Jim Brown vs. Walter Payton

Attribute	Jim Brown	Walter Payton
Position	Running back	Running back
Years Active	1957-1965	1975-1987
Teams	Cleveland Browns	Chicago Bears
Super Bowl Wins	0	1
Pro Bowl Selections	9	9
First Team All-Pro Selections	8	5

Introduction

Jim Brown and Walter Payton are two of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Both players had remarkable careers and left a lasting impact on the game. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Jim Brown and Walter Payton to determine who was the better player.

Running Style

Jim Brown was known for his powerful running style. He was a bruising runner who could break tackles and run over defenders with ease. Brown had incredible strength and speed, making him a dominant force on the field. Walter Payton, on the other hand, was more elusive and agile. Payton had a unique running style that allowed him to make defenders miss with his quick cuts and jukes. While Brown relied on his power to gain yards, Payton used his agility and vision to find running lanes.

Statistics

When comparing the statistics of Jim Brown and Walter Payton, it is clear that both players were incredibly productive. Jim Brown rushed for 12,312 yards and 106 touchdowns in his career, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Walter Payton, on the other hand, rushed for 16,726 yards and 110 touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. While Payton had more total yards and touchdowns, Brown had a higher yards per carry average. Both players were able to consistently produce on the field and were among the top rushers in NFL history.

Receiving Ability

One area where Walter Payton had an advantage over Jim Brown was in his receiving ability. Payton was a versatile player who could contribute in the passing game as well. He caught 492 passes for 4,538 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career. Jim Brown, on the other hand, was not utilized as much as a receiver out of the backfield. Brown caught 262 passes for 2,499 yards and 20 touchdowns. While Brown was a threat as a receiver, Payton was more involved in the passing game and had better hands.

Blocking

Both Jim Brown and Walter Payton were known for their blocking ability. Brown was a physical blocker who could take on defenders and open up running lanes for his teammates. Payton, on the other hand, was a smart blocker who could pick up blitzes and protect his quarterback. Both players understood the importance of blocking and were willing to do the dirty work to help their team succeed. While Brown may have had more brute strength, Payton was more technically sound in his blocking technique.

Leadership

When it comes to leadership, both Jim Brown and Walter Payton were respected by their teammates and coaches. Brown was a vocal leader who led by example on the field. He was a fierce competitor who demanded the best from his teammates. Payton, on the other hand, was a more quiet leader who led by his actions. He was a hard worker who never gave up and inspired his teammates with his work ethic. Both players were considered leaders in their own right and were instrumental in the success of their teams.

Legacy

Jim Brown and Walter Payton both have left a lasting legacy in the NFL. Brown was a trailblazer who revolutionized the running back position with his combination of size and speed. He set numerous records and was a dominant force on the field. Payton, on the other hand, was known for his durability and consistency. He played in 190 consecutive games and was a model of excellence throughout his career. Both players are considered among the greatest running backs of all time and have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.