The NFL announced the 32 nominees for the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year award Thursday. Among the nominees are Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Named after the Hall of Fame running back in 1999, the award is given annually to players who display "excellence on and off the field," with each team nominating one player who has had "a significant positive impact on his community."
All nominees receive $40,000 to give to the charity of their choice, while the winner gets $250,000 to donate. The league usually announces the winner at the NFL Honors ahead of the Super Bowl.
Full List of Nominees
- Arizona Cardinals DT Corey Peters
- Atlanta Falcons DE Steven Means
- Baltimore Ravens C Bradley Bozeman
- Buffalo Bills DT Harrison Phillips
- Carolina Panthers LB Shaq Thompson
- Chicago Bears TE Jimmy Graham
- Cincinnati Bengals DT Geno Atkins
- Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett
- Dallas Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith
- Denver Broncos FS Justin Simmons
- Detroit Lions DE Trey Flowers
- Green Bay Packers C Corey Linsley
- Houston Texans SS Michael Thomas
- Indianapolis Colts QB Jacoby Brissett
- Jacksonville Jaguars K Josh Lambo
- Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce
- Las Vegas Raiders Alec Ingold
- Los Angeles Chargers Isaac Rochell
- Los Angeles Rams OT Andrew Whitworth
- Miami Dolphins CB Byron Jones
- Minnesota Vikings LB Eric Kendricks
- New England Patriots FS Devin McCourty
- New Orleans Saints LB Demario Davis
- New York Giants DT Dalvin Tomlinson
- New York Jets CB Pierre Desir
- Philadelphia Eagles FS Rodney McLeod
- Pittsburgh Steelers TE Vance McDonald
- San Francisco 49ers DE Arik Armstead
- Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans
- Tennessee Titans FS Kevin Byard
- Washington Football Team DT Jonathan Allen
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised all the nominees for stepping up at an important time of need around the world:
"This year has presented significant challenges for us all, from the ongoing global pandemic to the continued social injustices witnessed this year. The 32 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees remind us that even in the face of adversity, players continue to raise awareness and use their voice and platform to positively impact their communities. The nominees will leave lasting legacies across the country in a time when we need leadership and strength the most."
Wilson has notably helped his community in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, donating 1 million meals to those in need in Seattle:
He is also a founder of the Why Not You Foundation and donated more than $1 million to Seattle Children's Hospital's Strong Against Cancer Initiative.
Kelce also impresses both on and off the field. As a player, he has earned five straight Pro Bowl selections and remains arguably the best tight end in the NFL. He also provides plenty of help in the community via his 87 & Running Foundation, donating food and supplies to help people in Kansas City during the pandemic while also spending his time with youth in the area:
Fellow All-Pro Andrew Whitworth is another big-time contributor off the field and has racked up multiple nominations for the Man of the Year award. He turned heads in 2018 when he donated his game check to victims of the shooting at the Borderline Grill in 2018, and he has continued to give his time and money to those in need.
"I've been blessed to play in this league for 14 years and to be a part of some really good seasons," Whitworth said when he was nominated in 2019. "But making a difference in someone's life will go beyond football any day of the week. It's not just about the game; it's about the opportunity to bring people together."
In addition to the charitable donation, the award winner will receive a Man of the Year patch to wear on his jersey to join past recipients Drew Brees, Thomas Davis, Larry Fitzgerald, Jason Witten, J.J. Watt and last year's winner, Calais Campbell.
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