For the second year in a row the Buffalo Bills’ nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is offensive lineman Dion Dawkins.
Last year was the first time Dawkins was given the coveted honor of representing his team.
A highly-sought award, the honor recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. Nominees from each team all receive up to $55,000 toward a charity of their choice and the league-wide winner receives a $250,000 donation.
Last season, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott won the final award. Each year, the eventual winner is announced during the NFL Honors show just prior to the Super Bowl.
Dawkins found out he earned his team’s nomination again at one of his community events for his foundation, Dion’s Dreams. His daughter, Dalilah, presented the news to him.
On Wednesday, Dawkins reflected on the second-straight year he was named the Bills’ representative. In doing so, he provided some wise words.
Dawkins respects being named the team’s nominee very highly. However, he made sure to note that everyone should be a good person, each of us, day in and day out, and not because you might be given an award for it.
“It’s definitely the biggest honor and the biggest accomplishment you could receive. But you shouldn’t be… I don’t do it to get an award. I don’t do it to get nominated for none of that. It’s actually crazy how we’re talking about an accolade for being a good person,” Dawkins said.
For Dawkins’ full reflection, see the attached Bills Live clip below:
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