was Sanders Hall of Fame presentation where his dad introduced him as "the third best runningback of all time" (behind Brown and Payton).

While I may agree with that assessment, a guy's dad should never say his son isn't the best, especially not when he's going into the Hall of Fame.

[jb_online]

Payton was absolutely the best overall.

Barry Sanders is the best speed back.

Jim Brown is the best power back.

This. If you factor in heart or the determination to overcome personal limitations and go the extra mile on every play... it would be Walter Payton by a landslide. Have you guys heard about his hill? The dude was first to practice, last to leave and in his free time he ran up and down a hill he made in his yard to improve his stamina, leg strength and the ability to raise his knees while running. The man was a machine and when football was gone, his life fell apart. He lived for football and football lived for him. No one playing today can compare.

People go nuts about Jim Brown, but to me Sweetness is the best.

[ed bell]

Yeah, I believe Payton is the best overall back. But Sanders was going to crush Paytons rushing record and without padding them...*cough* Emmit *cough* Smith *cough*

Not going to take anything away from Emmitt, but he totally hung around to chalk up the yards needed....far past the point where he was a full-time weapon. Not begrudging that, but the Cowgirls totally let him stay on roster specifically for that....just sayin'

[CITILIMITS]

Jim Brown youngins, without a doubt!!

[Jangler]

He went to Arizona to get the record, and if the Cards happened to win and get to the playoffs that was a bonus. It was all about the all time rushing stat. Sanders if he hadn't retired the record would be 20k+...