Houston Texans defensive tackle D.J. Reader impact goes far beyond the gridiron. On Wednesday, the NFL announced his nomination for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
The award is given out for service done in the community. Previously, J.J. Watt won the award for his efforts in aiding Houston in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
Similar to Watt’s patch he dons for the award, Reader will boast a Walter Payton Man of the Year Award decal on his helmet for the rest of the season. Every team has a nominee.
“Every day, in cities and towns across America, NFL players give of themselves to make our communities better,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “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. “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.”
Reader is an advocate for the National Kidney Foundation. He lost his father, David, to kidney failure while at the University of Clemson. He is also an active member in the Texans’ NFL Play 60 efforts, which aids the Houston community in promoting healthy lifestyles to youths.
Reader previously won the Texans’ 2019 Spirit of the Bull Award, given for his impact off the field.
All 32 team nominees will be recognized for their efforts off the field in the weekend leading up to Super Bowl LIV in Miami.
The winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award will be announced on Feb. 1 during Super Bowl festivities. They will receive $250,000 to charity in their name. All nominees receive $50,000 in their name to a charity, no matter if they win or not.