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Even today, 18 years after his tragic passing from liver disease, Walter Payton remains ingrained in the minds of Chicago sports fans. A larger than life icon who carried the torch through one of the darkest decades in the city’s history. He did it without complaint and through sheer determination and effort. That’s what makes this Jarrett Payton Chicago Cubs tribute all the more touching, and heart wrenching at the same time.
One of the most gleeful memories of Jarrett’s life came in 1986 when he got to throw out the first pitch at a Cubs game. His father was the toast of town at the time, fresh off leading the Bears to a Super Bowl championship. It was a good time to be a Payton. Over the years as he grew up, Jarrett reflected on what times like that meant to him.
Which made him appreciate it all the more when his own son got to do the same at Wrigley. Ironically right after the Cubs won the World Series.
31 years ago I threw out the 1st pitch w/ @walterpayton. Today, I get to share a moment at #WrigleyField w/ my Lil guy @paytonson. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/g9c5Q0VNYb
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) April 15, 2017
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It really is amazing how circular life can be sometimes. No doubt Jarrett wishes his father could be there to see his grandson take the mound. Then again the spirit of Sweetness has never really left Chicago. Ever since his retirement and eventual death, the city has set their standards quite high for what their athletes should embody.
However, for Jarrett the big lesson is not about becoming a great player on the field. It’s about becoming a good man and father at home.
