Tag: Walter Payton Man of the Year

Falcons select Steven Means as Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee

The Atlanta Falcons selected defensive end Steven Means to be the team’s 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.

The Atlanta Falcons selected defensive end Steven Means to be the team’s 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. The award recognizes players for their performance on the field and their contributions off of it. Means has been a pleasant surprise on the field this season, with 33 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles.

He’s better known for his impact on the city of Atlanta. This year, Means used his platform to help get young people out to vote in the 2020 election.

“Voting is the number one thing we believe in and that we are driving hard on because we can get the right people in the right place to make a change,” said Means.

The winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award gets $250,000 donated to the United Way, and up to another $250,000 donated to a charity of their choice.

Check out this video of Means finding out he’s the team’s 2020 nominee below, as shared by the Falcons’ Twitter account.

[lawrence-related id=62098,62084,62013,62071,62049]

[vertical-gallery id=62014]

Trey Flowers is the Lions nominee for the Walter Payton Man Of the Year Award

Fans can vote for Flowers with a special hashtag

Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers is the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Flowers will represent the Lions at the NFL’s awards along with the nominees from the other 31 teams.

The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is a very big deal for the players, honoring the off-field work players do in the community to make America a better place. The winner receives a $250,000 donation to the charity of his choice, while all nominees are granted a $40,000 donation to their respective charities of choice.

Flowers has been incredibly generous with his time and money since joining the Lions in 2019. He’s been a leading advocate on the social justice front, an issue that has galvanized the Lions players. Now on injured reserve, Flowers offered a statement via the Lions,

“Walter Payton was a great person, what he stood for. A legacy lives on forever. It’s about the things that you do with the time that you have on this Earth. I just hope that a long time from now, people can remember the impact that I had on their lives and the impact that I had on the community. I hope that my foundation can continue to do great things in the community. I just want to inspire, I want to encourage because I know how important it is. This world, in order to get better we have to inculcate the things that we’ve experienced and the knowledge that we have on to the youth, which leads them to be even better.”

From the NFL’s press release,

Representing the best of the NFL’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact, each player was selected as his team’s Man of the Year and is now eligible to win the national award. Considered the league’s most prestigious honor, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. First established in 1970, the national award was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back WALTER PAYTON.

Fans can vote for Flowers to win on Twitter by using #WPMOYChallenge hashtag followed by their favorite nominee’s last name, Flowers.

Allen Robinson leading hunger relief campaign amid coronavirus pandemic

Bears WR Allen Robinson is providing meals to students in Chicago Public Schools through a hunger relief campaign amid coronavirus pandemic.

Chicago Bears receiver Allen Robinson embodies everything a football player should be. While he’s one of the best players on the Bears’ roster, he’s an even better person off the field.

The Bears’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee has stepped up following the coronavirus pandemic, where so many people have been affected, including students around the country. Robinson is helping those kids in Chicago that are missing out on meals they would receive during the school day.

Robinson is providing meals to students in Chicago Public Schools through a hunger relief campaign. Robinson said he would match $12,000 in donations to his Within Reach Foundation for this effort. For every $12 donation, a local family will receive a 20-pound box of food.

“I was trying to seek out a way that I could help,” Robinson told ChicagoBears.com. “Seeing how many kids are reliant on the food that is provided from the school system—whether it’s breakfast, lunch and sometimes after-school stuff—with them being out of school it’s tough for those kids to be able to get meals and it’s tough for some families to afford to feed a kid who’s at home all day.”

Robinson’s teammate Charles Leno Jr. has already pledged $7,200 towards the cause.

While Robinson initially pledged to match up to $12,000 in donations, that total was surpassed within the first 24 hours of the campaign. As a result, Robinson plans to increase his contribution.

“For me trying to be able to help the kids in the inner city of Chicago and seeing everybody step up to the plate alongside of me, it’s definitely bigtime and it’s definitely much appreciated,” Robinson said. “I get so much support from the city of Chicago, and it’s definitely awesome to see.”

[lawrence-related id=441188,441185,441048,441026]

Pete Carroll: Bobby Wagner is on his way to the Hall of Fame

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll believes Bobby Wagner is on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame after his fifth All-Pro nomination.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner was recognized as an All-Pro first teamer for the fifth time in his illustrious career – the most in franchise history, passing left tackle Walter Jones.

Wagner’s only NFL coach, Pete Carroll, recognizes the greatness he has seen out of his star linebacker, and believes his career will end with him alongside Jones, Steve Largent and other Seahawks greats with a bust in Canton, Ohio at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“That’s an amazing stat,” Carroll said on Monday. “That’s recognition in a really broad sense that you’re the best of the best. What a great recognition for him. He’s been such a fantastic player for us. So consistent and so rock solid at everything. Every aspect. I mean, he’s just everything. He’s on his way. He’s on his way to going to the Hall of Fame someday and this is the stuff that you do that puts you in line for that stuff. It’s a joy to coach a guy like that.”

Wagner is Seattle’s all-time leader in tackles, having broke the record back in Week 8 against the Falcons.

Wagner’s contributions on the field for the last eight years have been immense, but Carroll recognizes the person he is beyond that as well.

“All I can tell you is he does everything,” Carroll continued. “He does it by living a great example. Living great. Family guy. Takes care of his daughter in a great fashion. Just exemplifies what you want. In the community, he’s extraordinary. Everybody loves him. He’s true blue and straight forward. You know what you’re getting, and you know who you’re dealing with. He’s an extraordinary man and that carries over to all his football as well. He does everything in exemplary fashion. We’re just lucky we got him.”

Wagner is Seattle’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for his numerous charitable endeavors, which include paying for groceries at a local Safeway and starting a charity for stroke victims called Walk for Wagner.

Whether Wagner’s career finishes with him elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which it should, he will no doubt be a Ring of Honor member and one of the most well-remembered Seahawks in franchise history when all is said and done.

[lawrence-related id=54429]

Notre Dame Football: Tight End U Product Up for Man of the Year Award

But it’s something much bigger than football that has Kyle Rudolph in the headlines this week.

Kyle Rudolph was one of many Notre Dame tight ends in recent memory to go from playing under the golden dome to playing on Sunday.

Since his NFL career began in 2011 he’s caught more than 420 balls for over 4000 yards and 47 touchdowns. He’s been a mainstay with the Minnesota Vikings for almost a decade now and will be headed to the playoffs this January for the fourth time in his career.

But it’s something much bigger than football that has Kyle Rudolph in the headlines this week.

As successful of career as he’s had, snagging first down and touchdown receptions like they’re going out of style, Rudolph may very-well go down being remembered more for his contributions off the field, which is saying something because he’s one helluva football player, too.

Rudolph was nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for the third time in his career this past Thursday.

I have no doubt if we were to examine the nominees from all 32 teams we would find 32 inspiring stories worthy of praise.

But since this websites name is Fighting Irish Wire, why don’t we take a look at exactly what Rudolph has done to again earn a nominee.

Here is the video the Vikings came up with last season. Honestly if he didn’t win it after this I don’t know how he ever will but it’s that good so take the seven or so minutes and watch this:

Then here is the video they used this year – clearly an incredible job using his platform to better the cause for the less fortunate.

Every nominee will receive up to $50,000 for a charity of their choice will the eventual winner will receive $250,000 to go to their desired charity.

For information on all 32 nominees you can check out the NFL website who has compiled all of the information.

The winner will be announced at the NFL Awards Show on the eve of Super Bowl LIV.

Jonotthan Harrison is Jets’ nominee for Walter Payton Man of the Year award

The Jets have nominated Jonotthan Harrison for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

The New York Jets announced on Thursday that center Jonotthan Harrison is the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The award recognizes players who help out in their communities.

Harrison has always focused on bullying around the United States. He was bullied as a child and is now raising awareness about bullying through social media and public speaking. Harrison wants children to understand the signs of bullying and how they can prevent it from happening. He is also an ambassador for Stomp Out Bullying, a nonprofit that aims to improve bullying culture among students.

“I am humbled to be amongst this contingent of selfless honorees,” Harrison said in a statement. “The opportunity to represent the Jets organization, my family and my community means so much to me. Growing up, I was an easy target for bullies. The daily harassment I endured helped shape me to become who I am today.”

For being nominated, Harrison will wear the Walter Payton Man of the Year decal on his helmet for the rest of the season. A $40,000 donation will go to a charity of his choice.

The award will be announced during the NFL Honors show the night before Super Bowl LIV. The winner will take home a $250,000 donation to a charity he selects.

Chargers LB Uchenna Nwosu nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

For his hard work on and off the field, Los Angeles Chargers’ Uchenna Nwosu is a nominee for the prestigious award.

The Los Angeles Chargers selected linebacker Uchenna Nwosu as their nominee for the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for community service and other off the field areas, as well as performance on the field.

“It means a lot to be the nominee this year. This award’s very prestigious (and) very hard to win. There’s only one nominee on every team, and I’m sure a lot of these guys in this locker room do a lot of things in the community. For me to be chosen and recognized, it’s an honor,” Nwosu said.

Nwosu has been involved in a handful of team events like Bikes for Kids, the annual food distribution event with Tyson, Play 60 camps and visited high school players at the Chargers’ Coach of the Week.

Along with that, Nwosu has honored the Children’s Diabetes Foundation on his cleats during the league’s “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign.

As a nominee, Nwosu will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal through the end of the season in recognition of his accomplishments on and off the field.

The 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year will be announced during NFL Honors, on Feb. 1, the day before Super Bowl LIV on FOX.

[lawrence-related id=31719,31708,31699,31684]

Allen Robinson named Bears 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee

Bears WR Allen Robinson is a great player on the field, but he might be an even greater person off the field.

Allen Robinson is a great receiver on the field, but he might be an even greater person off the field.

So it’s no surprise that Robinson was named the Chicago Bears nominee for the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes the best of the NFL’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact.

 

“It’s a tremendous honor to be the Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for the Chicago Bears this season,” Robinson said, via ChicagoBears.com. “This means a lot to me, especially given what the Payton name means to this city, organization and league. Thank you to all of those who have supported me, especially my family, teammates and the Bears. Helping the youth in Chicago through my ‘Within Reach Foundation’ will continue to be a priority of mine and I’m excited to see what else we can accomplish.”

The NFL Man of the Year Award was renamed after Walter Payton as a tribute to his greatness both on and off the field. He passed away on Nov. 1, 1999 at the age of 45 due to bile duct cancer.

Robinson is involved in the Chicago community through his “Within Reach Foundation,” which provides educational resources to low-income and inner-city Chicago students to ensure them that they’re capable of success.

He’s done everything from launching a Reach for a Book Reading Zone for a Boys and Girls Club in Chicago to most recently hosting an Operation Elf event, where he took 25 kids from Chicago Youth Centers on a shopping spree.

“Being able to raise money but also being able to see the excitement that kids have when they can go on a little shopping spree for Christmas. And being able to see the smiles on kids’ faces when they have the opportunity to get whatever they want going back to school.”

The Bears’ most recent Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient was cornerback Charles Tillman in 2013. Other winners included Payton, Dave Duerson, Mike Singletary and Jim Flanigan.

[lawrence-related id=433015,432919,432979,433002,432965]

Broncos nominate Justin Simmons for 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award

The Broncos have nominated safety Justin Simmons for the 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.

The Denver Broncos have nominated safety Justin Simmons for the 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, the team announced Thursday. The award “recognizes a player for his outstanding leadership both on the field and in the community,” the team said in a statement.

Each of the league’s 32 teams nominates a player for the award each year and the nominees receive a donation up to $50,000 to the charity of their choice. The winner will be announced during “NFL Honors” on the eve of Super Bowl LIV (Feb. 1) on Fox. The winner will receive a $250,000 donation to the charity of his choice.

Simmons has logged over 3,500 minutes of volunteer work this year with 20 different local organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, Children’s Hospital Colorado and the Denver Rescue Mission. Simmons won the team’s Community Ambassador Award in 2017 and 2018.

Simmons will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal in the team’s final three games of the season.

Denver’s most recent nominees for the award were outside linebacker Von Miller (2018) and cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (2017). John Elway is the only Broncos player who has won the award, back in 1992.

[vertical-gallery id=629099]

Saints nominate Terron Armstead for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

The New Orleans Saints nominated LT Terron Armstead for the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, recognizing his talent and character.

[jwplayer biPFTIIn-ThvAeFxT]

The New Orleans Saints announced Thursday that they named left tackle Terron Armstead their 2019 Man of the Year, nominating him for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This recognition is reserved for players nominated by their teams after showing exemplary on-field performance and off-field strength of character. Previous Saints nominees include Drew Brees, Cameron Jordan, and Benjamin Watson.

It’s a big honor for the man protecting New Orleans’ blind side. Armstead has battled through a painful high-ankle sprain in recent weeks, missing two games before he was able to gut through the injury in Sunday’s game with the San Francisco 49ers. And his impact is palpable — without Armstead in the lineup, Brees has logged an average time to throw of just 2.49 seconds. But with Armstead protecting him, Brees has been able to hold onto the ball for 2.71 seconds, which means a world of difference.

In addition to his high level of play, Armstead has been a leader in charitable efforts in the New Orleans community. He recently gifted several dozen bicycles to schoolchildren at the DePaul Community Center and has often used his weekly off-day to visit local schools and children’s hospitals. He’s also participated in his teammates’ youth football camps during the offseason, doing his part to support their own efforts at community outreach.

It’s great to see Armstead earn this recognition, and it’s a strong reminder of just how much good work NFL players are doing when they aren’t battling each other during games. The Saints know they have a great leader in Armstead, and he’s someone they clearly value highly within the organization.

The full list of nominees from around the NFL is embedded below, but you can also find it at this link. The award’s winner will be announced during the week leading up to Super Bowl LIV.

[vertical-gallery id=24372]