Football has a large fanbase, and so do its players. We often see football players with a prominent name worldwide, but it is rare to see one using this success for good causes. This is where Peyton Manning stands tall; he acquired the games he played and worked for charity and fundraising for those in need.
Manning’s dedication and love for football and good causes made him secure the Walter Payton Award in 2005. But do you know the journey behind it? If you don’t, then you should because it’s worth reading. Let’s learn about it, but first:
What is the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award?
The National Football League named the award after the great football player Walter Payton. Payton broke many records in his career and served humanity as well. He died of cancer, but until his last breath, he worked for humanity and spread awareness about it. Not only this, but he had a foundation built on his name that helps cancer patients and others in need.
Football itself has a large fanbase, and awarding players with this award shows their importance and responsibility as football players. They can use this fan base and spotlight to highlight society’s challenges and become role models in solving them. According to his legacy, the NFL gives awards each year to players who serve both of their duties. I.e., a great player or a community worker off the field.
Did Peyton Manning Win The Walter Payton Award?
Yes, Peyton Manning won the Walter Payton Award back in 2005 and in an NFL league. Manning won this award while he was in Indianapolis. He was playing as QB at that time. Source: Pro-football-reference
Following are the reasons why Peyton Manning win the Walter Payton Award
Why Peyton Manning Was Awarded With NFL Player Of The Year Award:
2005 was the luckiest year for Manning, he won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. It was a perfect addition to the list of awards he had. An evidence of his commitment to his career as well as to society. Let’s look at the charitable work that contributed to his success.
The PeyBack Foundation
PeyBack Foundation was founded by Peyton Manning, and this foundation provides leadership and growth opportunities for children with fewer or no opportunities. It often assists programs that offer after-school and summer activities, mentorship and other programs for youth in Indiana, Tennessee, and Louisiana.
This foundation offers multiple scholarships to high school students based on their good academic performance, leadership capabilities, and community involvement. These campaigns motivate students to improve themselves and remove all the financial barriers they face.
Hospital Support and Advocacy
Manning worked for children’s education and founded a hospital named Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, which serves children’s well-being and provides pediatric care. This hospital proves his commitment to improving children’s health and well-being and saving their future.
Community Outreach and Disaster Relief
Manning was one of the many who came forward to help communities in need. After the disaster of Hurricane Katrina hit the world, he and his family moved forward to help the affected areas. He and his family supply and assist with recovery efforts in New Orleans. His efforts extended to fundraising and advocating for disaster relief initiatives.
The whole process toward winning Walter Payton’s NFL Man of the Year Award becomes smoother when he rigorously starts working for good causes.
Why Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award Is Important:
The National Football League has loaded itself with several awards to motivate and encourage players. However, winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award shows players’ appreciation for humanity. It serves as a reminder to athletes that despite their celebrity labels, they are responsible for contributing positively to society.
For Manning, winning this award added another layer to his already impressive legacy. It demonstrated that his success was not just about personal achievements or accolades but also his dedication to helping others.
A Glimpse of Peyton Manning’s Career:
Peyton Manning had a 17-year-long successful football career. He played over 18 seasons. Manning initially played for the Indianapolis Colts and then for the Denver Broncos. Let’s see how he serves on both teams.
Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis selected Manning from the University of Tennessee. He helped them secure first division in the NFL. Manning was among the elites of the NFL quarterback position in 2001, which was progressively followed by his achievements. He received a shared MVP award in 2003 and a solo MVP trophy in 2004. This season was marked by excellent statistics, including 49 touchdowns with a passing rating of 121.1 in each, both then-record-breaking feats.
In 2005, the Colts suffered from disappointment with a playoff loss, creating doubts about Manning’s performance. However, he cleared all the doubts in 2006, leading his team to a Super Bowl Victory and taking home MVP honors. He also wins the Pro Bowl Awards after Indianapolis Colt’s 10th consecutive win.
Denver Broncos
Manning had an incredible football journey with Indianapolis. After that, he joined the Denver Broncos. It was a five-year-long contract in which he set many records. It includes more than 5,000 yards and more than 55 touchdowns. Not only this, but his team, the Broncos, scored a record 606 points that season, earning 13 wins and becoming a top contender in the AFC.
In 2015, He broke another record of 71,000+ career passing yards set by Brett Favre. Manning also got the Super Bowl victory with the Broncos over the Panthers.
Manning’s Impact Beyond Football:
After he retired from football in 2016, Manning continued his work and involvement in charitable activities. Apart from his broadcasting and public speaking career, he often attends charitable and fundraising events. The PeyBack Foundation, founded by him, has always been helping underprivileged children.
Manning served as a role model not only for those children and families but also he helped for athletes, who can look up to him as a combination of a great player and a human. He set the bar for what it means to be a successful professional athlete.
Final Thoughts: A Well-Deserved Honor:
It was a well-deserved victory in football history. Manning achieved the Walter Payton Award in 2005. His contributions to the football game can never go unnoticed, and his impact off the field should be equally praised. His charitable work, mainly Peyback Foundations, helps many families, and his story as a player and individual always inspires others.
The Walter Payton Man Of The Year Award reminds everyone always to keep the goodness of yourself because it is never just about sports and field. It’s also about how committed you are to humanity. Peyton always holds this passion for football and the community, which sets the stage for Walter’s Payton Award.