Walter Payton Man of the Year award is the most reputable award given annually to one of the nominated players. Players receive the award due to their extraordinary performance on both in and outfield.
Usually, the Walter Payton Man of the Year award is announced on a specific date tied to the Super Bowl. This year the winner for 2023 was announced on February 8th.
Not only this but who designed the trophy and how was the winner selected is something we will also discuss in today’s guide. So, let’s dive in!
Who Designed the Trophy of Walter Payton Award?
In 1969 its trophy was designed by the artist Daniel Bennett Schwartz. The trophy does not represent any person or symbolize anything. It just portrays a picture of a man standing alone out of any game action.
It’s interesting to note that the trophy was designed and created in 1969 that was created before the Trophy named Walter Payton.
How Was The Winner Selected For The Award?
Annually each team gives the name of one of their most talented player in consideration based on in and outfield performance. A panel of judges includes the commissioner of the NFL, previous players, and former winners select the winner from nominees.
The winner got a $250,000 prize to donate to his choice of charity and the other 31 nominees got $50,000 for donation.
When the Walter Payton Man of the Year is Announced?
The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards show. However, the announcement itself happens on a specific date tied to the Super Bowl.
Traditionally, NFL Honors takes place the Thursday before the Super Bowl. So, for the 2023 award, it was announced on Thursday, February 8th, 2023.
2023 Nominees for the Walter Payton Award of The Year:
| TEAM | NOMINEE |
| Arizona Cardinals | Jonathan Ledbetter |
| Atlanta Falcons | Bradley Pinion |
| Baltimore Ravens | Roquan Smith |
| Buffalo Bills | Dion Dawkins |
| Carolina Panthers | Bradley Bozeman |
| Chicago Bears | Justin Jones |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Ted Karra |
| Cleveland Browns | Anthony Walker Jr. |
| Dallas Cowboys | DeMarcus Lawrence |
| Denver Broncos | Garett Bolles |
| Detroit Lions | Frank Ragnow |
| Green Bay Packers | De’Vondre Campbell |
| Houston Texans | Christian Kirksey |
| Indianapolis Colts | Zaire Franklin |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | Dawuane Smoot |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Patrick Mahomes |
| Las Vegas Raiders | Maxx Crosby |
| Los Angeles Chargers | Derwin James Jr. |
| os Angeles Rams | Cooper Kupp |
| Miami Dolphins | Alec Ingold |
| Minnesota Vikings | Harrison Phillips |
| New England Patriots | Jonathan Jones |
| New Orleans Saints | Tyrann Mathieu |
| New York Giants | Saquon Barkley |
| New York Jets | Solomon Thomas |
| Philadelphia Eagles | Lane Johnson |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Cameron Heyward |
| San Francisco 49ers | Arik Armstead |
| Seattle Seahawks | Bobby Wagner |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Antoine Winfield Jr. |
| Tennessee Titans | Jeffery Simmons |
| Washington Commanders | Terry McLaurin |
Who Is the 2023 Walter Payton Man of The Year Award Winner?
On Thursday, 8 February 2023 in Las Vegas, the award winner was announced and aired on CBC.
From the depth of our hearts, we congratulate Ted Karras for being the finalist. His work makes a remarkable impact on the community, especially for youth and children.
Ted Karras wants to believe community he and his organizations are there to support them to achieve their life goals to make their future bright. By returning to the community Karras continues Walter Payton’s legacy.