'A Football Life': Brian Dawkins was fueled by playoff letdowns

After being selected No. 2 overall by the Los Angeles Rams in 1983, Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson had the greatest rookie season a running back has ever had, rushing for 1,808 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Walter Payton won a Super Bowl with the Chicago Bears in 1986. Check out why Payton's world championship was an unenjoyable experience.

Take a look at Walter Payton's approach to football which would enable him to become one of the greatest players in NFL history.

Take a deeper look at the relationships Walter Payton held with his family and fullback Matt Suhey.

Walter Payton wreaked havoc on opposing defenses throughout his NFL career. After football, Payton had to plow through his toughest opponent, cancer.

After a couple tough seasons and injuries, Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson began to hate the game of football. It would take the back being finally remembered for his accomplishments on the field for him to remember why he fell in love with the sport.

Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson was the No. 1 running back recruit coming out of high school in the country. He eventually committed to Southern Methodist University, where he shared a backfield with running back Craig James. They went on to create one of the most potent running games of all time, known as the "Pony Express."

In 1985, Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson began to let his elite play get to his head. He wanted a new contract with higher pay, or he wanted to be traded.

Take a look at the beginning of Jim Brown's career and how he began to build his legacy.

Watch how running back Jim Brown was able to deal with racial discrimination during a tough time for minorities in America.

Don Shula began playing football at a young age and went to extreme lengths to make sure he took the field. Take a look at the path that Shula took to become one of the youngest head coaches ever, which includes a life-changing moment in a game against Syracuse.

Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith talks about breaking the all-time sack record.

Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith shares what it was like to be a popular culture icon.

Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith shares how conditioning on a stair machine helped his NFL career.

Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith shares how he almost quit football in high school.

'A Football Life': How Ronnie Lott challenged Bill Walsh during his career

'A Football Life': Ronnie Lott explains how he tackled opponents

"A Football Life": What Ronnie Lott and Magic Johnson learned from their relationship

"A Football Life": How Ronnie Lott impacted the 49ers' defense.

Why tight end Tony Gonzalez changed his mind about retirement in 2012.

See how tight end Tony Gonzalez landed in Atlanta with the Falcons.

Why tight end Tony Gonzalez made a trade request to leave the Kansas City Chiefs.

We see how tight end Tony Gonzalez overcame his fear and renewed his focus to overcome struggles.

Former tight end Tony Gonzalez faces his former college coach in the NFL.

Tight end Tony Gonzalez tells story in early football career.