Blab Sports
Jarrett Payton Steps Down as WGN Sports Anchor After 10 Years
On July 30, 2026, Chicago’s sports scene felt a quiet shift when former WGN‑TV anchor Jarrett Payton announced he would step away from the station after a decade of coverage.
Payton’s post on social media, posted that Thursday, was brief but heartfelt: “After 10 meaningful years at WGN, I’ve made the decision to step away from the station. This choice comes from the heart. I want to spend more time with my family. They are the most important part of my world.” He thanked viewers for their support and expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received at WGN and its parent company, Nexstar Media Group.
The decision follows Payton’s 2015 debut as a sports anchor on WGN‑TV, where he co‑anchored the network’s GN Sports segment. Over the years he became a familiar face to Chicago sports fans, covering the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, Blackhawks and other local teams. His tenure also produced viral moments, such as footage of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift exiting Arrowhead Stadium after a 2023 Bears game, and a quick correction of a server error that had misrepresented the city’s baseball highlights.
Payton’s path to the newsroom began far from the studio. The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Walter Payton, he played college football as a running back for the University of Miami Hurricanes. After going undrafted in 2004, he had brief stints in the NFL, Canadian Football League and Indoor Football League before transitioning to media.
WGN‑TV, a CW affiliate located in Chicago’s North Center, is owned and operated by Nexstar Media Group. Its sports division, GN Sports, has been a staple of local coverage since the 1990s. Payton’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for both the anchor and the network.
In his farewell message, Payton thanked colleagues and mentors, including Rick, Akemi, Dan Roan and Rich King, and highlighted the camaraderie among the WGN Sports team. He noted that he remains open to staying connected with the station in other capacities.
The network has not yet announced a replacement for Payton’s anchor role. WGN’s news and sports programming will continue under the guidance of its existing leadership, with the station’s focus on local coverage remaining unchanged.
Payton’s decision is framed as a personal choice rather than a professional transition. No contractual or business developments have been disclosed, and the announcement does not indicate any immediate changes to WGN’s sports programming schedule.
The move comes at a time when WGN‑TV is maintaining its position as a key source of Chicago sports news. The station’s coverage includes the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs, Blackhawks and other local teams, and it continues to produce GN Sports segments that feature game analysis, player interviews and behind‑the‑scenes stories.
As Payton steps away, the network and its viewers will reflect on a decade of coverage that included memorable moments and community engagement. The station’s leadership has expressed appreciation for Payton’s contributions and wishes him success in his future endeavors.
Payton’s departure leaves open questions about the next anchor for WGN’s sports segment, but the station’s commitment to comprehensive local sports coverage remains firm. Viewers can expect the same level of reporting on Chicago teams and events in the coming seasons.
The announcement underscores the importance of family priorities for many professionals in the high‑pressure world of sports media. Payton’s decision to focus on personal life after a long career in front of the camera is a reminder that career milestones often coincide with personal milestones.
In the weeks ahead, WGN‑TV will likely evaluate potential candidates to fill the anchor position. The network’s continued partnership with Nexstar Media Group and its established sports programming framework suggest that coverage of Chicago sports will remain robust.
Payton’s legacy at WGN includes a blend of on‑air presence, investigative reporting and community engagement. His departure marks the end of an era for the station’s sports division, but the foundation he helped build will continue to serve Chicago viewers.
The network’s next steps will determine how the GN Sports segment evolves, but the core mission of delivering timely and accurate sports coverage to the Chicago market remains unchanged.
Payton’s post on social media, posted that Thursday, was brief but heartfelt: “After 10 meaningful years at WGN, I’ve made the decision to step away from the station. This choice comes from the heart. I want to spend more time with my family. They are the most important part of my world.” He thanked viewers for their support and expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received at WGN and its parent company, Nexstar Media Group.
The decision follows Payton’s 2015 debut as a sports anchor on WGN‑TV, where he co‑anchored the network’s GN Sports segment. Over the years he became a familiar face to Chicago sports fans, covering the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, Blackhawks and other local teams. His tenure also produced viral moments, such as footage of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift exiting Arrowhead Stadium after a 2023 Bears game, and a quick correction of a server error that had misrepresented the city’s baseball highlights.
Payton’s path to the newsroom began far from the studio. The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Walter Payton, he played college football as a running back for the University of Miami Hurricanes. After going undrafted in 2004, he had brief stints in the NFL, Canadian Football League and Indoor Football League before transitioning to media.
WGN‑TV, a CW affiliate located in Chicago’s North Center, is owned and operated by Nexstar Media Group. Its sports division, GN Sports, has been a staple of local coverage since the 1990s. Payton’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for both the anchor and the network.
In his farewell message, Payton thanked colleagues and mentors, including Rick, Akemi, Dan Roan and Rich King, and highlighted the camaraderie among the WGN Sports team. He noted that he remains open to staying connected with the station in other capacities.
The network has not yet announced a replacement for Payton’s anchor role. WGN’s news and sports programming will continue under the guidance of its existing leadership, with the station’s focus on local coverage remaining unchanged.
Payton’s decision is framed as a personal choice rather than a professional transition. No contractual or business developments have been disclosed, and the announcement does not indicate any immediate changes to WGN’s sports programming schedule.
The move comes at a time when WGN‑TV is maintaining its position as a key source of Chicago sports news. The station’s coverage includes the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs, Blackhawks and other local teams, and it continues to produce GN Sports segments that feature game analysis, player interviews and behind‑the‑scenes stories.
As Payton steps away, the network and its viewers will reflect on a decade of coverage that included memorable moments and community engagement. The station’s leadership has expressed appreciation for Payton’s contributions and wishes him success in his future endeavors.
Payton’s departure leaves open questions about the next anchor for WGN’s sports segment, but the station’s commitment to comprehensive local sports coverage remains firm. Viewers can expect the same level of reporting on Chicago teams and events in the coming seasons.
The announcement underscores the importance of family priorities for many professionals in the high‑pressure world of sports media. Payton’s decision to focus on personal life after a long career in front of the camera is a reminder that career milestones often coincide with personal milestones.
In the weeks ahead, WGN‑TV will likely evaluate potential candidates to fill the anchor position. The network’s continued partnership with Nexstar Media Group and its established sports programming framework suggest that coverage of Chicago sports will remain robust.
Payton’s legacy at WGN includes a blend of on‑air presence, investigative reporting and community engagement. His departure marks the end of an era for the station’s sports division, but the foundation he helped build will continue to serve Chicago viewers.
The network’s next steps will determine how the GN Sports segment evolves, but the core mission of delivering timely and accurate sports coverage to the Chicago market remains unchanged.
