Tag: Man of the Year

Chiefs nominate QB Patrick Mahomes for 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

The #Chiefs have nominated QB Patrick Mahomes for the 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

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The NFL has announced the players nominated by each of the 32 NFL teams for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. One of the highest annual honors by the NFL, the award signifies on-field excellence and a commitment toward serving their communities off the field.

The Kansas City Chiefs have a new nominee for the prestigious award this year. Last season, S Tyrann Mathieu was their nominee for his on-field performance and his work in his communities through The Tyrann Mathieu Foundation. This year, the team has chosen star QB Patrick Mahomes as their nominee.

“We are honored to have Patrick Mahomes represent the Chiefs organization and the Kansas City community as our nominee for this year’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt wrote, via press release. “This award is arguably the most prestigious honor the NFL has as it identifies greatness both on and off the field, and I believe Patrick embodies the true characteristics this award recognizes. Since joining the Chiefs in 2017, Patrick has continued to display an unwavering commitment to helping those in need. The work he does through the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation has impacted many in our community, and there really is no limit to what he can and will continue to do for Chiefs Kingdom and beyond.”

Mahomes has been extremely active in the Kansas City community throughout his NFL career. He established his 15 and The Mahomies Foundation back in 2019 to help serve kids in underserved communities. Over the years they’ve partnered with a number of different charities like Harvesters Food Bank and SEAL Legacy foundation. They’ve established various programs throughout the Kansas City area such as “15 for 15” and “Read for 15.” Most recently, Mahomes’ work to support the renovation and rededication of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Square Park has been highlighted.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be recognized as the Chiefs Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year,” Mahomes said. “I know how special this honor is and the history behind it here in Kansas City. Brittany and I take great pride in the platform we have to give back to a community that has given us so much over the last six years. Through the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, we’ve been able to make an impact and support underserved children, but we still have a long way to go and we’re going to continue to provide resources to give these kids more and more opportunities. To be recognized for such a prestigious award means the world to me and I’m thankful to represent my foundation, Walter Payton and his family, the Hunt family, this team and all of Chiefs Kingdom on such a significant stage.”

Mahomes will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal through the end of the season, along with the other 31 nominees, in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field.

Each of the 32 nominees receives a $40,000 donation to a charity of their choice and will be recognized ahead of the NFL Honors ceremony leading up to Super Bowl LVII. The winner of the Walter Payton Award will receive a $250,000 donation to a charity of their choice courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.

Chiefs fans can support Mahomes by voting on Twitter by voting for him in the “Charity Challenge” using the #WPMOYChallenge hashtag followed by “Mahomes” or his Twitter handle. If Mahomes receives the most votes between Dec. 6 and Jan. 8, he will receive a $25,000 contribution to a charity of his choice. The first player to reach 1 million votes receives an additional $10,000 from Nationwide.

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Chiefs nominate S Tyrann Mathieu for 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

The #Chiefs have nominated S Tyrann Mathieu for the 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

The NFL has announced the players nominated by each of the 32 NFL teams for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. One of the highest annual honors by the NFL, the award signifies on-field excellence and a commitment toward serving their communities off the field.

The Kansas City Chiefs have a new nominee for the prestigious award this year. Last season, TE Travis Kelce was their nominee for the award for his work in the community with his 87 & Running foundation. In each of the two seasons prior, former Chiefs P Dustin Colquitt was nominated for the award. Then back in 2016 and 2017, former Chiefs QB Alex Smith was nominated for the award by the team.

On Tuesday morning, the Chiefs announced that star S Tyrann Mathieu would be their nominee for the 2021 award.

“We’re very excited to have Tyrann Mathieu represent the Chiefs organization and the Kansas City community as our nominee for this year’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said via press release. “From the time he joined the Chiefs in 2019, Tyrann has been a true leader, both on and off the football field. He is one of the best safeties in the game, and he has been a major contributor to our recent success.

“Tyrann also has a tremendous passion for helping people. Through his Tyrann Mathieu Foundation, he provides food and supplies for families in need both in Kansas City and in his hometown of New Orleans. He also teaches young people the skills necessary for success on and off the field. We are proud to call Tyrann a member of our Chiefs family, and we believe he is deserving of this prestigious honor.”

Mathieu has been very active with his philanthropy and community impact throughout his NFL career, but he has embraced the Kansas City community since arriving on the team in 2019. The Tyrann Mathieu Foundation has helped to serve and uplift underserved youth and families in the area and in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Mathieu recently partnered with a KC food pantry to give out over 500 turkeys to families in need, in what has become an annual tradition. Just last night, Mathieu surprised several foster children and their families with Christmas gifts.

Mathieu will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal through the end of the season, along with the other 31 nominees, in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field.

“I’m very honored to be nominated as the Chiefs Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year,” Mathieu said via press release. “This team and community are very important to me. I’ve had the chance to meet a lot of people in Kansas City, many who are going through difficult times. I think anytime you have an opportunity to lend your hand or even give a little bit of hope, that’s always a good thing. The Tyrann Mathieu Foundation was created to impact people in the community, and I look forward to all of our events each and every year. It’s always important to dive into the community, get to know people and make yourself a part of their lives. I’m proud and grateful to help the people of Kansas City who do so much for us, and I want to thank my foundation team and the Chiefs for their constant support. There are many other players who do so much for their communities, so I’m honored for this recognition. I think we all face different adversities, so it’s important to share hope. I want to continue to make a difference in the lives of others here in Kansas City and in my hometown of New Orleans.”

Each of the 32 nominees receives a $40,000 donation to a charity of their choice and will be recognized ahead of the NFL Honors ceremony leading up to Super Bowl LVI. The winner of the Walter Payton Award will receive a $250,000 donation to a charity of their choice all complements of the NFL and Nationwide.

Chiefs fans can support Mathieu by voting on Twitter by voting for him in the “Charity Challenge” using the #WPMOYChallenge hashtag followed by “Mathieu” or his Twitter handle. If Mathieu receives the most votes between Dec. 7 and Jan. 17, he will receive a $25,000 contribution to a charity of his choice. The first player to reach 1 million votes receives an additional $10,000 from Nationwide.

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Chiefs nominate TE Travis Kelce for 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

This is Kelce’s first time nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

The NFL has announced the players nominated by each of the 32 NFL teams for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. One of the highest honors given out yearly by the NFL, the award signifies on-field excellence combined with a commitment to serving their communities off the field.

For the first time in several seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs have a new player that they’ve chosen as their nominee to receive the prestigious award. Alex Smith was nominated for the award by the team in 2016 and 2017. For the past two years, Dustin Colquitt had been the nominee for the team. Now, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce has been nominated for the first time, recognizing his incredible play on the field and his work with the 87 & Running Foundation off of the field.

“We are thrilled to have Travis Kelce represent the Chiefs organization and the Kansas City community as our nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in a press release. “From the time he was drafted in 2013, Travis has grown into one of the most dependable and dynamic players in team history – both on and off the football field. He continues to be the best tight end in the game, and he is well on his way to being remembered as one of greatest ever to play the position.

“Travis’ commitment to winning is surpassed only by his enthusiasm for helping young people in Kansas City and his hometown of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Through his 87 & Running Foundation and his work with Operation Breakthrough, Travis provides disadvantaged youth with the resources they need to discover their personal passions as well as mentoring and motivation to help them be successful. We are very proud to call Travis a member of our Chiefs family, and we believe he is a deserving candidate for this prestigious honor.”

Kelce recently became the first tight end in NFL history to record five 1,000-yard receiving seasons. He’s in the midst of a career season that could pace the NFL’s receiving record by a tight end, previously set by Kelce and then surpassed hours later by George Kittle.

Off the field, most recently Kelce and his foundation have been working with Operation Breakthrough to create a STEM learning space called “Ignition Lab” for underserved teens. He announced his latest contribution hours after he signed an extension keeping him in Kansas City for six more seasons.

“Being nominated as the Chiefs Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year is one of the greatest honors of my professional career,” Kelce said. “This team and this community have been an incredibly important part of my life for the past eight years, and I’m humbled because there are so many players who are also doing so much to serve others and are deserving of this recognition. The 87 & Running Foundation began to help disadvantaged youth by mentoring and motivating them to explore and develop their abilities and aspire beyond their circumstances. I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve done and want to thank my foundation team for their dedication and the Chiefs for their support of this important work. What I’ve accomplished on the field alongside my teammates over the years – especially last year – means so much more knowing that what has been accomplished off of the field is making a difference in the lives of others here in Kansas City and in my hometown of Cleveland Heights.”

All 32 nominees will receive a $40,000 donation to a charity of their choice and are set to be recognized ahead of the NFL Honors ceremony leading up to Super Bowl LV. The winner of the Walter Payton Award will receive a $250,000 donation to a charity of their choice all complements of the NFL and Nationwide.

Chiefs fans can support Kelce by voting on Twitter using the #WPMOYChallenge followed by the nominees’ last name. If Kelce receives the most votes between Dec. 10 and Jan. 17, he will receive a $25,000 contribution to a charity of his choice.

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Daelin Hayes Named Semifinalist for Jason Witten Man of the Year

After missing almost all of last season, Daelin Hayes has more than made up for lost time.

After missing almost all of last season, Daelin Hayes has more than made up for lost time. In fact, he has proven to be a real role model both on and off the field. One reward for that is being named one of 20 national semifinalist for this year’s Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. The criteria for the award includes high marks in integrity, courage and sportsmanship.

Returning from a serious injury proved easier said than done when COVID-19 hit and suspended team football activities. But you never would have known that with how dominant Hayes and his fellow defensive linemen have been, and they’ve been crucial in giving Notre Dame the fifth-best rushing defense in the nation. A captain in his fifth season, he also spoke at the Juneteenth Rally on campus, is part of the football team’s Unity Council and also active in the South Bend community. He also regularly leads his team when it performs community service.

Former Cardinals standout Calais Campbell named Walter Payton Man of the Year

He was the Cardinals’ nominee for the award twice — in 2011 and 2014.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Calais Campbell hasn’t played for the Arizona Cardinals for the last three years but he is still fondly remembered as a player and a person. The former teammate of Larry Fitzgerald now is a brother in a small fraternity of NFL players.

Campbell was named the 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

Fitzgerald won the award in 2016 with Eli Manning.

Campbell twice was the Cardinals’ choice for the award in 2011 and 2014.

The award honors players for their excellence both on and off the field, especially for their work in the community.

This is what Campbell has done, per the NFL’s press release.

In 2009, Campbell formed the CRC Foundation alongside his mother Natea and has engaged in numerous charitable initiatives throughout his 12-year NFL career. The CRC Foundation, which is named for his late father, Charles, who passed away in 2003, is committed to the enhancement of the community through the teaching of critical life skills to young people. Through sports, creative talents, vocational skills, financial skills and quality health and nutrition, the CRC Foundation is dedicated to developing young people into empowered and self-aware leaders for the future.

This season, Campbell started Season of Giving, a fundraising campaign based on his on-field performance. Campbell pledged a specific dollar amount for several metrics: $1,000 for a Jaguars win, $5,00 for a sack, $2500 for half of sack, $2000 for a tackle for loss and $10,00 for a blocked kick/turnover. The CRC Foundation chose four deserving charities as part of his Season of Giving, with funds going to Feeding Northeast Florida in September, the Clara White Mission in October, the Wounded Warrior Project in November and United Way in December. Prior to the return to his hometown when the Jaguars faced the Broncos on Sept. 29, 2019, Calais donated an additional $5,000 each to several Denver-based charities: the Beckwourth Outdoor Education, Denver Police Athletic League, Hiawatha Davis Rec Center and the Rose Andom Center.

Campbell was the 2018 recipient of the Bart Starr Award, given annually to the NFL player who exemplifies character and leadership on and off the field and the winner of the 2015 Pop Warner Humanitarian Award. He annually hosts Christmas with Calais, a holiday shopping spree for local kids who have completed extra lessons in financial literacy and donates meals during Thanksgiving to families in need. Campbell has also dedicated time and resources to the Ronald McDonald House, the benefactor of his foundation’s bowling event in 2018.

In the spring of 2018, Campbell hosted a coding camp alongside Microsoft and the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida, providing 25 kids with the chance to learn more about career opportunities in technology. In June 2019, he welcomed 250 kids at the Calais Campbell JaxPAL Youth Football and STEM Camp, combining his football acumen and interest in mentoring today’s youth through education. Campbell has also made semi-weekly visits to Northwestern Middle School as part of his CRC Book Club, fostering a reading-friendly community at an underperforming school in Downtown Jacksonville. Additionally, he makes appearances at colleges and high schools around Northeast Florida, to offer encouragement to students and have open conversations about social justice issues.

Campbell will receive a donation of $250,000, which will go to a charity of his choice. All other 31 nominees will receive a donation of up to $50,000 in their name to their charity of choice. All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.

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Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 256

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Ep. 255

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Travis Frederick again nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year

The Dallas center will wear the special helmet decal for a second time and look to join teammate Jason Witten as a winner of the award.

The Dallas Cowboys have announced that center Travis Frederick is the team’s 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.

Each of the 32 teams across the league selects its own Man of the Year, with each nominee put forward to win the national award, presented by Nationwide. The prestigious award honors an NFL player “for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field,” according to a press release from the league Thursday morning that includes the names of all 32 current nominees.

“Every day, in cities and towns across America, NFL players give of themselves to make our communities better. This year, as we celebrate our 100th season and the 50th year of the Walter Payton NFL Man of Year Award, NFL players have continued to raise the bar on community engagement and impact,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “The 32 nominees for this year’s award are the best of the best and truly embody the spirit of Walter and his legacy of leaving the world better than he found it.”

First established in 1970, the national award was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton.

Frederick, in his seventh season out of Wisconsin, has been one of the league’s top offensive linemen for his entire career, earning four Pro Bowl appearances. He has also been extremely active on the community service front, giving his time and energy to causes like The Salvation Army and Make-a-Wish Foundation of North Texas. He is a frequent visitor to Dallas area hospitals and schools, and his Blocking Out Hunger Foundation is making a huge impact combating childhood hunger in and around the Metroplex.

A first-round draft pick in 2013, Frederick was previously named the team’s Man of the Year nominee in 2017 as well. He spent the entire 2018 season making a recovery from Guillain-Barre Syndrome and returned to the field in 2019.

Frederick and the 31 other current nominees will wear a special helmet decal beginning with this week’s games and continuing through the end of the season. Winners of the award- like Jason Witten in 2012- get a Man of the Year patch that they wear on their jersey for the duration of their playing career.

Cowboys fans can help support Frederick’s chosen cause by voting on Twitter using a special hashtag. The nominee whose hashtag is used the most between December 12 and January 12 will receive a $25,000 contribution to their charity of choice; the second- and third-place finishers get lesser donations made in their name.

The 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year will be announced during NFL Honors, the league’s awards special that airs the night before the Super Bowl. This year’s announcement will take place on February 1 in downtown Miami.