Bear Down Sunday #8 Bears vs. Titans

Today, the 6-1 Bears face the 3-5 Tennessee Titans.  It should be an easy win for the Bears, but last week should have, too.  I am featuring a name which has connections to both teams...Payton.
When the name "Payton" comes up, especially when discussing football, you normally think of Walter and the Bears.  Walter is one of the greatest of all time.  He was the Chicago Bears for many years during my youth.
I have so many memories of watching Bears' games with my dad.  Despite the Bears being so bad, Payton was always a highlight just by himself.  Eventually, Payton retired and unfortunately died so young.
Walter's son Jarrett Payton had an excellent college career and later played in the Canadian Football League and in the NFL with the Titans.  Jarrett did not have the football success that Walter did, but he is a very successful man in many other ways.  He is a businessman, a speaker and an entertainer.
Perhaps more important is the work he does for charity and the community.  Jarrett is making a difference.
Jarrett was at Arlington Park earlier this year when my family happened to be there for a day of fun.  We ran into him on the walkway and I asked for a photo.  I really wanted my dad to be in it, too.  My dad was hesitant to take Jarrett's time and to pose in "my" photo, but Jarrett encouraged him and dad joined in.  Jarrett was pressed for time, but he could not have been any nicer or more patient.
This is another of those priceless pictures for me.  It represents many childhood memories of watching the Bears with my dad.  I think Walter would like it, too.
To learn more about the work Jarrett does, check out JarrettPayton.com.

Frank Wroblewski, Jarrett Payton and me in Arlington Heights, IL-August 2012.

Bear Down Sunday #4

The Chicago Bears at 1-2 face the Carolina Panthers, who are also 1-2.  People expected both teams to start like this, but better things are expected from the Bears going forward.
Expectations are tricky things.  Being the son of the greatest running back can lead to expectations, especially if you play the same position.  Just ask Jarrett Payton.
Jarrett enjoyed success at Miami, but went undrafted in the NFL.  He did sign with the Tennessee Titans and saw some action with them in 2005.  Since then, he has played for the Montreal Alouettes, the Toronto Argonauts and the Chicago Slaughter.
While Jarrett has had some success on the field, his career pales in comparison to his father's and even his uncle Eddie's.  With or without football stardom, Jarrett has done successful work in a very important area.
Jarrett and his mother Connie and sister Brittney have done excellent work with the Walter Payton Foundation, which is dedicated to helping the neglected, abused and underprivileged children of Illinois.  Jarrett's contribution isn't in name only.  I have seen him at many events promoting the foundation and meeting the fans.  He is active and involved.  When I met Jarrett at a sports collectibles show, he was hapily talking and posing for pictures with anyone who approached him.
Jarrett might not have met the expectations to be an NFL star (although those expectations might not have been fair).  Still, he is a winner in life and that is truly what matters.
Now, back to the current Bears.  Let's hope they start meeting expectations and there is no better time to start than today against the Carolina Panthers and an old Chicago Favorite, Ron Rivera.

Jarrett Payton and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2009.