The Houston Texans announced safety Michael Thomas as its nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field as well as excellence on the gridiron.
The Houston native has been active since he got to the Texans fighting for social justice. After George Floyd’s shooting death at the hands of Minneapolis police in May, Thomas organized Texans players to making a video calling for social justice reform. Thomas was also featured in the NFL’s “Say Their Stories” video to highlight the death of Philando Castile.
Thomas also created the design for the NFLPA’s “End Racism” pre-game warmups that have been worn by 1,696 players across the league.
The Nimitz High School product created the “Victory Mondays” fundraiser that has collected over $17,000 in 2020 by auctioning off special memorabilia from the games along with experiences. The proceeds have gone to fund HBCU scholarships and the Dreambuilders Foundation.
Thomas participated in the Boys & Girls Club of America Youth for Change Town Hall in October and has been the spokesperson for the Houston Texans Stats Challenge program, which uses football to encourage kids to get enthused about math while underscoring the importance of being great in school.
The safety also participated in the Texans’ Breast Cancer Awareness Month efforts when he joined a Zoom with women who were battling breast cancer.
“I’ve always been passionate about community service, because as a kid I promised myself if I made it to the NFL I’d always give back,” said Michael Thomas. “I understand the impact that we as NFL players can have on our youth, underserved communities and more. It means the world to me that I may uplift someone with my time, resources, or just my encouragement. I am blessed to give back.”
Thomas was a nominee in 2018 for the New York Giants. Should the former 20212 undrafted free agent from Stanford win the award, he will have a decal in recognition of his accomplishments both on and off the gridiron. From being a nominee, Thomas will receive a $40,000 donation in his name to the charity of his choice.
The winner will be announced during the NFL Honors during Super Bowl weekend on CBS. The winner will receive a $250,000 donation to the charity of his choice.
All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.