You might not remember it, but the great ‘Payton’ legacy found its way to Nashville back in 2005, when the Tennessee Titans signed running back Jarrett Payton, the son of one of the best running backs of all time, Walter Payton, as an undrafted rookie free agent. Payton already had a tie to the Titans even before he signed a contract with the team. Jeff Fisher, head coach of the Titans at the time, had played on the same team as Jarrett’s father for the entirety of his career as a player in the NFL. In fact, he and Walter struck up a friendship. So, maybe it was destiny that Jarrett would end up being coached by Fisher once he made it to the big leagues.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit – it’s a little difficult to write these Tennessee Titans Throwback Thursday pieces on players that only played a season or two with the Titans. But, every player has a story to tell, and you can find some deeply interesting ones out there if you look. Jarrett Payton is a shining example of that. He only briefly had a cup of coffee with the Titans, his NFL career lasting just that one season as the Titans third running back. Still, he managed to score a couple of touchdowns in that role, finishing 2005 with 105 yards, and those two touchdowns, on 33 carries.
But, because of that, we might be inclined to forget how decorated Payton was as a running back for the Miami Hurricanes in college. He was used as a tailback, fullback, and a kick returner throughout his tenure in Miami, and won a National Championship in 2001, along with the Orange Bowl in 2004. He was actually named the MVP of that Orange Bowl, rushing for 131 yards and averaging six yards per carry.
Payton saw some success playing professional football outside of the NFL, too. Playing for Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe in 2005, he won a World Bowl, and was named All-NFL Europe. After his time with the Titans ended, Payton made the move to the CFL, playing for the Montreal Alouettes in 2007, and the Toronto Argonauts in 2009. He was top five in the CFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns as an Alouette. Eventually, he left the CFL to work with his parents’ foundation, helping kids in Chicago, before starting his own foundation in 2011.
Courtesy of The Jarrett Payton Foundation’s website:
“We are committed to positively impacting the lives of children and adolescents physically, emotionally, and psychologically 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.”
He’s now a sports anchor for WGN TV News up in Chicago as well, and he’s a real asset to his community. When I think of Jarrett Payton, I think of ‘legacy.’ And, researching the work he’s done since leaving football, it’s easy to see that he’s carved out a good legacy of his own. His wife Trisha has an excellent quote from the Jarrett Payton Foundation’s website that echoes this sentiment: “Jarrett will walk into an event being known as Walter Payton’s son, but he will be remembered when he leaves the room as Jarrett Payton.” It may seem trivial over a guy who ultimately contributed 105 yards for the Titans, but I think it’s pretty damn cool that this franchise has a legacy of guys like Payton being apart of it. That’s ultimately why I chose to profile him during this offseason’s run of Tennessee Titans Throwback Thursday.
Career Stat Line:
- College: 299 carries, 1,496 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, 28 catches, 226 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown
- NFL: 33 carries, 105 yards, two touchdowns
TENNESSEE TITANS THROWBACK THURSDAY ARCHIVES
- Drew Bennett
- Keith Bulluck
- Eddie George
- Michael Griffin
- Lavelle Hawkins
- Albert Haynesworth
- Chris Henry
- Chris Hope
- Justin Hunter
- Brandon Jones
- Derrick Mason
- Dexter McCluster
- Steve McNair
- Myron Rolle
- Samari Rolle
- Alterraun Verner
- Ken Whisenhunt
- LenDale White
- Vince Young
Don’t forget to check out our friends at MANSCAPED, who just launched the new Refined Cologne. Get 20% off your entire order and free shipping with the promo code ‘SOBROSTITANS’ at checkout.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
Check out the SoBros Shop. Become a Patron. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Watch on YouTube.
