Jarrett Payton steps down as WGN sports anchor

The latest: Payton became emotional while announcing the move Thursday.

What they're saying: "Over the last couple of months, I've been searching to figure out what's the most important," Payton said in a newscast.

• "From day one, it's my family; finding ways to be able to be around them as my kids grow is where my mind is at right now at this moment."

Zoom out: The son of Bears legend Walter Payton, Jarrett followed a different path to broadcasting. He starred in football at the University of Miami, spent time in the NFL and retired in 2012.

• He joined WGN in 2015 after hosting shows for CLTV and WGN Radio. He also co-hosted the nightly "GN Sports."
• Beyond broadcasting, Payton joins his family in presenting the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award during Super Bowl week. He also runs the Jarrett Payton Foundation.

Between the lines: It's unclear what Payton's role at WGN will be now that he's stepping away from his nightly anchor duties.

• "WGN wishes nothing but the best to Jarrett Payton and his family. He is, and always will be, one of Chicago's Very Own," a WGN spokesperson tells Axios. "We look forward to future collaborations with JP."
• "I'm keeping it together," Payton said as he signed off. "This is home for me, and this will always be home for me."

What's next: WGN has not announced a permanent replacement. Kaitlin Sharkey and Josh Frydman currently co-host "GN Sports," while Pat Tomasulo anchors sports on the station's morning newscasts.