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Legacy Payton left 'speaks volumes'

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The legacy of Bears legendary Hall of Famer Walter Payton is featured in a brief video celebrating Black History Month on NFL.com.

Payton played his entire 13-year NFL career with the Bears from 1975-87. He was voted to nine Pro Bowls, retired as the league's all-time leading rusher with 16,726 yards and set 16 NFL and 27 Bears records. Sweetness was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993 in his first year of eligibility.

In 1999, the NFL renamed its Man of the Year award after Payton as a tribute to his greatness both on and off the field. The legendary running back passed away on Nov. 1, 1999 at the age of 45 due to bile duct cancer.

The prestigious honor is the only league award that recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his performance on the field. In existence since 1970, it rewards NFL players who demonstrate outstanding balance in their lives between civic and professional responsibilities.

Click here to watch video.

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