Yes, before Michael Jordan dropped 38 points against the Utah Jazz in game 5 of the 1997 NBA finals, Walter Payton had his own flu game. In week 10 of the 1977 NFL season, the 4-5 Chicago Bears were set to host the 6-3 Minnesota Vikings. The Bears ground game took charge, fueled by Sweetness himself. While battling the flu and a 101-degree fever, Payton carried 40 times for 275 yards of rushing, while scoring the games lone offensive touchdown, a 1-yard rush in the second quarter. The Vikings would get a touchdown off a blocked punt in the third quarter, but the Bears would hold on to win 10-7.

Running back Robin Earl would chip in 60 yards rushing of his own, as the Bears would rush for 343 yards total on the afternoon against the vaunted Vikings “Purple People Eater” defensive line. The

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