Walter Payton leads the Chicago Bears' all-time
touchdown list with a remarkable
125 touchdowns, a testament to his legendary status within the team. His tally is significantly higher than that of the second-placed Neal Anderson, who
scored 71 touchdowns. Payton's
scoring ability highlights his central role in the Bears' offense during his
career.
Distribution of touchdowns among top scorers
The touchdown distribution among the top 20 Chicago Bears players is notably skewed. Walter Payton alone accounts for approximately
22.5% of the total
touchdowns scored by these top performers, underscoring the disparity in scoring contributions among players.
Comparing eras through touchdown achievements
Players from a range of eras make up the top touchdown scorers list, indicating the Bears' rich history. For instance, Ken Kavanaugh (
52 touchdowns), active in the 1940s, and more recent players like Matt Forte (
64 touchdowns) demonstrate the team's long-standing tradition of producing high-caliber talent across different periods.
Top positions contributing to touchdowns
While specific positions are not listed, the presence of notable
running backs and
wide receivers suggests these positions are pivotal in the Bears' touchdown-scoring strategy. Walter Payton and Neal Anderson, both running backs, along with
wide receiver Brandon Marshall (
31 touchdowns), highlight the impact of these roles in the team's offensive playbook.
The exclusive '30 touchdown club' of the Chicago Bears
Only
19 players have scored
30 or more touchdowns for the Bears, illustrating the elite status of this scoring bracket. The inclusion of recent players like David Montgomery, alongside legends such as Red Grange, showcases both the historical depth and contemporary talent within the team.
Tight end and return specialist contributions
Mike Ditka (
36 touchdowns), primarily known for his role as a tight end, and Devin Hester (
33 touchdowns), a return specialist, underscore the diversified sources of touchdowns beyond traditional running and receiving roles, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the Bears' scoring avenues.
Scoring consistency among top performers
The progression from the team's all-time leading scorer, Walter Payton, down to Willie Gault (
28 touchdowns) at the twentieth spot illustrates a gradual decline in touchdowns. This gradual decrease reflects a level of scoring consistency among the team's top performers, albeit with a significant gap between the very top and those ranking lower.
Impact of Walter Payton's legacy
Walter Payton's legacy is further cemented by the fact that his touchdown total (
125) nearly doubles that of the player with the second-highest total, Neal Anderson (
71). This vast difference not only highlights Payton's exceptional talent but also sets a high benchmark for future Bears players.