We continue our trend of non-NFL stories on this rainy (in West Virginia) Fourth of July morning because, well, apparently every NFL beat writer in the country got the day off.

But this one is kind of an NFL story, since it relates to the son of the late Walter Payton, arguably the greatest running back in the history of the game.

Jarrett Payton spent some time with the Titans, but emerged last year as the leading rusher for the Montreal Alouettes, with 852 yards in 13 games.

This year, Payton was released after the first regular-season game after a failed effort to trade him.

It didn’t help that Payton missed most of the preseason with an ankle injury.  But he insists that he’s now healthy.

“I really don’t know what happened, but a little bit was my injury,” Payton said.  “The injury opened the door for a switch.”

Taking Payton’s place is Avon Cobourne, the career rushing leader at West Virginia University who was unable to catch on at the NFL level. 

“It sounds like I was never in the picture,” Payton said.  “What would have happened if I wasn’t hurt?  I don’t know, but they would have had a tough decision.  When I’m playing at my best, I’m good and can help a team win.”

A change in coaches might have been a factor, with Jim Popp yielding to Marc Trestman.  Still, Payton can’t put a finger on the reason for the move.

“It’s one of those things and I still don’t understand why,” he said.

Payton is now a free agent, and he can play for any team in either the CFL or the NFL.