PHOTOS: Jarrett Payton, American Idol's Chris Medina Celebrate New Beer at Orange 13

Former NFL running back Jarrett Payton, the son of the late Chicago Bears great Walter Payton, appeared at  in Lemont on Thursday to unveil his new craft beer.

Orange 13, located at 14196 McCarthy Road, has partnered with Chicago-based Argus Brewery to serve Payton's "All-American Wheat Ale." Payton was on hand for the first pour Thursday, along with representatives from Argus and former American Idol contestant Chris Medina, an Oak Forest native.

The beer is described by the website Chicago Beer Geeks as a beer "that is straw in color, moderately bitter with a subtle, fruit-like hop character that compliments the refreshing, wheat-based ale."

"This beer does exactly what it’s intended to do; it gives party goers a local craft beer alternative to mass produced beers at popular local establishments," the site says. "The bottle label is simple and classic with JP’s signature in the middle, and blue stripes patterned to resemble the hash marks of a football field."

Argus is owned by father/son duo Bob and Patrick Jensen, who inspired Payton to pursue the venture.

“My dad was always a craft beer admirer and he would always talk to me about what craft beer means and what makes it so special,” Payton said in a press release. “He also instilled in me the mind of a business man. Because of my close relationship with my dad, I could not think of a better father/son team to partner with than Bob and Patrick Jensen. I’m proud of the ale we have created, and I am looking forward to introducing our beer to the patrons of Orange 13.”

Jarrett Payton is a radio host, businessman and philanthropist. He played college football at the University of Miami, and went on to play in the NFL for two years with the Tennessee Titans and Amsterdam Admirals (NFL Europe). He also played in the Canadian Football League from 2007 to 2009.

Payton recently founded the Jarrett Payton Foundation, which works with schools to implement anti-bullying messages and programs. He dedicates much of his time to the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, which helps mentor underprivileged youth.

Jarrett is the second Payton to visit Lemont this year. His sister, Brittney Payton, is a co-host on the popular WGN show "Chicago's Best," .

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