Payton played 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears and is the NFL 's second all - time rushing leader .
Payton died in 1999 at age 45 of the liver - related disease primary sclerosing cholangitis .
Payton , who died in 1999 at age 45 of the liver - related disease primary sclerosing cholangitis , played 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears and is the NFL 's second all - time rushing leader .