Jarrett Payton
Jarrett Payton, son of the late NFL Hall of Famer Walter Payton, is a radio host, businessman, philanthropist, motivational speaker, former NFL and CFL running back and devoted husband and father. Currently he is a co-host of “The Beat” radio show weekend afternoons on 720 WGN. Payton is a partner with Chicago based Argus Brewery where he is actively involved in the production, promotion and sales of his own beer: Jarrett Payton’s All-American Wheat Ale. Payton was inspired to create his own beer from earlier memories of his father’s appreciation for craft beer. Argus Brewery is owned by a father-and-son duo. Payton, relying on an extremely close relationship he had with his famous father, appreciated similarities of the successful duo and saw an opportunity to carry out his father’s dream amongst an important father-son bond. His beer, which went into production in 2012, is the second best selling item from Argus Brewery. In 2014 Jarrett in collaboration with Cy Fredrics, a Chicago destination for fine jewelry and watches, created the JPbyCF Collection which includes men’s and ladies’ pieces in five limited edition custom designs. Bracelets, cufflinks and pendants are crafted in sterling silver and white gold with diamonds.
Along with honoring his father’s legacy of making a difference in the community, Payton enjoys connecting with children, serving as a role model and stressing the importance of sports, education and character. He and his wife Trisha are the co-founders of The Jarrett Payton Foundation. The foundation is committed to positively impacting the lives of children and adolescents by creating and providing programs that present them with a wide variety of opportunities specifically designed to develop their leadership skills and enrich their lives. Payton also dedicates time to The Walter & Connie Payton Foundation which is dedicated to taking an active role in helping those less fortunate to find stability while providing positive opportunities needed to live their lives with dignity and pride.
Following a successful high school soccer and football career in the Chicago area, Payton was recruited by major universities, including Penn State and Notre Dame, to play football. The result: having an illustrious career at the University of Miami where he appeared in five major bowl games and was named Most Valuable Player of the 2014 Orange Bowl.
After college, Payton went on to play in the NFL for two years with the Tennessee Titans and the Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe, winning the 2005 World Bowl championship. From 2007-2009, he played in the Canadian Football League for the Montreal Alouettes and Toronto Argonauts. In 2010 Payton signed with his hometown team, the Chicago Slaughter of the Indoor Football League.
Payton’s football career transcended into a successful sports television and radio career. For the 2012 college football season, he appeared on the ESPNU SportsNation College Football show each Saturday. Payton has had reoccurring roles on Comcast SportsNet Chicago and hosted his own Internet sports radio show, The Jarrett Payton Show, on ChicagolandSportsRadio.com.
His passion for public speaking dates back to August 1993—the day the world met the younger Payton. He made the introductory speech for his father when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Since then, Payton is sought out to connect with all age levels, particularly in the business community to motivate, inspire and impact others.
As an active participant on social media, friends and fans connect with him on Twitter @paytonsun, Instagram, Facbook, and connect to his foundation on the Foundation’s Webpage or the the Foundation’s Facebook Page. Information on Jarrett Payton’s All-American Wheat Ale can be found at Argus Brewery.
Payton currently resides in the northwestern suburbs of Chicago with his wife and son.
