Congratulations are in order for Lions center Frank Ragnow. He is the team’s nominee for the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
It’s an honor that goes annually to players who show excellence in character and dedication off the field as well as on the playing field. The Walter Payton Award is one that players respect and covet every year.
A very gracious Ragnow released a statement about his nomination via the Lions,
“I am incredibly grateful to be recognized for one of the most prestigious honors in our League, especially while being on a team filled with so many guys who impact the community in different ways and have supported the Rags Remembered Foundation. My family and I take a lot of pride in this Foundation, and to be able to help grieving families through the outdoors is something that we are very passionate about. This is a huge step in being able to help a lot more kids and families in the future.”
Ragnow is noted for his Fishin’ for Memories outreach program and his extensive work with bereaved families and children.
From the NFL’s press release,
All 32 nominees will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LVIII. The 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year winner will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special to air nationally on CBS on Thursday, Feb. 8.
Each nominee will receive up to a $55,000 donation, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award winner will receive a $250,000 donation to the charity of his choice. All donations are made possible by the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.
Recent Lions nominees include Jared Goff (2022), Jason Cabinda (2021) and Trey Flowers (2020).