The Jacksonville Jaguars nominated defensive lineman Arik Armstead for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award on Thursday, marking his fifth bid for the honor since entering the league with the San Francisco 49ers in 2015.
Armstead, who signed with the Jaguars in free agency this past offseason, was nominated for the award over four consecutive seasons with the 49ers, between 2020-23.
In 2019, Armstead founded the Armstead Academic Project (AAP), an program dedicated to providing students with direct access to educational resources, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Armstead and his wife, Mindy, donated $50,000 to the Department of Sound through the foundation this fall to create the first “Sound Mind” production workshop series, for over 60 young people to explore STEAM education and social-emotional wellness, per a release from the Jaguars.
“I am honored to be nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in my first year with the Jacksonville Jaguars,” Armstead said in a statement Thursday.
“This recognition reflects the incredible support from my family, teammates, and the Jaguars organization as we work together to make a positive impact both on and off the field. Giving back to the community has always been a cornerstone of who I am, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue that mission here in Jacksonville.”
Armstead has also participated in the EverBank Touchdowns for Tomorrow program in Jacksonville, which highlights the importance of financial literacy and is demonstrated on the field through football drills.
Armstead will partner with Blessing in a Backpack, a nonprofit that provides food on weekends and holidays for school-aged children who might otherwise go hungry, later in December.
“Since Arik’s arrival in Jacksonville this year, he has made a positive impression on the field and in the locker room, especially with our younger players. But it is with his philanthropic mindset where he truly shines,” Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said in a statement.
“Arik is guided by the principles of servant leadership, and Jacksonville and the Jaguars are fortunate to have him here and making a difference in this community. Arik is truly worthy of this honor, and we are proud to support his nomination as our 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.”
The 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year will be announced during NFL Honors ceremony on Feb. 6, 2025, which will be aired on FOX.
All 32 nominees will receive up to a $55,000 donation, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award winner will receive a $265,000 donation to the charity of his choice, via the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.
Armstead has recorded 21 total tackles including two for loss and one sack in 12 games with the Jaguars. He has logged 323 total tackles with 45 for loss and 34.5 sacks in his 10-year NFL career.