The Walter Payton Man of the Year award not only is one of the biggest accomplishments in a player’s life but also celebrates individuals who excel at the field and shine a light on the country by helping it get better. But how is the Walter Payton Man of the Year award chosen?
Don’t worry, this article explores how a player is selected, what characteristics one looks for when choosing the nominee, and who are the lucky persons who have won this prestigious award.
A brief history of the Walter Payton Award:
The Walter Payton award called the National Football League Man of the Year award, started in 1970, and it highlighted the players who served their community whilst being an inspiration on the playing field too.
However, in 1999, after the demise of Walter Payton, it only seemed fitting to change the name of the award to Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Walter Payton was not only an offensive weapon in the field but also an inspiration to all the generations to come because of his generous heart and charitable endeavors.
To pay their respects to the contribution Walter Payton ade to the football community, the name was later changed to the Walter Payton award. Now the new generations will embody these qualities of giving back to the community just to have their names attached to the legendary Walter Payton.
Now that we know why the Walter Payton Man of the year award is held prestigious, let’s delve into the process of how the Walter Payton Man of the Year award is chosen.
How the Walter Payton Man of the Year award is chosen?
Criteria for team nomination:
The first step to getting awarded this honorable award is to ensure that you are participating in charitable activities. As this award is not just given on the on-field performance, although they do account for half of it too.
It is important to know that a player must be interested in giving out and helping the community to get this award. If the player is just doing it for the sake of the award, they shall not be selected. Therefore, the intent of charity is the prime reason for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
The selection process begins with each of the 32 National Football League teams selecting and nominating one of their players who equips all these qualities. The team assesses these features in a player before they nominate them:
- On-field excellence: one of the key factors that help the team choose a player is on-field leadership skills and statistical achievement. The team looks at a player who has a good statistical score and who contributed to most in the betterment of the team’s performance.
- Community service: another important characteristic to be nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award is to have a good cause of community service and active participation in it. The depth and the impact of their work are taken into account too.
- Character and will for philanthropic work: moreover, the ideal nominee for the Walter Payton Award should be a player with good, selfless, high moral values and a giving back to the community attitude. They should have a genuine desire to do better and make a positive impact in the world.
The selection committee:
Once the team has selected its nominee, the 32 team-chosen players are now presented in front of a committee. Where they choose the winner for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
The committee comprises of:
- National Football League commissioner: he is the head of the National Football League. His vote is the most important one on the committee.
- Previous Year’s winner: the previous year’s winner is also present at the committee as they know the evaluation process and its significance. It gives a recent pair of eyes to view from.
- Former National Football League Players: The former National Football League players are aware of the roles, hard work, and dedication it takes to be a part of this award. They can look at all the nooks and crannies of the situation.
- Other significant members: other distinguished members like media members, or the charitable organizations they have partnered up with. They also help with the evaluation process and give the committee a new set of eyes to look at every individual.
The committee looks at all the nominees closely and uses these evaluation criteria to make the decision and choose the winner for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
| Factors: | Description |
| On field performance | Statistical achievements, leadership, and impact on the team |
| Off field impact | Depth and significance of charitable work |
| Leadership and mentorship | inspiring others to engage in philanthropy |
| Character and philanthropic spirit. | Genuine passion for giving back and selfless commitment |
Recognition and reward:
After the meticulous award evaluation, the outcome is worth the detailed selection process. The recognition alone is enough for the player as it highlights their name and praises the player beyond the field.
The winner of the Walter Payton Award receives:
- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Trophy: A symbol of their dedication and commitment to excellence on and off the field.
- $250,000 Donation to Charity: The winner has the privilege of designating this generous contribution to their chosen charitable cause.
All 32 nominees also receive a significant financial reward to support their designated charities:
- $50,000 Donation to Charity: This demonstrates the NFL’s commitment to philanthropy and encourages continued community service across the league.
Past Award Recipients:
After the name of the award changed to the Walter Payton Award these are players who were bestowed the honorary Walter Payton Man of the Year award:
- 2023 Cameron Heyward- Pittsburgh Steelers
- 2022 Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys
- 2021 Andrew Whitworth – LA Rams
- 2020 Russell Wilson – Seattle Seahawks
- 2019 Calais Campbell – Jacksonville Jaguars
- 2018 Chris Long – Philadelphia Eagles
- 2017 J.J. Watt – Houston Texas
- 2016 Larry Fitzgerald – Arizona Cardinals Eli Manning – New York Giants
- 2015 Anquan Boldin – San Francisco 49ers
- 2014 Thomas Davis – Carolina Panthers
- 2013 Charles Tillman – Chicago Bears
- 2012 Jason Witten – Dallas Cowboys
- 2011 Matt Birk – Baltimore Ravens
- 2010 Madieu Williams – Minnesota Vikings
- 2009 Brian Waters – Kansas City Chiefs
- 2008 Kurt Warner – Arizona Cardinals
- 2007 Jason Taylor – Miami Dolphins
- 2006 LaDainian Tomlinson – San Diego Charges
- 2006 Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints
- 2005 Peyton Manning – Indianapolis Colts
- 2004 Warrick Dunn – Atlanta Falcons
- 2003 Will Shields – Kansas City Chiefs
- 2002 Troy Vincent – Philadelphia Eagles
- 2001 Jerome Bettis – Pittsburgh Steelers
- 2000 Derrick Brooks – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- 2000 Jim Flanigan – Green Bay Packers
- 1999 Cris Carter – Minnesota Vikings
Source: Payton34.com
Conclusion:
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is more than just a trophy; it’s a symbol of dedication, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
The meticulous procedure of selection of the player to be awarded the Walter Payton man of the Year award ensures that the player truly embodies the true spirit of this award and is grateful to be awarded it.
This award is a dream and inspiration for many players to come as it encompasses true passion, will, and spirit of the game.