Being a gentleman off the field is equally important as being on the field. For a game that rides on big money, it is nothing but normal to give it back. This is exactly where the Walter Payton Award comes in.

What is the “NFL Man of the Year” Walter Payton Award?

The essence of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is very noble. It is given out every year to a player who goes above and above in his generosity off the field. The honor’s namesake is not only a Hall of Famer, but also one of the most philanthropic hearts of all time, with Payton receiving the award (renamed after his death in 1999) in 1977 for his community service.

The NFL unveiled the 32 nominees for the 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year award, the league’s top honour, on Tuesday. The award was established in 1970 and was renamed after Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton in 1999. NFL commissioner later in the day officially announced it.

“The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is the League’s most prestigious honor and these 32 men represent their many teammates who do incredible things in their communities,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Their unwavering commitment to their hometowns and team communities embodies Walter’s spirit of giving back in a way that makes us all incredibly proud of the work they are doing every day.”

Who has been nominated for this year’s award? What does the winner of the award receive?

All NFL Teams is allowed to nominate a player from their team for this award. The nominees this year include Aaron Jones, Mike Davis, Dak Prescott, Justin Simmons, among others. The winner of this prestigious award last year was Russell Wilson. The winner of the award meanwhile receives a very hefty sum for donation.

Each of the 32 nominees will receive a $40,000 gift to their favourite charity. Meanwhile, the Payton NFL Man of the Year award winner will receive a $250,000 donation to their favourite charity. The NFL Foundation and Nationwide are responsible for all donations.

Wishing all the nominees best of luck!

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