Jarrett Payton walks onto the stage and waves as the ballroom audience applauds

Jarrett Payton · Motivational speaker, ChicagoBe Great

Greatness lives inside all of us. Inspiring others to find it with the power of positivity is my mission in life.

Mission

The lessonsmy dadpassed down

My father - Walter Payton - achieved greatness in the NFL, breaking the league’s all-time rushing record. How he carried himself off the field and the lives he touched along the way allows his legacy to live on as the namesake of the Man of the Year Award.

The lessons my dad passed down and the wisdom shared by the legends I’ve interviewed throughout my career have given me the tools to empower others to realize their full potential.

Success comes down to three words.

Don’t give up.

The keynote · 53 seconds

Hearhim.

Greatness is closer than you think.

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Jarrett Payton speaking at a podium in front of a blue curtain

Keynote

Finding Your Greatness

Act I
Passion
“Sometimes you have to walk through your fears to get to your passion.”
Act II
Persistence
“When you think there is no way, find a way.”
Act III
Presence
“Take some time to be present in the moment.”

From the audience

What the room said

There is no doubt we were touched by his honesty, humility, and his passion.Quest Diagnostics
He was PHENOMENAL! We have not had such a packed room during our opening session.Township Officials of Illinois
Your commentary was inspirational, relevant, and engaging.Choose DuPage
When you see him speak, you can tell how sincere he is.Anonymous

There is no doubt we were touched by his honesty, humility, and his passion.Quest Diagnostics
He was PHENOMENAL! We have not had such a packed room during our opening session.Township Officials of Illinois
Your commentary was inspirational, relevant, and engaging.Choose DuPage
When you see him speak, you can tell how sincere he is.Anonymous

An excellent speaker and a delight to work with.NationaLease
Jarrett is definitely a ‘feel good’ speaker.Decatur Herald Community Event
We, students and faculty, walked away with our spirits soaring!Latin School of Chicago

An excellent speaker and a delight to work with.NationaLease
Jarrett is definitely a ‘feel good’ speaker.Decatur Herald Community Event
We, students and faculty, walked away with our spirits soaring!Latin School of Chicago

Read every word

The first speech

1993 — the first speech

Jarrett’s passion for public speaking dates back to August 1993, when the world watched as Walter Payton’s 12-year-old son inducted his dad into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

His legacy lives on as the namesake of the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Jarrett Payton passes a Loop billboard of his father: Walter Payton, Sweetness, Hall of Fame — Walter PaytonSweetnessHall of Fame

Off the stage

Meet Jarrett

Jarrett is a television news anchor, businessman, philanthropist, motivational speaker, former NFL and CFL running back, and devoted husband and father.

Meet Jarrett