Chicago Slaughter Sign Payton

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jan 8, 2010 3:20PM

The Chicago Slaughter, 2009 CIFL champs who will play in the newly formed IFL in 2010, bolstered their roster with a high profile signing yesterday... well, high profile for an indoor football league. The Slaughter announced that Jarrett Payton, son of former Bears great Walter Payton, will join the team as their running back and will wear his father's #34.

Is this just a publicity stunt by the team coached by one of Walter's teammates in the 80's (and former pro-wrestler) Steve "Mongo" McMichael? While it certainly may be a move to boost ticket sales, but the younger Payton has played running back for a number of teams. A 2004 graduate of the University of Miami, he ran for 1,018 yards scoring seven touchdowns on 182 carries in his senior year and was named the MVP of the 2004 Orange Bowl. Following college, Payton played for a season with the Tennessee Titans before playing in the NFL Europe and Canadian Football League.

While not the superstar his dad was, playing for an indoor team still seems like a step down. But as Payton explained during yesterday's press conference, "There is a deep connection between my family and football fans in this town and I'm proud to begin the next chapter of that relationship. There were a lot of playing opportunities for me this year, but I chose the Slaughter because I want to play for a winner, a great team with great coaches, great owners and the greatest fans."