Keynote Speaker: Jarrett Payton

Finding Your Greatness

As a popular sports broadcaster, successful entrepreneur and passionate philanthropist, Jarrett Payton’s uplifting message, “Finding Your Greatness,” will present attendees with a unique behind the scenes look at how his famous father helped drive the successful career he enjoys today. His presentation focuses on his 3 P’s – Passion, Persistence and Presence. His engaging, inspiring presentation will demonstrate how these concepts are tied together.

WGN-TV sports broadcaster Jarrett Payton, son of the late NFL Hall of Famer Walter Payton, will deliver the keynote address at the 2024 Power of Nursing Leadership conference.

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.

Payton had an illustrious football 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. He went on to play 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 he made the introductory speech for his father’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Since then, he has become a sought-after speaker to motivate, inspire, and impact others.

Committed to improving the lives of children and adolescents, Payton and his wife, Trisha, founded The Jarrett Payton Foundation, which provides programs to develop young people’s leadership skills and enrich their lives. In addition, he devotes time to The Walter & Connie Payton Foundation, which is dedicated to helping those less fortunate find stability while providing positive opportunities for them to live their lives with dignity and pride.

A man of many interests, Payton has been involved with various businesses in the past including a coffee offering and craft beer line. Today Jarrett is a partner in the Flagship on the Fox sports bar along with Duke’s Northwoods in downtown Saint Charles.

Payton’s social media following includes more than 51,000 followers on Instagram, 132,000 followers on Facebook, and nearly 111,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter).