The late Payton, a 1993 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was selected by Hall of Fame writers Don Pierson and Dan Pompei, who formed the top 100 list. Payton rushed for 16,726 yards and 110 touchdowns during his 13-year NFL career.
Below is the list of the top 25 greatest Bears, as selected in the team countdown:
1. Walter Payton2. Dick Butkus3. Bronko Nagurski4. Sid Luckman5. Gale Sayers6. Mike Ditka7. Bill George8. Bulldog Turner9. Doug Atkins10. Danny Fortmann11. Dan Hampton12. Richard Dent13. Jim Covert14. Brian Urlacher15. Mike Singletary16. Bill Hewitt17. Stan Jones18. Jay Hilgenberg19. Steve McMichael20. Devin Hester21. Joe Stydahar22. George Connor23. George McAfee24. Joe Fortunato25. Ed Sprinkle