Tomlinson leads the head-to-head, 3 categories to 2.
Rebuildvs
Tale of the tape
13,684
Rushing yards (career)
16,726
145
Rushing TDs (career)
110
624
Receptions (career)
492
18,456
Scrimmage yards (career)
21,264
4,772
Receiving yards (career)
4,538
The trophy case edge: Payton
NFL MVPOffensive POY3× First-Team All-Pro5× Pro BowlHall of Fame (2017)
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Super BowlNFL MVPOffensive POY5× First-Team All-Pro9× Pro BowlHall of Fame (1993)
The verdict
Tomlinson holds the edge, leading in 3 of 5 categories (rushing tds, receptions, receiving yards). Payton answers in rushing yards, scrimmage yards — which is exactly why this is the marquee debate.