The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

 

By Gayle Saunders

 

The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is given annually by the National Football League honoring a player’s volunteer and charity work, as well as his excellence on the field. Prior to 1999, it was called simply the NFL Man of the Year Award. Shortly after Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton died (having been the 1977 recipient himself), the award was renamed to honor his legacy as both a great player and a humanitarian. Each year, a winner is selected from 32 nominees from the 32 different teams. A panel of judges, which includes the commissioner of the NFL, Connie Payton(widow of Walter Payton), the previous year’s winner and a number of former players, selects the winner of the award. The Man of the Year winner receives a $25,000 donation in his name to a charity of his choice. The other 31 finalists also receive donations in their name of $1,000 each to charities of their choice.

Be on the lookout for your favorite NFL team’s nominee.  I hope you take the time to offer words of encouragement  for all their hard work. You can also take this opportunity to look into each particular players foundations and find out how you can lend a helping hand, and make a difference in someones life.