Jarrett Payton

Jarrett Payton, son of the late NFL Hall of Famer Walter Payton, is a television sports and radio journalist/host, businessman, philanthropist, motivational speaker, former NFL and CFL running back, and devoted husband and father.

Payton hosts the highly rated WGN-TV's "GN Sports" program and is the sports anchor for the station’s 4 and 9 p.m. weekday news. During his broadcasting career, he has held several roles as a featured host on Chicago radio and television stations.

His business success is encapsulated by launching a successful craft beer, creating a premium coffee sold in the largest grocery chain in Chicagoland, and partnering with one of the most popular bars/restaurants, “Flagship on the Fox” sports bar in downtown Saint Charles.

Payton’s social media following is inspiring. He has nearly 46-thousand followers on Instagram, 127-thousand followers on Facebook, and nearly 95-thousand followers on Twitter.

Along with honoring his father’s legacy of making a difference in the community, Payton’s mission is connecting with children of all ages—serving as a role model and stressing the importance of sports, education, and character through the foundation he and his wife Trisha founded: The Jarrett Payton Foundation (JPF). 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 designed to develop their leadership skills and enrich their lives. He 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.

Payton’s career in athletics started at an early age. Following a successful high school soccer and football career in the Chicagoland area, he went on to have an illustrious career at the University of Miami, where he appeared in five major bowl games and was named Most Valuable Player of the 2004 Orange Bowl.

After college, Payton played in the NFL for two years with the Tennessee Titans and the Amsterdam Admirals, 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 the Chicago Slaughter of the Indoor Football League.

His passion for public speaking dates back to August 1993, when the world met the younger Jarrett Payton. Payton made the introductory speech for his father when Walter was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Since then, he is sought to connect with all age levels, particularly in the business community, to motivate, inspire and impact others.

Affectionately known as JP, Payton currently resides in the western suburbs of Chicago with his wife, son, and daughter.