The Walter Payton Award is the most competed for in the National Football League world. Not only is it given for the on-field performance but also the off-field achievements.
There have been a few instances when a player has won the Walter Payton Award twice!
This article delves into the history of the Walter Payton Award, explores the elite few who have gotten it once or more, and analyzes the factors that make a player eligible for this esteemed award.
Who Won The Walter Payton Award Twice?
So now that we have established that the Walter Payton Award can be won twice, who are the lucky players who had the honour to get the award twice?
- Armanti Edwards
- Jeremiah Briscoe
| Player name | University | Won (years) | On field accomplishments | Off field accomplishments |
| Armanti Edwards | Appalachian State | 2009 2011 | 2x FCS National Champion, Leading Passer | Underprivileged Children’s Initiatives |
| Jeremiah Briscoe | Sam Houston State | 20172018 | FCS National Champion, Team Captain | Youth Literacy Programs, Community Volunteer Work |
Let’s dive deeper and find out how they won the Walter Payton Award twice.
Armanti Edwards (2009, 2011):
Aramanti Edwards was a quarterback for Appalachian State University. His name is marked in history as the first person ever to win the Walter Payton Award twice.
First in 2007 and then in 2011.
Not only was he an extraordinary player on the field, but he also led his team to two FCS National Championships. His dedication to community service, particularly his work with underprivileged children, truly set him apart.
Which is believed to be the reason he was bestowed with the Walter Payton Award twice. His hard work and his dedication to making the world a better place and giving back to his community paid off extravagantly.
Jeremiah Briscoe (2017):
Jeremiah Briscoe played as a linebacker for Sam Houston State University. Jeremiah made sure he followed the footsteps of Edwards and was the second player to be given the Walter Payton Award twice.
He demonstrated exceptional leadership on the field, captaining his team to an FCS National Championship victory. Off the field, Briscoe championed youth literacy programs and actively volunteered in his community.
Not only that Jeremiah Briscoe was the first player to have the award back-to-back in two years. In one of his interviews, Briscoe says,
“It’s almost even more special than last year. Being associated with something that has Walter Payton’s name on it is unbelievable. If someone would’ve told me I would win the award back to back, I would’ve told them they are a liar.”
Why is it Called the Walter Payton Award:
The Walter Payton Award, long before it was called that, was the National Football League Man of the Year award. It was given to the player who showed the most positive impact on the field as well as off the field.
It was an award that not only made a difference in the world of football but also connected the players to their community.
After the demise of the beloved football legend Walter Payton in 1999, it was deemed perfect to rename the award to Walter Payton Award.
Not only was Walter Payton an offensive weapon in the field of football, but he was also known for his big, generous heart who never let the opportunity to help his community go.
Players who won the Walter Payton Award:
Here are the most recent winners of the award:
- 2023: Ted Karras (Cincinnati Bengals)
- 2022: Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
- 2021: Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks)
- 2020: Calais Campbell (Baltimore Ravens)
- 2019: Chris Long (Jacksonville Jaguars)
These are the recent players who received the Walter Payton Award. However, here’s the complete list of people who got the Walter Payton Award. The award started in 1970.
Source: Wikipedia
Conclusion:
The road to getting the Walter Payton Award twice is rough terrain, but if it’s done before it can surely be done again. However, it requires time, effort, and dedication to the on-field performance of the player as well as off-field performance.
The intention behind the effort and dedication are all that is important to get the Walter Payton Award. As it is not just an award, it is an honor to have your name linked with Walter Payton’s!