Walter Payton’s Son Scoring Touchdowns In CFL

Ten years after NFL legend Walter Payton’s death, his son is carrying on the proud family name in the Canadian Football League. Running back Jarrett Payton, Walter Payton’s son, was signed by the Toronto Argonauts earlier this month, rushing for a touchdown and catching a pass during a loss to the Montreal Alouettes to launch the preseason last week. For Jarrett Payton, it’s a matter of upholding his father’s tradition of excellence. “I think he would be so proud of me,” Payton told Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune. “He always taught me that you never give up and you go until you can’t go anymore. “I had this opportunity and I just said: ‘You know what, I am going to try this one more time. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t. But I am going to give my all and leave everything out on the field.’” And it hasn’t been easy being Walter Payton’s son. Not at the University of Miami. And not with the Tennessee Titans. And not today in the CFL. “In some ways, it helps, but as far as being a football player, it has hindered Jarrett,” said Connie Payton-Strotter, Jarrett Payton’s mother. “He has not been allowed to be just ‘Jarrett Payton the football player,’ instead of ‘Jarrett Payton, Walter Payton’s son.’ “He’s not his dad and there never will be another Walter Payton with those kind of gifts and abilities. . . . Jarrett has that same type of determination and heart. He is a team player who will give his all to the sport because it is something he really wants to do.” Jarrett Payton went undrafted out of Miami, but has found success in the CFL after a short stint with the Titans as a free agent. In 2007, he led the Alouettes in rushing and touchdowns. “It’s a little bigger field in the CFL and the game is fast,” Payton said. “To be a running back, you have to be a complete player in this league, not just a straight-ahead runner. You have to be able to pass-block and catch passes. . . . My dad would have been awesome in this league. . . . This has been the best year of my life. Life is good. I’m happy. Dad would be proud.” Before dying at age 45 from a rare liver disease, Payton had retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 16,726 yards. Jarrett Payton got married earlier this year with the ceremony performed at Soldier Field.