Walter Peyton Man of the Year: Brandon Carr
This award might be the most meaningful one the Ravens could win this offseason. Carr been an integral part of Baltimore’s roster for the last few years, notching 192 consecutive starts over his 12-year career — the longest active streak in the NFL among defensive players. His team-first attitude in moving around from cornerback to safety this season really helped defensive coordinator Don Martindale be more creative with his schemes and blitzes.
But the Man of the Year award is for so much more than on-field accomplishments. The award hones in on a player’s work off the field to better their communities and here, Carr has no equal.
The Carr Cares Foundation works to improve child literacy while Carr’s LitBuddies program at Glenmount Elementary School distributes boxes that include books and fun educational games to children. Beyond Carr’s work on literacy, he’s done a great deal for breast cancer awareness, donating $200,000 to fund free screenings and diagnostics through the National Breast Cancer Foundation, according to the team’s website.
Many players contribute to charity or run their own foundation but Carr has routinely gone well above and beyond off the field to help those around him. When combined with his consistent play on the field, there’s no one in the NFL more deserving of recognition than Carr.